Fabricating a Multi-Space Scenic Environment for Investopia 2023

Investopia 2023 took place at the Hilton in Abu Dhabi in March 2023. Hosted by the Ministry of Economy, the second edition of the two-day forum required a series of connected scenic environments rather than a single conventional conference stage. Each area needed to support a different function while maintaining a consistent visual and branding language across the venue.

Evolution Scenic delivered the scenic elements and custom fabrication across the main conference space, two secondary stages, the B2B meeting area, pre-function zones and the hotel’s outdoor terrace. The complete scope included a 21-metre-wide main stage, a six-metre-high circular logo structure, 35 custom meeting booths, two additional stages for breakout and press use, branded TV studio backdrops, freestanding scenic walls, interactive areas and bespoke elements for the gala dinner setting.

The project combined large-format scenic construction with repeated modular fabrication and smaller branded installations. From the principal stage and circular scenic structures to the meeting booths and pre-function features, each component was developed to perform a specific practical role within the wider conference environment.

By coordinating the fabrication and installation across multiple areas, Evolution Scenic created a unified physical setting that supported presentations, meetings, press activity, networking and evening hospitality within one consistent scenic system.

Establishing a Scenic Language Across the Venue

Each area within Investopia 2023 served a different operational purpose and therefore required its own scenic response. The main stage supported the largest presentations and established the principal visual identity for the project. The breakout and press stages provided smaller, function-specific environments, while the B2B area required a repeated system of custom meeting booths for one-to-one discussions.

The pre-function spaces introduced another layer of scenic fabrication through branded TV studio backdrops, freestanding walls and interactive installations. These elements supported interviews, media activity and promotional content while extending the visual identity beyond the main conference hall.

The outdoor terrace created a further change in scale and atmosphere, taking the scenic treatment from the hotel interior into an evening hospitality environment with raised platforms, circular scenic structures, branded flags, plinths, totems and ambient lighting. Evolution Scenic connected these different areas through repeated circular geometry, coordinated branding, reflective finishes and integrated illumination.

The circular form was most prominent within the main-stage centrepiece and the six-metre custom logo structure, but the same geometry was also carried into the secondary stages, illuminated branding elements and outdoor terrace installation. This repeated design language created continuity across the venue while allowing each space to retain the layout, scale and construction approach required for its specific function.

Constructing the 21-Metre Main Stage

The principal stage measured 21 metres across and was finished with carpet across the upper deck surface. Illuminated access steps were incorporated into the stage, with LED lighting integrated into the step fascias. These illuminated details defined the changes in level and connected the stage platform to the wider Investopia lighting scheme.

A complete circular scenic centrepiece formed the main three-dimensional feature within the stage composition. The structure was finished in white paint and supported by a steel framework positioned behind the visible scenic surface. Programmable lighting was integrated into the front fascia of the circular centrepiece, allowing the structure to respond to different presentation and lighting sequences throughout the programme. The combination of the white painted finish and controlled illumination gave the scenic form a clear physical presence alongside the digital content.

The circular geometry created a strong visual anchor across the 21-metre stage and established a design element that could be repeated within the breakout, press and pre-function environments.

A ramp was installed at the rear of the stage to provide an additional access route onto the platform. This allowed speakers, production personnel and other authorised users to enter the stage from behind the main presentation environment without relying solely on the audience-facing steps. Together, the carpeted stage deck, illuminated step fascias, white circular scenic structure, programmable lighting and rear access ramp created a functional conference platform with a consistent architectural identity.

Engineering the Six-Metre Circular Logo

The custom circular ring logo formed one of the project’s most substantial individual scenic fabrications. Standing six metres high, the structure functioned as a large three-dimensional scenic feature rather than a conventional sign or graphic panel. Its construction combined Styrofoam, gelcoat, metal square tubing and MDF cladding, with the completed surface finished in reflective silver metallic chrome.

The circular logo was installed on a platform measuring 9.7 metres long by 5.7 metres wide and 400 millimetres high. The platform was finished in black paint, creating a dark visual base beneath the reflective scenic structure. A 4.8-metre-diameter LED screen formed the clear visible centre of the six-metre ring. Positioned within the circular structure, the screen became the principal focal point of the scenic composition and allowed digital content to sit directly within the fabricated logo form.

The front fascia beneath the circular logo also incorporated LED screen content, extending the digital surface into the lower scenic structure and visually connecting the raised platform with the central display. The mixed construction allowed different materials to address separate requirements within the same scenic assembly. The metal square-tube structure contributed rigidity, while the Styrofoam, gelcoat and MDF cladding established the shaped visible form and prepared the structure for its reflective finish.

