Immersive spacecraft simulator experience brought to life in London
Client: Parabolic Theatre / Bridge Command
Location: Vauxhall, London
Design and build: Illusion Design and Construct
Overview:
We were appointed by the Parabolic Theatre to design and construct the Bridge Command, an immersive theatre and gaming experience which consists of two fully operational spacecraft as the centrepiece.
Innovation and design:
The most innovative aspect of Bridge Command's design, which combines elements of escape rooms, gaming, and theatre, is its fully immersive spacecraft environment. Every component in the design that appears interactable is, with no gimmicks.
These spacecraft are controlled by computer gaming software, synchronised with various AV triggers strategically positioned throughout the vessels—a challenge requiring seamless integration into the overall design. Alongside this, we designed a fully themed and functional bar and FOH area.
For this project, the client drew inspiration from various Sci-Fi television programmes and films. We began with a 2D ground plan to establish feasibility and ensure the spacecraft and other necessary components not only fit physically within the client's venue, but also within their storytelling needs.
After finalising the basic ground plan, we developed 3D renders of all areas on both starships, using the initial bridge design as a reference. This process involved multiple iterations and close collaboration with stakeholders to incorporate all required AV, tech, M&E, and services. Once the designs were approved, we began the construction and technical design phase.
Construction and installation:
The first major milestone in the construction and installation process was getting the technical drawings signed off so we could begin off-site fabrication. Once fabrication started, we moved on to painting and finishing samples, allowing completed items to be sent to our spray booths for finishing.
Eight weeks after beginning construction in the workshops, we commenced onsite installation. The first step of the installation was to set up the two spacecraft in their entirety, allowing the technical departments to begin their work and the Bridge Command actors to start rehearsing. Once this was completed, we installed the bar and front-of-house areas.
Key materials and technology used for this project included AutoCAD drafting with V-ray rendering, CNC cutting, and plasma cutting.
Challenges faced:
The location of Bridge Command within two railway arches in Vauxhall, London, presented logistical challenges for fitting the spacecraft. Additionally, the need for extensive integrated technology required a meticulously planned approach to the design and construction phases.
The success of this project was achieved through the expertise and skills in technical design and drafting, scenic artistry, concept development and design, and project management.
Working with the client:
From the beginning of our relationship with Parabolic Theatre, it was clear that they wanted the Bridge Command experience to feel completely authentic and immersive, making participants feel as though they were truly within the spacecraft’s environment. To meet this requirement, we ensured that every door, panel, and interactive component was true to the spacecraft’s functionality, avoiding any components that might look too artificial.
The project began with a rendered image of the bridge of one spacecraft provided by the client, serving as our starting point for crafting the remaining design elements. While we took on the design process, the client had specific requirements regarding key elements that were crucial to the end result.
Here's what our client, Owen Kingston, artistic director of the Parabolic Theatre, says about the project: "When we first started working on Bridge Command, we knew we needed to work with a design and build firm that could go the extra mile, as well as align with our values and understanding our vision. What we were creating hadn’t really been done before, and the scale of our ambition for how the ship should look and feel was colossal. Our goal was to create an immersive experience that felt completely real for the participants. By working with Illusion Design and Construct, we achieved that and more.
“Their expertise in creating unique experiences with innovative tools and building technologies filled us with confidence. From start to finish, the Illusion team worked with excitement, enthusiasm, and professionalism, reassuring us that our vision would come to life exactly as we imagined. Bridge Command is now open to the public, and the feedback so far has been astonishing. Some firms promise the Earth and deliver an atlas. Illusion have delivered a fully-realised, living and breathing world that has surpassed our expectations. We want to thank Illusion for its role in making our sci-fi-inspired immersive experience a reality."
Feedback from Bridge Command visitors
Visitors to the attraction have praised it as astonishing and realistic, commenting that it feels like being inside a computer game and gives audience members a real sense of agency, unlike other escape room concepts. One user said: “You can see that someone has loved making the Bridge Command, and the result is amazing”.
TimeOut magazine also gave an enthusiastic review of the immersive theatre experience
here.
