# In search of space for more members to work together in
# ”Meet you on the 35th floor!”
# Meals and rest always plentiful
# To feel our value in everyday life
In 2021, KRAFTON has grown to become a globally integrated corporation comprising a total of five independent studios such as PUBG STUDIOS, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, Striking Distance Studios, and Dreamotion. As the size of the independent studios that develop games, as well as the business and publishing organizations that support them havs grown, we now have over 2,400 members working with us.
# In search of space for more members to work together in
Amidst such changes and growth, KRAFTON gradually realized that its existing work spaces at Pangyo and Seocho are insufficient to accommodate the movement and recruitment of the organization. We started searching for another space containing facilities needed by members with high accessibility between offices considering collaboration between KRAFTON, which serves as the headquarters, and independent studios. Finally, at the end of last year, we were able to find the perfect spot at ‘Centerfield’ located near Renaissance Intersection in Seoul.
The spatial design of the Yeoksam office was conducted through collaboration with various departments that support the work life and environment of members, and the project was led by a task force team composed mainly of the Space Planning Dept. While designing the Yeoksam office space, the Space Planning Dept. focused on the various roles of the headquarters, and it aimed at creating a simple and relaxed space that can house everything. It also aimed at fundamentally creating an environment that could help improve the convenience and work concentration for members so that each member can focus on their creative works.
The spatial concept was defined with the keyword Kravity (KRAFTON + Gravity). It expressed the creative power of members by comparing it with gravity. And depending on the different levels of concentration and communication for each space, the spatial composition was divided into the communication space as Grand Kravity with strong Kravity and the concentration space as Zero Kravity.
# “Meet you on the 35th floor!”
First off, the 35th floor, which is the highest floor of the Yeoksam office was designed as a space for all members to gather and communicate, and as a place that could provide the first impression of KRAFTON for visitors. The intention was to build an open space considering communication and refreshment that is welcoming to everyone.
The space was designed so that when visitors arrive at the main elevator hall on the 35th floor and pass the speed gate toward the welcome desk, the arched media wall called the KRAFTON Wall would become visible. The wall acts like a canvas for exhibiting the creative works of KRAFTON. Furthermore, it was designed in a structure so that whenever the images and videos on the media wall change, the ambiance can be transformed. The floor, walls and ceiling surrounding the KRAFTON Wall were finished with reflective materials to make the space appear more extended, and in result, an impactful area was completed.
After passing the KRAFTON Wall and welcome desk, Café 35, which is a place for members to take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee and communicate with each other, appears. Café 35 provides coffee, tea, cakes, cookies, etc. during the day, but turns into Pub 35 that serves wine, cocktails, snacks, etc. in the evening. This is a space that offers various F&B and can be used for a variety of company events, and therefore, a wood table that could be used for various purposes was placed in the center. The wide and long central table gives a sense of openness to the cafe space, and it allows members to communicate comfortably.
An open hall named Kravity Hill was created in the center of the 35th floor where members can gather and participate in a wide array of events including town hall meetings, play tests, and more. The space was designed to give a greater sense of openness, when necessary, by installing a stage and seats that could be rearranged freely and a moving wall that makes spatial separation possible. Furthermore, lighting/broadcasting equipment were installed so that scenes of the event could be transmitted to members at its worldwide offices in real-time.
# Meals and rest always plentiful
KITCHEN 35 is the cafeteria located on the 35th floor that provides breakfast, lunch and dinner. The cafeteria applied an island-type open kitchen to minimize potential congestion and considered the flow of visitors thereby allowing members to freely select menus that include Korean, a la carte, salads, and other take-out foods. There is also a self-cook zone where employees can cook simple snacks such as ramen, cup-rice, etc.
In the medium-level floors, a chill out zone was prepared by adding massage chairs and bunker beds to take a break and recover from fatigue. A shower room was also installed for members who commute by bicycle or those who come to the office after working out. The GAMERS LOUNGE was designed like other offices allowing employees to enjoy console and PC games with colleagues, and internet cafe solutions were installed to make members feel as if they are gaming at an actual internet cafe.
# To feel our value in everyday life
As the interior design of the Yeoksam office started to concretize, the signage project began. The BX Dept. that was in charge of the project developed signage considering consistency with the space and the brand experience that KRAFTON pursues. In addition to the way-finding function that gives directions, the signages aimed at being used as a tool for infusing the KRAFTON brand into the space to give variation and wit according to the spatial features.
The symbols, colors and square shapes of the programming language that make up the creative outcomes of KRAFTON were used as the design motif. The fonts selected for use in the signage were similar to the KRAFTON brand fonts to create a more casual mood. This is because it is important not to be overbearing when members are repeatedly exposed to it in everyday life and the environment. Pictograms were also developed and applied in convenience areas so that members can intuitively recognize their functions.
The Hub, which is the central space for each floor, and spaces where members communicate were filled with the messages and keywords deduced from the values pursued by KRAFTON, adjusting the intensity of expression to avoid impeding upon the purpose and comfort of the space.
Various colors, graphics and messages were applied to the staircase connecting the different floors. It aimed at going beyond the simple function of movement, and to embody the meaning of a ‘mediating space for communication and exchange.’ Messages were composed of those that could remind us of the intrinsic fun and value of games, which is our livelihood, in everyday life as well.
The spatial design TF of the Yeoksam office worked hard to create a space where members can work happily. As the company is where we spend most of our time, we had to keep in mind the happiness of all members. The space design of Yeoksam office was completed based on the intent to provide a more comfortable rest and a better working environment. With the belief that sufficient rest and fun will result in better creative outcomes, the next [CreativeOn] will introduce not only rest areas, but other work spaces of the Yeoksam office.
▶ [Office Story 2] Yeoksam Office for Concentration and Collaboration
