baranowitz + kronenberg designs experiential venue based on british game show

‘the cube live’ is now open to visitors in manchester

baranowitz + kronenberg (B+K) has completed, earlier this month, its spatial design concept for ‘the cube live’ in manchester, the first public venture based on the award-winning ITV game show hosted by phillip schofield. working with the entertainment complex urban playground of mellors group, a world-leading theme parks and attractions company, B+K has applied their aptitude in spatial design and human experience, creating a world of exploration that sparks play and social interaction. 

all images © marcus holdsworth

a new dimension to retail experiences 

situated within the manchester arndale center, home to the first urban playground site, and stretching over two floors and 4,000 sqm, the immersive venue adds a new dimension to retail experiences. it offers the exclusive opportunity to participate in a live version of the ITV game show, ‘the cube’, where contestants attempt seemingly simple tasks within the high-pressure confines of a central transparent box. 

‘the cube live’ venue orbits THE BUTCHER — an established high-end food concept from amsterdam that fuels and recharges the crowd — while state-of-the-art and tech-infused ‘putters’ offers visitors a whole new mini-golf experience. 

tech-infused, neon-lit, and theatrical design accents

paying homage to the ephemeral quality of fairgrounds, B+K (see more here) has collaborated with mellors group’s design team (see more here) to create neon-lit and enchanting social hubs. inspired by the classic circus tent’s red and black fabric design, a playful, upbeat, and bold palette has been applied to the venues. each bears a very different character, yet all share the same cause that calls for a unique synergy. a metal mesh-curtain stretches along the perimeter, further enhancing the individual energies of ‘the cube live’ and tech-infused ‘putters’. at the same time, colorful and edgy in-built lighting systems provide an added sense of spatial drama. 

1/5

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: the cube live

total area: 4,000 sqm

location: the manchester arndale center, UK

design: baranowitz + kronenberg

collaborator: urban playground – mellors group 

photography: marcus holdsworth