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
| Feb 6, 2014
New Hampshire metal building awes visitors
Visitors to the Keene Family YMCA in New Hampshire are often surprised by what they encounter. Liz Coppola calls it the “wow factor.” “Literally, there’s jaw dropping,” says Coppola, director of financial and program development for the Keene Family YMCA.
| Jan 29, 2014
Hotel, retail, recreation sectors to lead growth in 2014
AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will see a 5.8% increase in 2014, led by the hotel, retail, and amusement/recreation sectors.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 28, 2014
Big Ten Conference opens swanky HQ and museum [slideshow]
The new mixed-use headquarters includes a museum, broadcast studios, conference facilities, office spaces, and, oh yeah, a Brazilian steakhouse.
| Jan 27, 2014
A climber's dream: Rock climbing hall planned near Iran's highest peak
Forget the rock climbing wall. A developer in Iran is building a rock climbing hall. That's right, an entire building dedicated to the sport, with more than 48,000 sf of program space.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Jan 7, 2014
Concrete solutions: 9 innovations for a construction essential
BD+C editors offer a roundup of new products and case studies that represent the latest breakthroughs in concrete technology.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.