Hidden Switchback

When the TSA needs to line people up efficiently in front of a checkpoint, they make a switchback path out of short poles and nylon straps.

A switchback is a path where people walk one way, switch, walk the other way, switch, walk back, and so on. 

This is so efficient that a 30 x 30 space (30 feet is 2 car lengths) can hold a 300 foot path. That’s as long as a football field. And that’s just a short one.

Now imagine instead of poles and straps, the switchback is made of walls in a box. We can’t see around the next corner. We can’t see the exit. We only see what’s in front of us.

A switchback made of walls is called a hidden switchback.

Thankfully, the TSA doesn’t use walls. But you know who does?

Haunted house operators.
Corn maze builders.
Disney.

Disney is the master of the hidden switchback. The combination of spatial efficiency and surprise at every turn is theme park magic.

Here’s the thing:
A hidden switchback layout can a small gallery into a long, delightful exhibition experience.

And that’s a magic trick that shoudn’t be left just to Disney.

Warmly,
Jonathan