“Stranger Things” is a series that has captivated both children and adults. Created by Duffer Brothers, the first season of the series was released in 2016. Stranger Things is extensively praised for its charming fusion of unfashionable 80s style and mysterious supernatural components. While people often discuss the clothing, hairstyles, and various nods to pop culture that evoke the nostalgia of the 80s inside the display, they generally tend to overlook a key detail that performed a pivotal role in setting the tone of that era: the architecture of the show.
When comes to web series or TV series, one of the recurring factors is the emphasis on a particular location. For instance, consider the series “Lost,” where the central place is the mysterious island, and in shows like “The Office,” the workplace itself becomes a pivotal setting. When it comes to Stranger Things, the central setting is Hawkins. Hawkins, the town holds a pivotal role in shaping the series’ narrative and evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. The small town, with its tight-knit community and suburban charm, becomes a character in itself.
The architecture of Hawkins authentically captures the essence of 80s suburban lifestyles. The residential regions boast the designs of the 80s, from gabled roofs to pastel-colored exteriors. The downtown location functions conventional mom-and-pop shop and an antique theatre. The architectural elements perfectly blend with the retro details like rotary telephones and neon lights, making it extra real. Careful recreation of period details, including wood-paneled walls and vintage wallpapers, serve as visual cues that transport viewers back in time. These features also foster a sense of nostalgia in the viewers
One of the beautiful buildings from “Stranger Things” is the Byers home. It serves as a dynamic architectural backdrop that intricately evolves alongside the characters’ challenges. Initially presented with the quintessential 80s suburban home, the Byers residence takes on symbolic significance as a place of supernatural activities in Hawkin. Architecturally, the house is a typical representation of 80s suburban residences, with its straightforward layout, traditional design, and simple yet functional buildings. As the series progresses, the Byers home undergoes transformations mirroring the struggles of the family. After the disappearance of Will Byers, the house becomes a locus for supernatural activity. The Christmas lights in Season 1 serve as key elements in the narration. This use of Christmas lights as an unconventional communication underscores the family’s struggle to connect in the face of extraordinary circumstances. In subsequent seasons, the house continues to adapt to more challenges. The introduction of an underground layer in Season 2, a makeshift hub for researching and understanding the Upside Down, adds a layer of complexity to the architectural narrative. The living room and kitchen, central gathering spaces, witness emotional family moments, and strategic planning in the face of danger. The symbolic use of spaces within the house becomes a storytelling device, highlighting the interconnectedness of architecture and narrative in “Stranger Things.”
The architecture of the Hawkins Lab in “Stranger Things” plays a vital role in heightening the mystery and tension within the series. Unlike the cozy, 80s suburban homes of Hawkins, the lab stands out with its sterile and institutional design. The clinical precision of metallic surfaces, harsh lighting, and utilitarian corridors create a contrast with the town’s aesthetics. This deliberate difference signals to viewers that something secretive and potentially ominous is happening within the lab’s walls. The institutional coldness intensifies the mystery surrounding supernatural occurrences, symbolizing the unknown and hidden dangers beneath Hawkins’ seemingly ordinary facade. Specific architectural factors, along with high-safety areas and dimly lit hallways, contribute to a foreboding environment, reinforcing the feeling of tension.
In season 3 of “Stranger Things,” the Starcourt Mall emerges as one of the important locations in the show. When comes to the architecture of the mall, it is a fascinating embodiment of the consumer culture, featuring neon lights, glass storefronts, and bustling food courts. Beyond its visible appeal, the mall turns into a cultural and architectural landmark within the storyline, symbolizing the evolving panorama of Hawkins and the corporate-influenced lifestyle. Serving as a significant meeting point, it turns into a dynamic area where friendships are forged, secrets are found out, and the supernatural is faced. The series skillfully utilizes the mall’s communal areas, stores, and enjoyment venues for captivating visuals as well as plot development
The architectural elements inside “Stranger Things” play a nuanced and quintessential position in shaping the narrative and eliciting a feel of nostalgia for the 80s era. The meticulous interest to element in recreating the 80s aesthetic, from gabled roofs to neon lighting, serves as a visual time tablet that transports viewers to a bygone era. From the integral suburban appeal of Hawkins to the enigmatic Hawkins Lab and the long-lasting Starcourt Mall, each architectural backdrop becomes a character itself. The careful detailing in” Stranger Things” is not just a backdrop: it stands as a narrative, enriching the storytelling enjoyment and contributing to the iconic appeal of the series.
References:
- Guide, S. (n.d.). The Architecture of Stranger Things: How The Show Revived The 80s. Insights – Jonite. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://insights.jonite.com/the-architecture-of-stranger-things-how-the-show-revived-the-80s
- Lynch, P., & Lopez, N. (2017, November 1). Explore the Mysterious Spaces of Stranger Things in This 3D Model. ArchDaily. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://www.archdaily.com/882789/explore-the-mysterious-spaces-of-stranger-things-in-this-3d-model
- Nordine, M. (2016, August 28). ‘Stranger Things’ Production Design: 7 Things We Learned from Chris Trujillo’s Interview with Interiors. IndieWire. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/stranger-things-production-design-chris-trujillo-netflix-1201720936/
- Stranger Things (Series). (n.d.). TV Tropes. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Series/StrangerThings
