Electronic Arts (Canada), an international leader in “interactive entertainment software”, has their primary development studio, designed by MCM, in Burnaby. In need of more office space for their games/development staff, EA converted their Motion Capture (aka “Mocap”) film studio to office space for their NBA Basketball division in 2002.

MCM Interiors transformed the 16,000 square foot space with 37-foot ceilings into a dynamic office space for 120 people. The design team created a space that aimed to respond to the preferences of the typical member of the EA workforce — young, urban, technology and sports focused, and decidedly less formal than typical office workers. The space also expresses some of the grit and edge of the inner-city basketball culture.

In addition to the workspaces, the new NBA offices contain a basketball court, which not only provides recreational opportunities, but acts as an organizing element for the space and a gathering space. To deal with the cavernous space above the workstations, the ceiling was painted black and “clouds” were dropped above work areas to help the acoustics and to help define workers’ personal spaces.

2nd Place - Commercial Smart Solution Category: 2004 Northwest Design Award

Honorable Mention (Office General): Award of Excellence 2002 - Interior Designers' Institute of British Columbia