Architectural Cases

A24's recent horror sensation, "Backrooms," has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning a staggering $81 million at the box office over its opening weekend. This cinematic achievement stems from a fascinating internet phenomenon that originated from a 2019 4chan post. The film's success is not just in its frights but also in its innovative set design, which meticulously brings the unsettling digital world of the backrooms to life on the big screen. This exploration delves into the collaborative effort between the film's young director, Kane Parsons, and veteran production designer Danny Vermette, highlighting how they translated a surreal online concept into a tangible, immersive cinematic experience that balances horror with a surprising touch of humor.

The core idea of "Backrooms" emerged from an online forum, where a simple image of an eerily empty, carpeted space with yellowed wallpaper sparked a communal narrative. This collective creation described an infinite maze of drab rooms, devoid of purpose, yet filled with the unsettling hum of fluorescent lights and the lurking presence of unseen entities. This cyber-horror lore quickly spread across various internet communities, with users contributing their own accounts of 'no-clipping' out of reality and finding themselves trapped within these bizarre, unsettling environments.

Kane Parsons, at just 20 years old, was instrumental in transforming this digital folklore into a visual narrative. He initially brought his vision of the backrooms to YouTube in 2022 through a series of short films, which quickly garnered attention for their unsettling atmosphere and creative interpretation of the online lore. His work caught the eye of A24, known for its distinctive and often boundary-pushing films, leading to an opportunity to direct a feature-length adaptation. This made Parsons the youngest director to work with the acclaimed production company.

To realize Parsons's expansive vision on a physical set, production designer Danny Vermette faced the challenge of materializing an inherently abstract concept. Parsons, who primarily used 3D rendering software like Blender for his YouTube creations, initially provided Vermette with a massive digital file for his dream set, an estimated 100,000 square feet. Due to practical constraints of budget and space, a scaled-down but still ambitious 30,000 square feet of set was constructed across four soundstages in Vancouver. This involved building a labyrinth of half-walls, peculiar angles, and cul-de-sacs, enhanced by 1,520-foot-tall scaffolding to create multiple levels. Vermette's team went to great lengths to ensure the iconic pale yellow wallpaper, a signature element of the backrooms, was an exact match to Parsons's digital rendition, undertaking 40 product tests to achieve the perfect shade and texture.

The film features Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark, an alcoholic architect turned furniture salesman who accidentally finds himself in the enigmatic backrooms. While much of the movie unfolds within this never-ending maze, elements of the 'real world' are also depicted, specifically through the 1990s-era settings of Clark's workplace, Captain Clark's (a pirate-themed warehouse), and a therapist's office. Vermette deliberately infused these spaces with dated aesthetics—floral chintz, wood paneling, and old technology—to reflect Clark's bleak and disaffected worldview. This conscious design choice, intended to amplify the character's discomfort and effectively render him 'homeless' even within his own environment, also inadvertently introduced a layer of dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, providing an unexpected contrast to the film's horror elements.

The symbolism of the backrooms remains open to varied interpretations, from a representation of schizophrenic hallucinations and memory palaces to a digital-age haunted house. Director Kane Parsons himself views them as a metaphor for the intricate mechanics of human memory. This multi-layered interpretation is arguably why the concept resonates so deeply with online communities. Even actor Chiwetel Ejiofor delved into internet forums to understand the concept of backrooms and liminal spaces, finding himself unexpectedly drawn into the rabbit hole of its lore. This profound engagement from both creators and audience highlights the unique power of collaborative, internet-born narratives to inspire and entertain on a grand scale, even inspiring a peel-and-stick wallpaper line for fans.

This compilation of articles explores diverse advancements in the realms of design, architecture, and cultural heritage, spanning from the creation of significant historical furniture to the launch of vibrant new culinary spaces and insightful design exhibitions. It delves into the meticulous craftsmanship behind President Obama's new desk, the unique aesthetic of a Roman-inspired restaurant in Beverly Hills, and the dynamic showcases at Copenhagen's premier design event. Additionally, the pieces touch upon a fashion designer's foray into home textiles, an innovative art fair's arrival in the Hamptons, a comprehensive resource for California's distinctive architectural styles, and a celebrated designer's collaboration to make upscale homeware accessible. These narratives collectively illustrate a global commitment to innovation, artistic expression, and the thoughtful preservation of cultural identity through design.

