This project focused on a multi-use space at Butler University that provides a hub for the tech community with esports, gaming PC's, event spaces and more.
Engineering firm: HEAPY
2023 MEP Giants rank: 49
Project: Butler University Esports Park
Location: Indianapolis, IN, United States
Building type: Educational facility; sports/entertainment/convention center facility
Project type: Existing building retrofit
Engineering services: Automation, controls; electrical, power; fire, life safety; HVAC, mechanical; lighting; plumbing, piping
Project timeline: December 2019 to October 2022
MEP/FP engineering budget: $109,780
Challenges
Challenge 1: Project had an aggressive schedule and a hard open date due to university class schedules and a gaming competition already scheduled for the space.
Challenge 2: Lighting and A/V controls had an extremely high level of integration and interoperability, while still necessitating ease of operations for end users.
Challenge 3: The existing facility had tight space constraints for HVAC/lighting/technology systems.
Solutions
Solution 1: Our team served as the local primary point of contact to provide close collaboration with vendors, team members, and client representatives. We worked cross-functionally with a diverse team spread across a large geographic area, which allowed the university to host the grand opening on schedule as well as their inaugural competition event in the space.
Solutions 2: Our team coordinated lighting controls with the A/V technology to create a highly interactive space. We served as the “go between” for the client and the primary A/V vendor, ensuring that all equipment and supplies met the owner’s project requirements, and were delivered on time and seamlessly integrated into the construction schedule.
Solution 3: Our team leveraged advanced 3D modeling and clash detection resources to ensure that all MEP and technology systems were closely coordinated between disciplines, as well as met the university’s high standards for efficiency and performance. This also required coordination with the architect and interior design team to ensure that building infrastructure was designed to enhance and support the visual aesthetics of the space. On the competition floor, careful consideration was given to ensure that every participant has the exact same experience in terms of performance and connectivity (e.g., cable length), as required by current eSports design and competition standards.
