The words “Bond, James Bond,” invoke a sense of cinematic adventure like no other. The spy thriller franchise has brought to life some of the most outrageous and memorable action sequences ever seen. Another feature of the franchise is the iconic locations where some of the scenes are set.
One such setting, appearing in the Daniel Craig starrer Spectre, is the bespoke building designed and constructed by Obermoser arch-omo zt gmbH inside the summit of the Gaislachkogl Mountain in Sölden, Austria, at 3,050 metres above sea level. In real life, the complex houses the cable car station and the “ice Q” restaurant, while in Spectre, it is the location of the Hoffler Clinic.
Sölden is renowned as a winter ski destination, and is in fact, the official training site for the US Ski team. In the summers, it offers challenging mountain trails with spectacular views for trekkers and mountain bikers alike. Now, Sölden has a new claim to fame. It is now home to a brand-new installation dedicated to the world of James Bond, titled 007 Elements.
Housed inside the “Obermoser” building, the installation focuses on the most recent film, Spectre, which was shot in Sölden, but also showcases the other titles in the 24-film series. The installation is a collaboration between the project’s creative director, Neal Callow, and the creative team at Optimist Design led by Tino Schaedler. Neal Callow was the Art Director on Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre. Optimist Design is a Los Angeles based company that designs staging concepts for many renowned global brands like Google, Nike and the Grammy Awards.
Their collaborative installation is an immersive, interactive, and informative experience that reveals how the world of 007 is made through an ultra-modern, emotive and engaging experience. It takes visitors on a journey through a series of nine high-tech, interactive galleries, each distilling the craft of the signature elements that define a James Bond film; the beautiful title sequences and dramatic scores, the jaw-dropping action sequences, the cars, gadgets and technology, the breath-taking locations, iconic studio sets, and a host of compelling characters.
Visitors enter the installation through the “Barrel of the gun” corridor which alludes to the opening sequence of Spectre. It leads to the outdoor “Plaza,” and then on to the “Lobby,” where director Sam Mendes welcomes visitors and explains why Sölden was chosen as a location along with other “insider information.” The “Mirror Cabinet” reminisces the memorable scenes of all Bond actors, from Connery to Craig, followed by a 360-degree visual experience.
The “Tech Lab” features Bond’s gimmick memorabilia as well as interactive platforms that give an insight into the workings of computer-generated tricks and special effects. The “Action Hall” house Bond’s crashed vehicle, together with miniature figures reproducing Spectre’s climactic scene. In the “Screening Room,” visitors can relive some of the most spectacular scenes from Spectre brought to life using the best video and audio technology available today.
The spectacular location for the installation was chosen to place guests in Bond’s environment and bring the stories to life in a unique and unforgettable way. On clear days, it offers a seemingly endless panoramic view, stretching to Zugspitze summit in the north, and to the mighty Dolomites in the south. To take in the sights, visitors can also climb the peak on foot or relax on the terrace of the ice Q restaurant.
The designers wanted the location and its pristine natural Alpine surroundings to be present in the building’s interior; thus, the decision was taken not to use air conditioning. Visitors are, therefore, advised to wear warm clothes, even in the summer months.
