BjB-design: Red Bull Gaming Arcade Korsten

The final project for the first semester was to design a gaming arcade within the context of Korsten, in Port Elizabeth South Africa. The brief stated that Ten Pin bowling was required, with bowling lanes for the public as well as bowling lanes dedicated for professional bowlers and VIP bowling. Sensitivity to context within the manipulation of the formal response to the street was of high importance, as the area is known to be a dangerous developing area. Across the road from the site was an informal market, selling fruit and vegetables, this contributed to the atmosphere at street level. The design responds to the atmosphere created by the informal market by having placed the entrance on the same street, Facing the entrance to the west. The building consists of 3 distinct levels, having public bowling alleys, children's play area and the restaurant on ground level. The first level consist of computer gaming and virtual gaming to the South-Western corner. The VIP bowling is on a mezzanine level slightly above the first level and juxtaposed to the ground floor bowling alley, to allow for a connection between the two levels. The second floor is where the offices for administration are located, with staff locker rooms. Above the he third floor is a roof-top courtyard for staff members to use as an outside "escape space." The Facade to the west is articulated with an aluminium wing which is designed to respond to human scale on the street. The facade is covered with a mesh to respond to the west sunlight and create the introverted space, which is significant for a gaming arcade. The South-Western corner is opened with a red box, to allow for a connection from street level to the activities of the interior. The design of the Red Bull Gaming Arcade is a project which aims to be a catalyst for future development within the context of Korsten.