;)
Client: Sandbox VR
Project Type: VR Experience venue
Status: Completed(2024)
Location: Surfers Paradise, QLD
Builder: Open Projects Group
Brief
Sandbox VR engaged Design Intent Studio, alongside Open Projects Group and the Sandbox VR team, to develop the full design documentation for its new Surfers Paradise venue. The project aims to create a next-generation, tech-driven entertainment destination that delivers an immersive VR experience while supporting operational efficiency, social interaction, and guest comfort.
Design Intent
The Sandbox VR venue is designed to be a landmark entertainment destination in Surfers Paradise, combining technological innovation with thoughtful, immersive design to deliver an unforgettable guest experience.
Design of a next-generation VR entertainment venue in Surfers Paradise, creating an immersive, engaging, and operationally efficient environment. The design focuses on enhancing the user journey from arrival to gameplay, social interaction, and departure.
Project Background & Objectives
The primary objective of the Sandbox VR venue is to deliver a cutting-edge, immersive entertainment experience that attracts both locals and tourists in Surfers Paradise. The design seeks to:
- Provide a seamless and engaging virtual reality experience for users of all ages and skill levels.
- Create a visually striking, brand-forward environment that distinguishes Sandbox as a premier VR destination.
- Support operational efficiency with well-zoned gaming, queuing, and staff areas.
- Encourage repeat visitation and extended dwell time through comfort, interactivity, and social engagement spaces.
Design Intent Studio provided full documentation across all stages, from initial design brief through to final construction drawings.
Key Design Features
Geometric Lighting and Architectural Forms
Geometric shapes are embedded throughout the lighting and architectural detailing, reinforcing a futuristic, digital aesthetic. Integrated LED lighting within angular ceiling elements and bar surfaces creates layered, responsive effects that shift with movement and activity. These forms define the bar visually, enhance energy and interactivity, and intuitively guide guests through the space.
Materiality and Spatial Contrast
Materials, finishes and lighting tones are deliberately selected to contrast with the VR zones while maintaining a cohesive overall palette. This balance creates a visually striking environment that feels immersive yet functional, ensuring the bar remains a standout feature within the broader experience.
Themed VR Zones
Distinct zones are designed to support different VR experiences, with adaptable technology and layouts that allow for future updates as gaming formats evolve.
Interactive Reception and Lounge
The reception area is conceived as both a welcoming entry point and a social hub, encouraging interaction before and after gameplay while setting the tone for the immersive experience ahead.
Dynamic Lighting and Acoustics
Layered LED, ambient lighting and integrated sound design work together to create a fully immersive sensory environment that heightens engagement and atmosphere.
Durable, High-Tech Finishes
Robust, high-performance materials are used throughout to withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining a premium, futuristic look and feel.
Operational Efficiency
Thoughtfully planned staff stations, storage and equipment zones support smooth operations, minimising downtime and ensuring the venue functions efficiently behind the scenes.
Challenges & Solutions
Designing the Sandbix VR venue presented several unique challenges, requiring careful balancing of immersive experience, functionality, and safety:
Spatial Constraints and Flow
- The venue needed to accommodate multiple VR zones, a bar, social lounge, and back-of-house areas within a limited footprint.
- Careful planning of circulation and queuing areas was essential to prevent congestion while maintaining clear sightlines and guest engagement.
Immersive Technology Integration
- VR equipment requires significant space for movement, precise layout for tracking systems, and consideration of power, cabling, and maintenance access.
- Ensuring the design could adapt to future VR technologies without compromising aesthetics or functionality was a key challenge.
Lighting Design and Geometric Detailing
- Balancing dynamic, geometric LED lighting in the bar and lounge areas with darker VR zones required careful control to avoid interference with gameplay.
- The intricacy of the geometric shapes, which define the bar’s architectural and lighting elements, presented fabrication and installation challenges. Precision in angles, joints, and material finishes was essential to achieve the desired visual impact while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.
Material Durability and Maintenance
- High-traffic areas, especially the bar, lounge, and VR rooms, demanded robust, easy-to-clean materials that also contribute to the futuristic aesthetic.
