Kabam Global Headquarters
Spread across a few locations in Vancouver, Kabam, a rapidly growing mobile gaming company, sought to consolidate into a single location to accommodate all 500 staff. With a people-first approach we created a new headquarters that supports Kabam’s needs for a welcoming, clean, efficient, and flexible workplace that fosters collaboration, nurtures creativity, and encourages innovation.
To establish a sense of place and community, we designed a large atrium for gatherings and events that spans the first two floors, along with an interconnecting stairway that connects the six working floors above. Unique program attractors placed throughout all eight levels encourage active movement, team collaboration, and social connection.
The pandemic gave many of us an opportunity to experiment with new remote ways of working. What emerged as a consistent refrain is that people are missing social connection and the sense of community and belonging usually found in the workplace. Kabam’s new global headquarters is not just a place to work, it is home to a community of Kabammers with a strong tight-knit culture that includes space for gaming tournaments, summer barbeques, and pancake breakfasts.
Kabammers are encouraged to move throughout the space using interconnecting stairs, bleachers, sloped floors (rolling hill). The undersides of stairs are designed to accommodate different postures and spark the imagination—helping to create an inspiring workplace. A unique feature of the space is the mirrored ceiling that visually connects the reception to the space below—the ‘periscope’ allows guests and staff at reception to get a glimpse into the space and communicate with colleagues in the café.
Kabam’s branding references the array of experiences one has when playing their games; joy, triumph, anticipation, and calm. From this, and the dynamic logo that can be manipulated to communicate a range of emotions, we developed a family of articulated wall panels. The development, exploration, and documentation for fabrication of this system could not have been done without computational design. These wall panels enabled us to integrate the functional requirements of acoustics, lighting, air, and fire-protection into a variety of spaces through a consistent visual and geometric language tied to their brand.
The engagement process revealed that many employees wanted to bring their pets to work for support and companionship. Creating an environment inclusive of dogs and their human companions was a critical and unique aspect of the project.
Kabammers love their dogs, many of which are rescues. Their new home needed to be dog friendly, from planning layouts to finish and furniture selection, our design considered the welfare of both employees and their pets. There is even a dog run on the outdoor terrace.
