Site Specific - Rafael

For the site-specific blog I visited Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.

     Every year during the month of October, we are bombarded by the traditional color combinations and blends of purples, orange, green, and others to present the theme for Halloween. It becomes expected that any live, spooky themed experience will incorporate these color combinations. So, it may become a challenge to visually present a themed experience like this, while also engaging event goers to draw something new from this lighted presentation.

    

     Horror Nights succeeded in balancing a spooky, cartoon-ish design, and more frightening, and threatening lit areas of the theme park. I love the mix of colors above and how subtly the outline of a creepy pumpkin on shown on the building. The designer(s) made great choices in determining the gobos used. 



As I walked through this tunnel, I began to feel very anxious. I felt confined. It was almost as if the light had mass, and placed weight on my body. What contributed to this was the choice to light the space with one color, and then quickly flash to another color, then another. You must pass this tunnel to reach additional mazes, and it was a simple but brilliant design. Passing through was mentally stressful, but necessary, and I believe the designers wanted to make this path as eerie as possible. 

I also appreciate how the walkways were lit. They were visible enough, and colored by the light, however they did not distract from the major attractions throughout the park. It brought me a sense of relief, but did not allow me to forget the environment I am in. Buildings with windows were lit from inside and contributed to the eeriness.