Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Stranger Things Sets Explained by Production Designer
Stranger Things production designer Chris Trujillo recently shared details about some of the show's most iconic sets.
The Pain Tree, which is the Mind Flayer, was described as one of the most unique and gross sets, made from foam and metal inspired by internal organs.
The WSQK radio station was inspired by an old radio station exterior and blends Art Deco design.
The Hawkins Lab Hallways were designed to look like they are melting supernaturally.
MAC-Z, the Military Access Control Zone, was recreated from locations in Jackson, Georgia, with influences from New York's historic buildings.
Trujillo's experiences in New York helped shape the set designs, giving fans a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the show.
The Pain Tree set, representing the Mind Flayer, was described as 'epically gross' and made from foam and metal inspired by internal organs.
The WSQK radio station set was inspired by an old radio station exterior and blends Art Deco design with Hawkins Rock Radio Station.
The Hawkins Lab Hallways were designed to look like they are melting in a supernatural way, with increasing severity.
MAC-Z, the Military Access Control Zone, was recreated from locations in Jackson, Georgia, with influences from New York's preserved historic buildings.
Production designer Chris Trujillo shared these insights in an interview with Architectural Digest.
- Who
- Chris Trujillo, the production designer of Stranger Things.
- What
- A detailed tour and explanation of iconic sets from Stranger Things.
- When
- The interview was published on January 5, 2026.
- Where
- The sets are part of the Stranger Things series, with some inspired by locations in Jackson, Georgia, and New York.
- Why
- To provide fans with insights into the creation and design of the sets.
- Pain Tree
- An enormous foam sculpture with metal infrastructure, inspired by internal organs and flayed bodies.
- WSQK Radio Station
- Inspired by an old radio station exterior, blending Art Deco era design with Hawkins Rock Radio Station.
- Hawkins Lab Hallways
- Designed to look like the building is melting in a supernatural way, with increasing severity.
- MAC-Z
- Recreated from locations in Jackson, Georgia, with influences from New York's preserved historic buildings.
- Production Designer
- Chris Trujillo, who provided a detailed tour of the sets in an interview with Architectural Digest.