“Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze” at Navy Pier sets visitors’ imaginations afire

Chicago Scenic has rekindled the magic at Navy Pier’s “Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze.” More than seven years after Chicago Scenic first built and installed the attraction, designed by Jack Rouse & Associates, CSSI was brought back to breathe new life into the interactive experience.

Working in close contact with the new owner, CSSI’s Director of Creative Development Jeff Bartle redesigned several areas based on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The goal of the new areas was to create a challenging and changeable experience that will keep visitors coming back for more.

The first redesigned area is the “Blaze Maze,” a completely interactive and reconfigurable area that pits visitors against the onset of Chicago’s infamous 1871 event. Fifty punching bags hung from charred wooden beams and wrapped in fiery graphics represent the fire. Visitors must smash through the room to find the bag with the alarm bell attached to it. Once the bell is rung, visitors move to area two, “Stomp It Out.”

“Stomp It Out” features the projected image of the Chicago fire on the room’s floor. Visitors can stomp out the spreading flames that are created by high-tech computer software. Visitors know if they’re successful or not when they see smoldering embers slowly replace the flames. Chicago Scenic’s design plan allows for future elements to be added. CSSI’s new design-development capabilities are part of a recent expansion of the design department.

Over the past several years, CSSI president Bob Doepel saw the need to further expand design and creative capabilities. “We’ve had more and more requests from clients for a creative development resource, along with requests for design and detailing support from design and creative houses too.” To build on the foundation of trained designers and craftspeople that CSSI already employed, Bob added Jeff Bartle as director of creative development to expand the company’s ability to assist customers from concept to completion.

PepsiCo installs unique corporate experience exhibit at its Chicago headquarters

PepsiCo’s Chicago office brought its message of sustainability to life thanks in part to Chicago Scenic. Working with communications firm Image Base and architect Bill Chin, CSSI helped to design and build the company’s new Sustainability Center to clearly communicate PepsiCo’s commitment to consumers, the environment, and its own employees.

The new Center is located in 3,000-square feet of previously unused lobby space; a giant metal globe featuring PepsiCo’s logo is the room’s focal point. The globe is centered under a skylight to capture illumination and also reinforce its connection to the world outside.

Surrounding the globe are vignettes featuring architectural elements that represent PepsiCo’s sustainability initiatives. The Center’s new adjacent conference room will be used by employees, clients and vendors for meetings and special events.

Jeff Bartle, CSSI’s director of creative development said, “This experience strategically reinforces Pepsico’s industry leading position on global sustainability practices while functionally allowing for expansion in the future. As PepsiCo’s needs change, the exhibit can grow and change as well.”