Circular accuracy was particularly important at this scale. The six-metre outer ring and the centrally positioned 4.8-metre LED screen needed to remain visually balanced, with consistent spacing around the full circumference. The reflective metallic finish also increased the importance of fabrication accuracy and surface preparation. Changes in curvature, joints or uneven areas would have been more visible under the surrounding stage and screen lighting than they would have been with a low-sheen painted finish.

Producing Thirty-Five Custom Meeting Booths

The B2B environment contained 35 custom meeting booths designed and fabricated for one-to-one discussions. Each booth was constructed around a painted metal frame, providing a consistent structural system across the full installation. The frames were clad in MDF and finished with vinyl branding across the lower wall sections.

The upper portion of each booth incorporated printed acrylic panels, introducing a lighter visual layer above the solid MDF construction. A circular MDF signboard was positioned at the top corner of each unit to identify the individual meeting booth.

The coordinated dark blue panel system, repeated branding positions and circular booth identifiers created a clear and organised meeting environment. The partitions defined each discussion area while maintaining visual continuity across the wider B2B space.

Cable-management provisions were incorporated into the rear wall of every booth, allowing power and data connections to be routed discreetly behind the scenic finishes. This helped keep the visible meeting areas clear while supporting the operational requirements of each position.

Producing 35 repeated units required controlled dimensions, consistent graphic placement and a planned assembly sequence. The combination of painted metal framing, MDF cladding, printed acrylic panels and integrated cable management allowed the booths to function as both branded scenic structures and practical meeting environments.

Supporting the Breakout and Press Environments

Evolution Scenic designed, fabricated and installed two additional stages for the breakout sessions and press conference programme. The first stage was constructed as a five-metre-diameter circular platform standing 300 millimetres high. The stage was finished with PVC flooring and incorporated LED lighting within the access steps. An acrylic lightbox logo was integrated into the front fascia, creating a clear illuminated branding feature at audience level.

An LED screen backdrop was positioned directly behind the stage, with freestanding acrylic logo lightbox totems installed on both sides of the screen. Together, the circular platform, illuminated fascia and freestanding scenic elements created a compact secondary environment that remained visually connected to the principal Investopia stage.

The second stage measured 4.8 metres by 2.4 metres and stood 150 millimetres high. It was finished with PVC flooring and included LED lighting at the stage corners. A press conference table arrangement was positioned on the platform to support interviews and media sessions.

An LED screen formed the backdrop directly behind the stage. On the opposite side of the platform, Evolution Scenic installed a three-metre-high angled scenic wall finished with vinyl branding. Although the two stages used different dimensions and layouts, consistent finishes, illuminated details and Investopia branding allowed the breakout and press environments to operate independently while remaining part of the same overall scenic system.

Creating the Pre-Function Scenic Features

The pre-function scope included branded TV studio backdrops, freestanding scenic walls and interactive areas for interviews, photography and promotional content. These elements extended the scenic treatment beyond the principal conference rooms and created a series of branded environments within the surrounding circulation spaces.

The TV studio backdrops were constructed around painted metal frames clad in MDF. The lower sections were finished with vinyl branding, while the upper portions incorporated acrylic sheets with printed vinyl logos. Door access was integrated into each enclosed studio area, allowing production personnel and authorised users to enter the space without interrupting the visible branded surfaces.

Evolution Scenic also produced 13 freestanding branded walls in a range of heights, including 2.4 metres, three metres and 3.6 metres. Each wall was finished with a high-resolution printed fabric banner, creating large-format branded surfaces across the pre-function area.

The variation in height created visual hierarchy while allowing the scenic walls to respond to different positions, sightlines and branding requirements. Together, the metal-framed studio backdrops, printed acrylic logo sections and fabric-finished freestanding walls created a coordinated series of scenic focal points around the main conference spaces.

Extending the Environment onto the Terrace

Evolution Scenic also delivered bespoke scenic elements for the gala dinner on the Hilton’s outdoor terrace. The principal feature consisted of three connected circular structures positioned on top of a raised platform. Each structure was fabricated from a steel frame clad in MDF, creating a rigid scenic form with a clean finished surface.

Radial metalwork extended through the centre of the circular composition, while an open circular focal point remained visible within the structure. This layered construction added depth without creating a fully enclosed scenic wall. The three circular structures were connected across the upper section, allowing them to read as one continuous architectural installation. Their repeated geometry extended the circular design language established throughout the Investopia environment.

