Online gaming is an integral part of lifestyle for the Millennial and Gen Z demographics, providing both a level of relaxation and excitement that’s hard to match in the real world. However, the good old fashioned board games are making a striking come back, winning over those more inclined towards face-to-face competition, and needless to say, venues have popped up which accommodate the players with additional drinks and bites. In Sharjah, the smaller next-door neighbour of Dubai, RACKS has banked on this niche hospitality format with a branch in Aljada, a prestigious downtown area in the making, and now, also in the University City area of town. Nestled on the premises of the American University of Sharjah, the new RACKS outpost features a matching interior design by Kidz, an architecture and design studio based in Amsterdam and Belgrade.
Interestingly, one of the key features of Racks is its custom board game, which is named after Sharjah and helped the café a large following of local dwellers. Needless to say, it spawned this second branch. Inspired by the aforementioned board game, the setting sees a large colourful shelving column at the centre, laden with various boardgames. Right around it, different game zones can be found for couples and groups, dotted with open-structure furnishings which highlighting the gaming elements. Mind you, there’s even a large communal table for visitors who’d like to meet new people. The round legs of tables and sofas extend beyond their edges, visually connecting to the concept of board games. A full-fledged bar sits in the back, featuring a bright orange counter which ties in with the aforementioned column, and it’s flanked by a small merchandise section. The menu at RACKS lists a wide range of small dishes, salads snacks, drinks and desserts. © superfuture
Designed by Kidz
Images © Kidz
Photography: Ruben Movsisian
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