Helene Furján’s article, Sir John Soane’s Spectacular Theatre, examines the transformation of Soane’s house at 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields into a theatrical architectural spectacle. Originally conceived as a museum and model townhouse, the building transcended its initial function to become a dramatic stage where visitors participated in immersive visual experiences. Soane’s design employed elements such as light, shadow, mirrors, and carefully curated objects to evoke a sense of mystery, awe, and intellectual engagement. These effects were especially potent in spaces like the Breakfast Room and the museum section, where catacombs and crypts were designed to evoke Gothic literary themes of gloom and grandeur. Drawing inspiration from Gothic literature, Graveyard poetry, and neoclassical aesthetics, Soane merged the picturesque and the sublime with architectural innovation.

Furján contextualizes Soane’s work within the broader cultural trends of late 18th and early 19th century London, noting that the house-museum reflected the era's fascination with theatricality. Soane’s design paralleled the entertainment industry’s rise, with spectacles such as the Eidophusikon and Diorama influencing his use of space. His architecture blurred the line between viewer and participant, turning visitors into active characters within the carefully crafted drama of his home.

To present the discovery of Soane’s approach, a digital render and pop-up zine were created. The render captures the dynamic interaction of light and space, while the pop-up zine unfolds the narrative of the museum’s transformation, offering a tactile and visual exploration of its theatrical qualities.