Crafting Legacies and Culinary Experiences

Brooklyn-based woodworkers Connor Moxam and Joseph Cleghorn, known for their studio Chapter & Verse, embarked on a project of national importance: creating a suite of furniture for the Obama Presidential Center, slated to open in Chicago in 2026. This commission included a coffee table, a credenza, a dining table, and notably, President Obama's new desk. Constructed from American white oak, the desk elegantly merges traditional and contemporary design elements. Its subtly curved form, inspired by the studio's Bancroft sideboard, features sculptural legs wrapped in leather and reeded millwork ingeniously designed to conceal wires, reflecting a blend of luxury and practicality. The designers were given significant creative freedom by Michael S. Smith's office, with the sole constraint being the exclusion of gold hardware, a choice that Moxam felt perfectly aligned with the project's contemporary relevance and significance.

Simultaneously, the culinary scene in Beverly Hills has been enlivened by the opening of Bad Roman, a restaurant whose interiors were meticulously crafted by GRT Architects. The design firm aimed to replicate the dark, atmospheric ambiance of Bad Roman's New York counterpart, while also adapting to the distinct dining culture of Los Angeles. Founding partners Rustam-Marc Mehta and Tal Schori integrated whimsical Roman-inspired motifs throughout the space, such as a wild boar statue with a clown collar at the bar and greyhound sculptures flanking plinths adorned with classical patterns. Neon lighting accents, including tendrils wrapping around tiered Murano chandeliers and a striking neon snake on the glass-block facade, contribute to a psychedelic exterior. This design choice boldly diverges from Beverly Hills' conventional sleek and minimalist aesthetic, challenging the notion that one must conform to local styles and instead celebrating a unique, vibrant identity.

Global Design Dialogues and Community Preservation

Copenhagen's 3 Days of Design fair emerges as a significant platform for emerging designers, offering a more intimate and focused environment compared to larger events like Salone. This year's fair, running from June 10 to 12, promises a range of innovative product launches. Among the anticipated presentations is Louise Roe's "Stay a Little Longer" collection, featuring new café chairs, tables, and exquisite mouth-blown glassware and porcelain at her design firm's store. Scandinavian designers are also re-evaluating fundamental concepts, with Eldvarm hosting "I, Belong," an exhibition that explores humanity's connection to fire through works by designers like Emma Olbers and Daniel Rybakken. Furthermore, Layered Rugs, in collaboration with Massproductions, will unveil their Cord Collection at Ruby Atelier, showcasing striped rugs crafted with a unique weaving technique that integrates color bands directly into the wool warp. Danish design powerhouses such as Hay will also exhibit their latest collections, including a new faceted cabinet, while textile brand Tekla plans to showcase its Marstrand capsule collection on a custom-built boat floating along the canal, providing a distinctive backdrop for their sun-bleached designs.

In Southern California, a vital initiative has been launched to guide residents in rebuilding after devastating wildfires, focusing on preserving the region's architectural heritage. Jaime Rummerfield, co-founder of Save Iconic Architecture, recognized the need for a thoughtful approach beyond generic constructions. Collaborating with over 30 leading architects and designers, she spearheaded the creation of New California Classics, a free online guidebook. This 145-page resource, inspired by the midcentury Case Study House project, covers seven major Southern California architectural traditions, including California Ranch and Spanish Revival. It provides sample floor plans, elevations, landscape designs, and material recommendations that balance historical authenticity with modern fire resilience. This accessible guide empowers homeowners and contractors to restore and rebuild with integrity, ensuring that the unique character of communities is maintained. Additionally, celebrated designer Sheila Bridges has partnered with Walmart to launch the Philadelphia Collection, a 14-piece outdoor tabletop line. This collection, commemorating America's 250th anniversary, blends American symbols with whimsical elements from her Harlem Toile de Jouy series, offering stylish and affordable home goods that celebrate both heritage and personal memories of community gatherings.