Going from the real world into the digital wonderland of Electric Playhouse is extremely exciting. We built an entry tunnel that stokes that thrill from the moment you set eyes on it in the parking lot. Check out the designing, planning, and construction work that went into building such a captivating threshold.
Installation Date: 12/06/2019
This project started with a need for a captivating entrance into the immersive experience that is Electric Playhouse.
Designed by Co-founder and Architect, Brandon Garrett, the experience creates the feeling of going from the “Real-world” to the “digital world” as a precursor to the various experiences contained within the playhouse. This is accomplished by creating a structure that combines both physical and digital elements into an immersive visual experience. It is an aesthetic unique to Electric Playhouse and can be found on the feature walls, bar, and other fabricated elements.
The tunnel is composed of 10,000 of individually addressable LEDs that can be programmed to any color, pattern or effect. The decision to use LED was based on the tunnel being located in an area with a high amount of natural light. At night, the tunnel can be seen outside of the building and provides a high level of visual interest to passersby. In an effort to create the illusion of being surrounded by light, we used a high gloss black paint on the floor of the tunnel that reflects the light from the LEDs.
Lead Fabricator, Wesley Eccles took the conceptual design and began working on several design iterations taking constructability and budget into consideration. The team ended up with a range of over 12 different designs ranging from horizontal slat structures to movable floating ping pong balls. The majority of these designs were created using parametric modeling software that allowed for quick iterations.
The team considered the function of the tunnel as well as the audience in evaluating the various designs. We knew that there were going to be small children, so that eliminated the ideas that would be a safety hazard, such as designs that would be used as a climbing wall.
The next factor for picking the tunnel design was the fabrication method. The method of production and assembly greatly influenced the feasibility of the design and it further eliminated some of our considerations. Eventually, the team landed on a single design that met all of the criteria. The design consisted of rib-like structures that were spaced out evenly throughout the tunnel, closely resembling the original design.
Once the team decided on a design direction, we wanted to ensure that the tunnel was designed to meet ADA standards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We collaborated with Brad Jackson from Dekker/Perich/Sabatini architects to help advise on the strategies to make the tunnel ADA compliant.
This updated design required reworking the 3D model to allow for a “kick plate”. This kickplate gives anyone the ability to run a consistent line across the ground and have at least 80” from that line to an obstruction, allowing them to not run into anything.
In part 2, learn about how the FUSE makerspace helped us turn our idea into a reality. You can read it here.
