Coming to work is as fun as gaming at Dream11 HQ

June 23rd, 2023

Tags: cool office, Dream11, future of workplace, gaming, India, office, Office design, office interior, office space, Space Matrix, workplace, workplace design

Founded in 2001, Space Matrix is a leading global workplace design and build company that leverages the transformative power of design to create thriving communities within organisations. The dynamic, agile, and digitally-driven enterprise specialises in delivering profitable, sustainable, and future-ready workplace solutions. Operating in 16 locations, including across Australia, China, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and the United States, Space Matrix is committed to revolutionising the industry on a global scale. The Director of Design, Swaviman Das, share more about the company’s latest project, Dream 11.

Specialising in workplaces seems niche. What were the reasons for this focus?

At Space Matrix, we firmly believe that people are the heart of any organisation, and the workplace serves as its operating system. We empower organisations by enabling individuals to work, grow, adapt, and collaborate effectively, creating a future that we call ‘W+’. As work dynamics, workplace preferences, and employee expectations evolve, we recognise that the ‘office’ in all its forms, be it physical, hybrid, or even in the metaverse, must inspire. Our approach transcends traditional office interior design, focusing instead on designing positive experiences that foster communication, togetherness, creativity, and productivity. When individuals flourish, communities thrive, and organisations succeed.

What type of gaming company is Dream11?

Dream11 is an India-based fantasy sports platform. The main goal of this start-up company is to be synonymous with major sports in every way possible, aiming at making sports accessible to all and making the experience better by ensuring meaningful engagement between sports and fans. It provides an intuitive online ecosystem that enables users to create virtual teams, including real-life players, and earn points based on the performance of the virtual team in an actual match. Dream11 imbibes the principles of D.O.P.U.T (Data obsessed, Ownership, Performance driven, User first & Transparency).

Dream11 HQ India gaming company designed by Space Matrix_7

What was the design brief for the Dream11 headquarters?

The request clearly demanded for the new workspace to represent the business’ characteristics in fantasy sports while being able to accommodate future growth. Hence our designers have proposed an extremely vivacious and playful atmosphere based on ‘connection through expression’ inspired by the fantasy sports covered by Dream11. The primary focus was to create a vibrant and fun space as an immersive spatial journey that enlivens and empowers the employees coming to the ‘stadium’ every day.

Tell me more about some of the fun features installed around the office space.

Spanning two floors of high-rise building BKC Mumbai, the design theme of the vibrant workplace expresses the notion of a creative environment nurtured through amalgamation of people’s passion and collaboration at work. For example, the main reception exhibits motion through an installation of a giant cricket ball cracking through the glass backdrop, while the lounge features a ‘grass’ football field including goalposts and dugout. A few key areas focus on staff wellness, such as recharge pit stops, solace zones, break out spaces, height-adjustable desks and natural light wherever possible.

Dream11 HQ India gaming company designed by Space Matrix_5

A major highlight is that the 40 enclosed spaces are all different from each other. Tell me more about it.

The idea was to craft out an experiential environment for a high performing squad. ‘The Stadium’ brings together the curious dreamers with a bunch of different sports passions and acts as an abode for connecting people with one obsession through purposeful design. In total, there are 40 meeting rooms representing 40 teams or clubs from cricket, football, hockey, baseball, basketball and motorsports. Alongside these meeting spaces, there are themed social capitals, ranging from phone booths to a sports bar for breakouts. Employees can book them using smart apps, and reservations show up on digital flashers. The result is a collective progressive space that elevates the working experience.

What was the reaction to the completed space by Dream 11 staff when they saw it?

The raw enthusiasm we’ve seen from employees for their new workspace is unbeatable – and this echoes with that statement of environmental psychology: ‘Space influences emotions’. I can say with pride that we have made their dream come true for Dream11.