Fortress Melbourne, destined to become the largest eSports complex in the southern hemisphere, will not just become a refuge for the hardcore gamer, it will also cater to casual gamers and after-work crowds.
The Populous-designed, 29,000-sf venue will have a 1,000-person capacity and include 160 gaming PCs, console gaming suits, a restaurant, two bars, and a 200-seat esports arena spread across two floors. Fortress Melbourne is being designed as a celebration of gaming and will feature retro arcade games, the latest LAN games, and virtual reality.
“The venue is designed to create an engaging experience for devoted esports fans and casual gamers alike, bringing everyone together in the one space,”” said Brayden Goodwin, Architect and Project lead, Populous. “The vibe is similar to a traditional bar or club.”
See Also: This will be the Western Hemisphere’s first purpose-built eSports arena
AV technology, digital screens, and LED lighting enhance the space and can be adapted to fit a specific game or event. The goal is to create a sensory experience so guests can immerse themselves in the games. Located in Melbourne’s Emporium precinct, Fortress Melbourne is slated to open in 2020.
Related Stories
| Jan 15, 2015
Libeskind unveils 'zig zag' plan for recreational center near Vilnius ski area
Perched on the highest peak between Vilnius' historic quarter and downtown, the Vilnius Beacon will be a hub for visiting skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
| Jan 7, 2015
4 audacious projects that could transform Houston
Converting the Astrodome to an urban farm and public park is one of the proposals on the table in Houston, according to news site Houston CultureMap.
| Jan 5, 2015
Another billionaire sports club owner plans to build a football stadium in Los Angeles
Kroenke Group is the latest in a series of high-profile investors that want to bring back pro football to the City of Lights.
| Jan 5, 2015
Beyond training: How locker rooms are becoming more like living rooms
Despite having common elements—lockers for personal gear and high-quality sound systems—the real challenge when designing locker rooms is creating a space that reflects the attitude of the team, writes SRG Partnership's Aaron Pleskac.
| Jan 2, 2015
Construction put in place enjoyed healthy gains in 2014
Construction consultant FMI foresees—with some caveats—continuing growth in the office, lodging, and manufacturing sectors. But funding uncertainties raise red flags in education and healthcare.
| Dec 30, 2014
A simplified arena concept for NBA’s Warriors creates interest
The Golden State Warriors, currently the team with the best record in the National Basketball Association, looks like it could finally get a new arena.
| Dec 28, 2014
AIA course: Enhancing interior comfort while improving overall building efficacy
Providing more comfortable conditions to building occupants has become a top priority in today’s interior designs. This course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Dec 18, 2014
Top 10 sports facilities of 2014: Designboom ranks the year's best projects
The list includes some of the year's epic stadiums, such as World Cup Stadium Arena de Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, and smaller projects, like the Spordtgebouw Sports Centerin the Netherlands.
| Nov 19, 2014
Must see: Arup, Damian Rogers propose urban surf park in Melbourne
The surfing pool would offer 98-foot-wide waves that would run the length of the 500-foot-long enclave.
| Nov 18, 2014
New tool helps developers, contractors identify geographic risk for construction
The new interactive tool from Aon Risk Solutions provides real-time updates pertaining to the risk climate of municipalities across the U.S.
