Bardel Entertainment has become one of the most in-demand animation studios in the world, boasting a clientele of giants like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO. Their team is progressive, adventurous, playful and unconventional with a strong sense of community. Fusion partnered with MAK Interiors to design and build their new headquarters in Vancouver, BC.

As soon as you enter the 5th floor elevator lobby, you’re greeted by the bright green Bardel logo and walls in the signature Bardel blue color. The reception area is dynamic and inviting and shows pops of color and geometric forms with its triangle bench seating area and various colourful patterns.

The transitions spaces also have walls in Bardel blue, showcasing posters of their most popular movies and shows. The playfulness of the colourful vending and arcade areas are balanced by the somber darkness of the open workspaces - implemented to provide the appropriate environment for animators to do their best work. The breakroom, adjacent to the wrap-around balcony, is again painted in Bardel blue and accessorized with whimsical lighting.

Make no mistake, though the space is whimsical, it packs a punch. Bardel has their own state-of-the-art server room that caters to work areas, meeting rooms, editing studios and viewing rooms. The complex design includes in-rack cooling and a pre-action system combined with gas suppression for fire protection.

The temperature is always controlled, but in the event of a fire, water is held back and naturally occurring, environmentally-friendly agents are released to lower the oxygen and heat needed for fire to ignite and spread.

The complexity of the design along with COVID supply-chain issues definitely posed a few challenges for the team, but Fusion was able to work with project partners and Bardel’s leadership to surpass client expectations and deliver a space that reflects Bardel’s team culture - one that inspires, allows them to be creative, and is large enough to hold their famous summer parties.