“Theme Park Design: The Process of Designing Through Story”

"Theme Park Design: The Process of Designing Through Story"
With Thomas Kelly

Details:

When you think Theme Park design the first thing that comes to mind for most is Walt Disney, Imagineering, or Universal Studios. For some of us even Roller Coaster Tycoon! However the world of spatial storytelling is vast, has a deep history, and more importantly growing at one of the fastest rates in human history.

With the Attention Economy becoming more valuable than ever, humans drawing a line between tech driven/human driven experiences, and the emergence of large scale experiences opening soon in the UK (like Universal Studios UK, Puy Du Fou UK, Secret Cinema, Kynren, Fever, and Punchdrunk to name a few) the time to be introduced to this "world of building worlds" has never been better. And we will do it through 4 themes.

• Day in the Life of a Theme Park designer: Introduction and what we actually do. (5min)

• 4 Themes. (35Min)

  • Before Theme Parks: The ways humans have always told stories and created places around the world to showcase and make those stories real

  • Stories in all Things: Why design matters and how everyday objects, like theme parks, contain memories and stories that continually connect us.

  • See the World like a Theme Park Designer: The difference between realistic and true. Design easter eggs, sightlines, guest circulation, and designing smarter not harder even within £1Bn budgets.

  • Theme parks of the Future: Audience over influence, and how you can take these methods and apply it to your life every day.

Join us for this quick deep dive over pints into the real-life world of Theme Park Design!

Thomas Kelly is a London-based Creative Director who specializes in immersive themed entertainment, experience design, and storytelling. As the founder of Roadtrip Studios, Thomas leads design on narrative-driven experiences that marry architecture, technology, and design into unique guest experiences. Prior to founding Roadtrip Studios here in London in 2023, Thomas worked in Wellington, New Zealand as Creative Lead for Location-Based Experiences (LBE) for Weta Workshop – the design and effects studio behind Avatar, The Hobbit Trillogy, and The Lord of the Rings.

Previously, he's served as Art Director and Creative Lead on multiple large-scale themed entertainment and destination projects across the Middle East, Europe and Asia for large scale projects such as NEOM, The Line and Evergrande. Through working with Universal Studios, Weta Workshop, Merlin Entertainments, LEGO, Microsoft, and Disney, he's delivered LBE projects in Europe, Asia, North America, the Middle East, and Australasia.

Thomas has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Scenic Design, minoring in Architectural Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

In his downtime Thomas practices traditional arts such as painting, sketching, glass blowing, pottery, welding, wood carving, and sculpture. He is also an avid traveller and museum-goer who loves to explore new cultures, architecture, and sites.

Venue:
The Landor Pub
70 Landor Rd
SW9 9PH
4 minute walk from Clapham North tube station (Northern line). 

Event Running Time:
(We recommend arriving at 6:30pm if you're eating, and 7pm if drinks only)
Doors from 7pm
Introduction: 7:25pm
Lecture: 7:30pm
Q&A: 8:10pm
Finish: 8:30pm

FAQs:

What is Pints of Knowledge?

Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond.

What happens at Pints of Knowledge?

At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting.

What if I don't drink alcohol?

No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.

Can I attend without a ticket?

Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this.

Is there food available?

Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food.

Can I get my ticket refunded?

We issue full ticket refunds if you have requested 7 days before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Can I get my ticket exchanged?

We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser.

Is the event pet/baby friendly?

Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive.

Is the venue accessible?

All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.