Orchard's New MRT-Themed Photo Booth by Solace Studio

Source: Solace Studios | Instagram

In the vibrant district of Orchard, Singapore, a remarkable new destination has opened its doors, quickly becoming a hotspot for both locals and tourists. Solace Studio, a company celebrated for its unique thematic environments, recently unveiled the first MRT-themed photo studio. This creative endeavour, known as Solace Station, is strategically located in Orchard Gateway and has been attracting visitors since its grand opening on the 20th of April, 2024.

Solace Studio’s track record includes the creation of a highly popular aeroplane-themed photo studio, which captured the public’s imagination and went viral. Leveraging this success, they have now shifted their focus to a theme even more integral to Singaporean life—the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.

Global Recognition of Singapore's MRT

Singapore’s MRT system is renowned worldwide for its efficiency, cleanliness, and the integral role it plays in the daily life of the city-state. This global admiration has inspired themes and concepts in various forms of media and entertainment, including Solace Studio’s photo studio concept. The fascination with Singapore’s MRT extends beyond practicality; it embodies a cultural icon, celebrated for its technological advancement and societal integration.

A Fusion of Art and Culture

Capturing the Commuter Experience

The concept of Solace Station is particularly resonant in Singapore, where the MRT is more than just a mode of transportation; it is a vital component of daily life. This studio transforms the mundane act of commuting into an artistic activity, allowing visitors to interact with and appreciate the subtleties of the MRT environment in new and creative ways. For many, it offers a pause, a moment to engage with a familiar space presented with an unfamiliar twist, thereby enriching the narrative of their personal or shared journeys.

Creative Space for Artistic Expression

By integrating elements of public transport into a creative milieu, Solace Station also stands as a celebration of Singapore’s commitment to efficient and clean urban transport. The studio offers a playful yet profound way to engage with public infrastructure, turning it into a canvas for artistic expression. This approach not only makes art accessible but also highlights the aesthetic qualities of everyday life.

Design and Authenticity at Solace Station

Meticulous Recreation of an MRT Station

The studio’s design meticulously recreates the ambiance of an MRT station, complete with fare gates at the entrance that add to the overall immersive experience. Inside, an array of photo booths mimics the interior of MRT train cabins with remarkable detail. Each booth is equipped with sliding doors that enhance the authenticity of the setup. The designers have paid close attention to details, including handrails, station maps, platform signage, and tactile paving on the floors—elements that replicate the actual look and feel of genuine MRT stations.

Themed Photo Booths for Diverse Experiences

Solace Station features five unique photo booths, each designed to offer a different experience and ambiance:

Grey Classic Booth: This booth captures the sleek, modern design of the newer MRT trains, providing a contemporary backdrop for photos.
High Angle Train Cabin: Offering a bird’s-eye view of the train cabin, this booth is perfect for dramatic, expansive shots that capture the essence of MRT travel.
Train Door Cabin: This setup features a realistic train door, offering visitors the experience of boarding or alighting from a train, ideal for dynamic, action-oriented photos.
Fisheye Lens Train Cabin: Utilising a fisheye lens, this booth offers a distorted, wide-angle perspective of the train cabin, adding a quirky twist to photographs.
White Cabin Booth: With its bright and clean aesthetics, this booth provides a stark contrast to the more industrial look of the other setups, offering a fresh, vibrant setting for photos.

The station is not just about taking pictures; it’s outfitted with a variety of props that evoke the MRT experience. ‘Priority Seating’ signs, a ‘Fake Emergency Exit’, and other train-inspired elements not only add realism but also provide playful and interactive opportunities for visitors to craft engaging photo narratives.

Affordable and Accessible Experience

Pricing and Packages at Solace Station

Pricing at Solace Station is designed to be affordable, allowing everyone the opportunity to capture their moments. Photo strips in the Classic and Train Cabin booths are priced at $10 for two, with the same offerings in the Train Cabin design priced at $12. For individual frames, prices remain consistent across different booths. In addition to the initial offerings, extra physical printouts can be purchased for just $2 each, and digital files or GIFs are available free of charge, making it easy to share memories on social media.

Solace Station transcends the typical photo booth experience. It is a place where memories are made, reflecting the integral role of public transport in Singaporean life. The studio serves not only as a reminder of daily commutes but also as a creative outlet for capturing and preserving memories in a novel and artistic manner.

Enhancing Social Connectivity

A New Venue for Social Interaction

Moreover, Solace Station provides a unique venue for social interactions, where individuals and groups can come together to create shared memories. It is a space that encourages collaboration and storytelling, offering diverse backdrops that cater to various moods and themes. From friends capturing fun moments to families creating new memories, the studio accommodates all, making each visit unique.

Ideal for Events and Gatherings

Whether it’s birthday parties, team-building exercises, or just casual meet-ups, the photo studio offers a versatile and engaging environment that enhances any celebration. The interactive nature of the booths, combined with the novelty of the MRT theme, ensures that every event is memorable and distinct.

As Solace Studio continues to push the boundaries of what a photo booth can offer, Solace Station stands as a testament to their innovative spirit. It blends cultural nostalgia with contemporary leisure, offering a unique experiential space where art intersects with everyday life. Whether seeking a quirky new profile picture, an enjoyable family excursion, or an extraordinary date spot, Solace Station provides an unmatched photographic adventure in the heart of Singapore.