Redefining the PC Bang: A Bold Exploration of Play and Community
In the heart of Seoul, where gaming culture and technological innovation converge, an inventive concept is reshaping the way we perceive communal digital spaces. This vision stems from the thesis project of architect and 3D modeling instructor Ysabel Moulders, a recent graduate of the Royal College of Art’s Part 2 course. With a background that spans Italy, Hong Kong, and London—and one year of industry experience—Ysabel brings a multinational perspective and a passion for immersive, interactive environments. Her current freelance work, teaching 3D software like Blender and Unreal Engine, further underscores her commitment to integrating cutting-edge methods with a well-grounded architectural approach.
A Multidisciplinary Lens on Design
Drawing on her extensive exposure to diverse cultures and architectural practices, Ysabel’s latest project re-envisions the Korean PC Bang—an underground internet café that is deeply ingrained in South Korea’s social fabric. A place where individuals escape the density and bustle of the city, the PC Bang is more than a simple tech hub; it often serves as a second home, a social sphere, and, for some, a retreat from the constraints of urban life. While multiple facets of design influence Ysabel’s portfolio, her expertise in 3D modeling opens up fresh perspectives on how people interact with spaces and objects, both physically and digitally.
Working in a variety of contexts has allowed Ysabel to weave cultural sensitivity into her concepts. Whether it’s Milan’s layered renaissance heritage or the rapid development of Hong Kong’s skyline, her encounters inform this project’s sophisticated balance of expression and functionality. Now based in London, Ysabel sees virtual space not as a separate entity but as an equally potent environment for engagement and exploration, mirroring what she has experienced around the globe.
Stepping Beyond the Traditional PC Bang
Traditionally, PC Bangs are located in windowless, lower-ground floors to suspend the gamer’s awareness of time—a clever tactic for sustaining engagement in online gaming marathons. However, Ysabel’s redesign seeks to go beyond the standard cramped rows of computers and instead proposes a more inviting, communal, and playful interior. By introducing elements of color and playful structure, her vision breaks free from the typical dark, monochromatic environment.
Within her proposal, the PC Bang becomes a multifaceted pavilion of interactions, categorized into five distinct zones: Extreme Play, Collective Play, Scattered Play, Leisure Play, and Retro Play. Each zone is carefully designed to cater to different types of gamers and social scenarios. For instance, the Extreme Play area appeals to dedicated e-sports enthusiasts, featuring high-end hardware, immersive lighting, and collaborative seating arrangements for team activities. Scattered Play caters to those who prefer more introverted experiences, offering adaptive nooks and individual screens that still maintain a subtle visual link to others in the room.
Infusing Color and Curiosity
One of the most striking aspects of Ysabel’s strategy is her deep consideration of color, form, and light to stimulate curiosity. In architecture journals such as Dezeen or RIBA Journal, color is often discussed in terms of its psychological impact, guiding both movement and mood. In her scheme for the PC Bang, neon hues and bold pastels mark transitional spaces, inviting users to move from one zone to another as they shift between mindsets of collaboration or solitude. The carefully manipulated lighting—ranging from muted ambient glows in relaxation areas to bright, flickering LED strips in e-sports zones—creates an almost theatrical ambiance, giving each space a clear identity yet linking them all as part of a supportive, community-driven environment.
At the heart of this approach lies a desire for gaming spaces to transform from mere functional hubs into sites where creativity and physical movement are as integral to the experience as playing the game itself. Instead of remaining seated for hours in a darkened environment, users are gently encouraged to explore, move between zones, and engage with a variety of playful fixtures designed to question conventional assumptions about interior architecture.
Forging New Communities Through Play
In Seoul, one of the world’s densest urban centers, gaming has long been recognized as a unifying social activity. The city’s transformation into a global e-sports capital has made PC Bangs a second living room for many, bridging age and gender lines. Yet despite their popularity, these spaces sometimes retain a solitary edge, with gamers lost in virtual worlds.
Ysabel’s reimagining aims to weave a cohesive community by prompting more physical interaction. In the Collective Play zone, players share modular tables that can be easily repositioned for co-operative gaming, group brainstorming, or even friendly live streams. This flexibility embodies the architectural principle of “the building that evolves,” allowing spaces to adapt as the community’s needs shift over time. Tucked away in the Retro Play corner, veteran gamers can revisit classics and spark nostalgia. The resulting interplay of advanced hardware and vintage offerings stands as a testament to technology’s timeline, illustrating how past, present, and future can coexist in meaningful ways.
Mapping a New Spatial Experience
Beyond color-coded sections, Ysabel’s thesis challenges the typical plan of an underground PC Bang. She envisions sculptural forms that blur the boundaries between seating and structure, with curved walls and tiered platforms to facilitate natural gathering spots. In these open areas, conversation flows easily, and relationships built on mutual gaming interests may flourish. Whether it’s a spontaneous tournament or a simple chat about a new release, these organically formed clusters invite a fluid mix of collaboration and friendly competition.
By integrating aspects of urban design within this subterranean labyrinth, Ysabel addresses the city’s desire for multifunctional spaces. Modular furniture can be rearranged for different events, and overhead installations mimic the dynamic hustle of city life. Here, architecture intersects technology in a way that fosters community, celebrates creativity, and rethinks what gaming culture can achieve.
Start the Conversation
Ysabel’s thought-provoking project brings us closer to a future where gaming environments are more than just physical rooms or virtual lobbies. They are immersive ecosystems where design, technology, and play converge, forging communities that transcend cultural barriers. To learn more about Ysabel’s work, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or via email at ysabelzzmoulders@gmail.com. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado, a gamer, or simply someone intrigued by the evolving relationship between digital media and physical space, Ysabel’s vision stands out as a fresh, collaborative perspective that enriches both the human and technological dimensions of design.
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