A vacant dance studio in the basement of a non-profit Science Center was transformed over the course of three months into a state-of-the-art eSports Training Arena for Harrisburg University. The new facility, supporting the university’s winning eSports program, is equipped with top-of-the-line electronics, including 24 gaming computers, and a coaching suite and student lounge.

Form had to meet function: sightlines, screen sizes and team collaboration areas are specific to competitive gaming. The skatepark-inspired concept created multiple room levels served by raceways for data and electrical infrastructure. Flexibility was paramount and reconfiguring the room to accommodate multiple gamer behavior patterns was critical. To achieve this, the architect designed the computer desks and the custom raised wooden floor with 37 connection points, enabling 18 different practice scenarios.

A visually stimulating and exciting environment reflective of the alternate universes where the players wage battle was created. To do this, the architect orchestrated a sensory palette of color, light and sound to create drama and invigorate players, coaches and spectators alike.

The university didn’t have the first varsity esports team, but their investment in the training facility, within a year it became a national leader as the first ESPN National Champion.