How to Design a Truly Terrifying Haunted House

Summary

In this episode of the 29th Floor, the hosts explore the thrilling world of haunted houses, featuring insights from Shauny Faroh of CoDesign about the design techniques employed at 'Terror Behind the Walls.' Located in a chilling 19th-century prison, the haunted house uses a three-pronged approach to scares, including startling surprises, hidden elements, and escalating fright sequences. Guest John Paul shares his firsthand experience, highlighting the impressive preparation of actors. The conversation emphasizes the art of creating fear and invites listeners to share their own haunted house experiences, blending design with personal storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🎃 Haunted houses like Terror Behind the Walls utilize a historical and eerie setting to enhance the scare experience.
• 🧠 The design of haunted houses is approached with design thinking principles, ensuring a well-structured experience.
• 👻 Scare techniques can be categorized into three main types: startle scares, camouflage scares, and repeat scares.
• 💥 Startle scares involve sudden surprises to frighten visitors, creating immediate shock.
• 🌲 Camouflage scares use hidden elements that blend into the environment, catching guests off guard.
• 😱 Repeat scares create a buildup of tension by layering multiple scares in quick succession.
• 🕒 Timing is crucial in delivering effective scares, as it controls the pacing of the experience.
• 🤔 Shauny Faroh from CoDesign did not attend the haunted house due to her fear of such attractions.
• 🎉 Guest John Paul had a unique experience witnessing actors prepare before entering the haunted house.
• 📢 The episode encourages listeners to share their own haunted house experiences on social media.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the discussion in the transcript?

The discussion focuses on the design challenges of haunted houses, specifically the techniques and methodologies used to create a scary experience.

Who is the guest featured in the discussion, and what is their background?

The guest is Shauny Faroh from CoDesign, who shares insights from their experience at 'Terror Behind the Walls,' a notable haunted house.

Where is 'Terror Behind the Walls' located?

'Terror Behind the Walls' is located in a 19th-century prison that began construction in 1829.

What types of scares are mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions three types of scares: startle scares, camouflage scares, and repeat scares.

How does the haunted house utilize design thinking?

The haunted house employs design thinking to carefully plan and create an immersive and terrifying experience for visitors.

What was Shauny's personal experience regarding visiting the haunted house?

Shauny admitted to being terrified and chose not to go into the haunted house, despite discussing its design elements.

What unique perspective did John Paul provide during the discussion?

John Paul shared that he arrived early and observed the performers preparing, including zombies stretching, which added to the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house.

How do the scare techniques in haunted houses contribute to the overall experience?

The scare techniques, including timing and unexpected elements, heighten the thrill and fear, ensuring that visitors remain engaged and terrified throughout their experience.

What is the significance of timing in the scares mentioned?

Timing is crucial in creating effective scares, as it ensures that the scares are unpredictable and impactful for the visitors.

What invitation does the discussion end with for the audience?

The discussion invites the audience to share their experiences with the scariest haunted houses they have visited using the hashtag #29thFloor.