DESIGNING THE TUNNEL EXPERIENCE

When designing the experience within the tunnel, I chose to focus on the horror genre, however this is just one example of what the experience could be like. Lighting, projection and motion sensors allow the space to be flexible for different experiences.

Sketches exploring how the space might look if an action film was playing in the cinema

Sketches showing where lighting and curtains could be fixed in the tunnel.

A combination of spotlights, projectors and strip lights light the space, and removable curtains allow the tunnel to be split into three sections or opened up into one space.

Motion sensors in the first section are linked with lighting and projectors to create lighting which corresponds to movement.

Frames fixed along the ceiling of the second section allow objects to be suspended from the rafters. Curtains hung on either side of this section divide the tunnel into three parts.

Sketches exploring lighting the tunnel, focusing on horror and thriller genres

Mapping elements of the tunnel if a horror film is being shown at the cinema

I focused on sight, sound and touch to create an immersive sensory experience.

Brainstorming ideas for elements of the tunnel horror experience

Sketching ideas for the first part of the tunnel horror experience

This sequence is inspired by Zodiac, in which police are attempting to track down an unknown serial killer. The lighting in the film is often high-contrast, with car headlights lighting one particular scene (pictured below).

Sketches of the second part of the tunnel horror experience

Inspired by Psycho, this sequence involves visitors navigating through a space full of plastic sheets, reminiscent of the shower curtain in the film.

The sound of rain fills the space, inspired by the shower scene in the film (pictured right), along with a short excerpt from the film’s memorable soundtrack.

Sketches for the third section of the tunnel horror experience

This section is inspired by a scene in Alien (pictured left), where one character is in a darkened room, unsure where the alien is hiding. As in the film, chains are heard quietly clanking in the tunnel as tension builds towards the monster appearing.

This section is also inspired by Stranger Things, where lights begin to flicker when the monster is nearby.

Storyboarding the tunnel experience from North to South Rotundas