Creative Studio Berlin, the experiential design firm founded by Chris Lange, has unveiled Mission Nuclear, a redesigned laser maze experience at the German Spy Museum in Berlin.
The updated attraction combines Cold War-era intrigue with contemporary interactive design. The immersive, story-driven spy experience aims to elevate the laser maze attraction while integrating with the museum’s overall theme.
Robert Rückel, director at the German Spy Museum, says: “The laser maze has always been the most favourite attraction in the German Spy Museum and has been played millions of times in the last 10 years. But you can’t compare the old one with the outstanding attraction that Creative Studio Berlin designed and built for us.
“I’m pretty sure it’s the world’s coolest laser maze now. I’m already looking forward to our next project together.”
Authentic environment
The project tripled the capacity of the attraction by adding a second maze in the existing space. In partnership with game supplier Mechanismus, the team created a new challenge that tests the limits of laser maze design, with 16 moving lasers supported by proprietary 3D-printed components.
Accessibility was central to the project. The maze was designed to be inclusive to ensure that guests of all ages, body types, and mobility levels can fully participate and feel like a spy.
Led by Lange, the Creative Studio Berlin team was inspired by Cold War-era technologies on show in the museum. As a result, the attraction combines traditional espionage aesthetics with contemporary interactive challenges.
Dominik Wieland, designer and art director on the project, says: “We set out to create an authentic environment that sets the tone for a high-stakes spy mission – guests enter through a massive vault-style door, that appears fully functional; a giant pipe crosses the space, hinting at a much larger world beyond; whilst worn-out stencil markings imply that the power plant has been in use for years.”
This vision was realised by the skilled carpenters, digital fabrication experts, and scenic artists at Art Department Studio Babelsberg. The company’s craftsmanship and effective design-to-fabrication pipeline, which uses digital assets as a basis for 3D printed parts, enabled Creative Studio Berlin’s designs to be produced in exacting detail.
The installation process itself provided opportunities to add further authenticity. For example, when a previously unknown pipe was discovered in a demolition area, the team worked to include it in the design, further elevating the realism of the space.
Premium experience
The experience is further enhanced through sophisticated effects developed by Bentin Projects, spanning immersive lighting, sound, and interactive design. It created a bespoke camera capture system that can detect laser light frequencies while maintaining the stylised appearance of the footage, to offer high-quality, cinematic recordings for every mission.
Becky Train, creative producer on the project, says: “Working with the director of the Spy Museum, Robert Rückel, was an incredible opportunity. He has an exquisite eye for detail and a drive to push for the very best. His trust in our vision allowed us to create something truly premium.
“As my first project with Creative Studio Berlin, I felt empowered to deliver a high-caliber experience.”
Train joined Creative Studio Berlin at the start of the year and brings extensive experience in production and storytelling from Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks Animation, and Skydance Animation.
Key partners for Mission Nuclear are Bentin Projects, Art Department Studio Babelsberg, Mechanisumus, Zonezero, and BänferKartenbeck.
Earlier this year, Creative Studio Berlin shared its work on the concept and detailed design for a shipyard-inspired play area at Ferienzentrum Schloss Dankern in Emsland, Germany. The project transformed the former, un-themed play area into an immersive shipyard world for families and children.
