Funk Bowling Wins 3 Architecture and Design Awards for Projects In Arkansas, Maryland & London, UK

Apr 18, 2023 | Bowling News, Case Study | 2 comments

Funk Bowling has a long-standing legacy and reputation in the bowling space around the world and the company has been bringing this reputation to the US market to much applause. Recently, the company won three prestigious awards at the Bowling Center Management’s (BCM) Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards, which is a significant achievement in the industry. The awards were given in different categories, highlighting the company’s versatility and expertise in creating unique and innovative bowling experiences.

Best Bar/Lounge – International Category

The Project: Duckpin Installation at BrewDog in Waterloo, London

Duckpin Bowling Installation Waterloo London Funk Bowling 2, Funk North America

The first award won by Funk Bowling was in the International Category for Best Bar/Restaurant. The award recognized the company’s work in creating a remarkable bowling installation at BrewDog, an international chain of bars, breweries, restaurants and hotels around the world. This location is the biggest bar of the franchise in the UK.

The custom design of the duckpin bowling lanes features an iconic steel cage that directly integrates into the industrial design of the whole location. The lanes are submerged into the floor and the player can easily play from a wood parquet floor without bowling shoes. Combined with the small balls it makes the game accessible for non-bowlers and social groups who seek to go out for a drink in an exclusive location.

Brewdog has managed to masterfully combine the adult bar and restaurant experience with the social and fun aspect of duckpin bowling. The vibe gets underlined with an integrated “press for beer” button at each lane, to make it easy to order the next round of pints.

The combination of business (offices, podcast studio etc.), high quality food and social activity (ping pong, duckpin etc.) is clearly tailored towards the lifestyle of young adults in an urban environment who are seeking a flexible work-life culture in the heart of a vibrant city like London.

DuckPin directly caters the needs through an accessible, social and exclusive experience where customers can have a drink, engage in conversations and casually throw a ball down the lane. No heavy balls – No complicated movements and no bowling shoes needed.

Best New Small Ball Center

The Project: Harbor Social in National Harbor, MD

Duckpin Installation Washington DC Funk Bowling 2, Funk North America

Harbor Social is an interactive sports bar serving food and drinks, TVs throughout, and interactive games like bocce ball, in addition to the new duckpin installation. The venue is in the Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Maryland, just minutes from Washington DC.

Gaylord National Resort, situated on the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, offers guests an exclusive experience. It is located near Washington, D.C. and Old Town Alexandria, and is just a short walk away from National Harbor’s restaurants and entertainment options, including The Capital Wheel, MGM National Harbor, and Tanger Outlets. The resort features recently refurbished guest rooms and suites, a 19-story indoor garden Atrium, a top-rated steakhouse, an award-winning spa, and a rooftop lounge, making it the perfect vacation destination.

We completed an entirely new 4-lane duckpin bowling buildout, which won us the award of “Best New Small Ball Center” by BCM. The award acknowledged Funk Bowling’s expertise in designing and installing a state-of-the-art “small ball” bowling center in a small space. Funk created a bowling installation that was both functional and visually appealing, all while working within strict space constraints.

Best Modernized FEC/Hybrid Center/Boutique

The Project: Playland Skating and Bowling in Morrilton, AR

10 Lane Bowling Installation Arkansas Funk 2, Funk North America

The third award was for the Best Modernized FEC/Hybrid Center/Boutique, awarded to the Playland Skating and Bowling installation in Morrilton, Arkansas. The City of Morrilton bought and saved a retro center that featured roller skating and bowling but was closed for 13 years. The team at Funk brought it back to life with a full Funk install that included ball returns/racks, bumpers, pinsetters, scoring, seating, and freshly screened and coated lanes for 10 lanes.

This award acknowledged the company’s ability to modernize an existing Family Entertainment Center (FEC) and create a hybrid center that incorporated multiple entertainment options. With 13 years of neglect within the facility, the Funk team brought new life to the venue. The community has embraced the new venue with a lot of excitement. Funk’s use of technology, lighting, and unique design elements helped the company create an innovative and modern entertainment venue.

Funk Bowling’s recent wins at the BCM Design Awards highlight the company’s exceptional work in the field. The awards recognize the company’s versatility and expertise in creating unique and innovative bowling installations that provide customers with an unforgettable experience. These accolades are a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation and are sure to inspire future bowling lane installation projects.

2 Comments

  1. Peggy Dyer

    What is the square footage of the “Best New Small Ball Center?

    Reply
  2. Randy thayer

    Is there any machines near me Pittsburgh pa. I can go look at

    Reply

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