How SUBKARMA Turned an Office Into a Fun Factory
Ever walked into an office and felt like you’d rather be anywhere else? Rows of identical desks, buzzing fluorescents, and the same four walls every day—it’s no wonder most workplaces drain your energy instead of sparking ideas. But what if your office wasn’t just a place to work, but a space that made you want to show up?
SUBKARMA, a branding and design studio from Taiwan, built their office inside a stack of cargo containers in an industrial zone—and turned it into Fun Factory, a creative playground with a yellow slide, a pink-and-black café, and a ping-pong table on a painted street. It’s proof that the right workspace can fuel creativity.
What Is Fun Factory?
Fun Factory is the headquarters of SUBKARMA, a brand and design company founded in 2002 by brothers Tony and James. Tucked away in an industrial area in Taichung, Taiwan, the office is built from stacked shipping containers. As you enter, you’re greeted by artificial turf and a bright yellow slide leading you downstairs. To the left is a compact café in a container, painted in pink and black. In the middle, there’s a large open square with painted zebra crossings and a table football game.
The whole space is designed to break the mold of traditional offices. “We wanted a space where creativity could happen naturally,” the founders explain. There are no fixed desks, and employees can work from the café, the grassy area, or anywhere they feel inspired—as long as they’re on time and get the job done.
Why Build an Office Like This?
Tony and James believe creativity doesn’t strike at a desk. “Ideas come when you’re riding a motorcycle or drinking a beer—not sitting in a cubicle,” they say. That mindset led them to design Fun Factory as a physical space that encourages play, movement, and spontaneous thinking. They wanted to overturn the usual office setup and create an environment where employees feel energized, not boxed in.
The design isn’t just about fun—it’s intentional. The colorful café, slide, and games aren’t decorations; they’re tools to spark collaboration and creativity. “We wanted to build a space where people actually look forward to coming to work,” says James.
What Happens at Fun Factory Besides Work?
Fun Factory isn’t just a creative office—it’s a community hub. Every Thursday evening, the team hosts a Movie Night, screening films for employees and visitors. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, the space is open to the public. You can hang out in the bright white reading room on the second floor, sip coffee in the small café, or take a ride down the slide. The founders wanted the space to be more than just an office—it’s a place for play, connection, and inspiration.
“It’s a factory, but it’s also a place to have fun,” Tony adds. “We want people to leave work feeling recharged, not drained.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Fun Factory located?
Fun Factory is located in an industrial zone in Taichung, Taiwan. It’s the headquarters of SUBKARMA, tucked away in a less conventional part of the city and accessible via marked pathways.
What does Fun Factory look like?
Fun Factory is built from stacked shipping containers. It features artificial turf at the entrance, a bright yellow slide, a pink-and-black themed café, and an open central plaza with a painted zebra crossing and a table football game.
Can anyone visit Fun Factory?
Yes. While it’s the working office of SUBKARMA, the space is open to the public from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Visitors can enjoy the café, play table football, or simply explore the creative setup.
Why did SUBKARMA design their office this way?
The founders, Tony and James, believe creativity flourishes in playful, unconventional spaces. They designed Fun Factory to encourage spontaneous ideas, movement, and collaboration—turning the office into a space people enjoy being in.
Does Fun Factory have a coffee café?
Yes. The pink-and-black container at Fun Factory functions as a small café serving high-quality coffee. It’s part of the creative workspace where employees and guests can enjoy drinks and conversation.
What kind of events happen at Fun Factory?
Fun Factory hosts a weekly Movie Night every Thursday evening. There are also open hours during weekdays for the public to visit, relax, and engage with the space.
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