For the Fun of It!

LinkedIn Recreation Room

An ionic pool table awaits competitors, one of many amenities at LinkedIn, New York. Photography © Eric Laignel.

Games at work? Absolutely. Along with an industrial aesthetic and a start-up look and feel, the pursuit of fun—a respite from intense concentration, with a bit of comradery that builds culture and nurtures inclusivity—has a place in today’s forward-looking work environments. Furthermore, in terms of wellbeing and work-life balance, we now know that an upbeat break (sometimes realized through a game of friendly competition) is good business.

Historically, the game of pool in one form or other can be traced back to the early 1340’s; in 1470, Louis XI of France owned a billiard table. Games played with cues on a billiard table, whether snooker, pool, or billiards, have long been favorites and today are enjoyed in many work settings.

Virgin Voyages Headquarters

Photography © Robin Hill.

“Hit me with your best shot” challenges players at Virgin Voyage Headquarters in Plantation, Florida.

Newport Beach, CA. Photography © RMA Architectural Photographers.

The pool table and other amenities stand ready in this break area.

Bacardi North American Headquarters, Miami. Photography © Robin Hill.

Bacardi North American Headquarters

Bacardi North American Headquarters, Miami. Photography © Robin Hill.

At Bacardi’s North American Headquarters this custom pool table can double as a conference table.

Confidential Client in New York City

Confidential Client, New York, NY. Photography © Jeff Cate.

The game begins for these two competitors.

Cayan Office, Boston. Photography © Neil Alexander.

 More than one table game is offered in this leisure area.

Big Fish Games Recreation Area

Photography © Sherman Takata.

And of course, the game is played at Big Fish, the Seattle-based online game developers.


IA is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture—a radical idea in 1984, when IA was founded. We are highly connected agents of change, committed to creativity, innovation, growth, and community.



IA is a global firm of architects, designers, strategists, and specialists. We focus exclusively on environments through the lens of interior architecture—a radical idea in 1984, when IA was founded. We are highly connected agents of change, committed to creativity, innovation, growth, and community.



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