Ambient lighting was incorporated around the terrace to emphasise the scenic forms and support the evening setting. The lighting highlighted the circular profiles, radial metalwork and raised platform after dark. Furniture arrangements, branded flags, plinths and freestanding totems were positioned throughout the terrace area. These elements extended the project branding beyond the central feature and created a coordinated scenic environment across the wider outdoor space.

Together, the steel-framed circular structures, radial metalwork, raised platform, ambient lighting and supporting branded elements created a sophisticated temporary environment for the evening programme.

Coordinating Installation Across Multiple Areas

The project required scenic installation across several rooms and operating environments within the same venue, with each area presenting different access, sequencing and coordination requirements.

The principal stage and two secondary stages needed to align with the wider technical production programme, while the 35 meeting booths required repeated installation across the B2B area. The pre-function scenic features occupied shared circulation spaces, requiring careful positioning so that the branded structures could be installed without disrupting the overall venue layout.

The outdoor terrace introduced a separate installation environment, with the raised platform, connected circular structures, branded elements, furniture and ambient lighting all requiring coordinated placement. A multi-space project of this scale depended on a controlled installation sequence. Larger scenic structures needed to be positioned before surrounding furniture, technical equipment and other production elements reduced access to the working areas.

The repeated meeting booths also required consistent spacing and alignment across the completed B2B environment. Coordinating the installation in this way allowed the main stage, secondary stages, meeting area, pre-function features and terrace elements to be delivered as one connected scenic environment.

Delivering a Cohesive Conference Environment

The completed Investopia installation connected several different physical settings through one consistent scenic identity. The 21-metre main stage provided the principal architectural environment, while the six-metre reflective circular logo introduced a large custom-fabricated focal point within the wider conference setting. The 35 meeting booths translated the same branding language into a repeated functional system designed for one-to-one discussions.

The two secondary stages, branded TV studio backdrops, freestanding scenic walls, interactive areas and outdoor terrace features extended the design language across the remainder of the venue. Although each area served a different purpose, repeated circular forms, coordinated finishes, branded surfaces and integrated lighting helped maintain visual continuity throughout the project.

The result demonstrates how scenic fabrication can support a conference environment at several different scales. Large sculptural structures establish visual presence, while stages, partitions, backdrops, meeting booths and supporting scenic elements organise the practical use of each space. By coordinating these individual components as one complete installation, Evolution Scenic created a multifunctional temporary environment that supported conference presentations, press activity, networking, meetings and evening hospitality within a unified scenic system.

Creating a Multi-Zone Scenic Environment for the Qudwa Teachers’ Forum

The Qudwa Teachers’ Forum was staged at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in 2017. The physical environment extended beyond a single conference stage, requiring a main auditorium, six breakout rooms inside the ballroom, three further breakout rooms elsewhere in the venue, corridor installations and furnished terrace areas.

Evolution Events worked from a client-supplied concept and coordinated the wider event delivery. Evolution Scenic was responsible for fabricating and installing the principal scenic elements that shaped the auditorium, breakout rooms and circulation spaces.

This distributed scope required a consistent scenic language that could operate at different scales. The main auditorium needed to function as the visual centre of the project, while each breakout room required a smaller but complete environment incorporating staging, branded walls and screen integration. The work therefore involved more than creating a single scenic backdrop. It required a temporary architectural system capable of extending through several parts of Emirates Palace.

Building the Main Auditorium

The auditorium package was organised around a fabricated stage deck and steps. Behind the stage, a black scenic backdrop provided a controlled visual field for the remaining scenic and technical components. A custom central surround integrated the venue’s main screen into the overall stage composition.

The venue screen was not supplied by Evolution Scenic or Evolution Technical. Scenic responsibility centred on the physical structure surrounding it and the way that structure connected visually with the stage, backdrop and adjacent display features.

Smaller side screens were supplied by Evolution Technical. These were integrated into scenic and graphic display surrounds fabricated by Evolution Scenic.

The arrangement required close coordination between the technical equipment and the surrounding construction. Openings and finished edges needed to align with the screen dimensions, while the scenic structures had to provide a clean visual interface without preventing technical installation or access.

Dimensional icon panels introduced physical depth across the backdrop. Unlike flat printed graphics, these elements created changes in relief and shadow, allowing the visual identity to become part of the constructed environment.

The lower stage area incorporated branded fascia and panel-session scenic structures. Custom lecterns completed the presentation setting, while carpet and floor finishes established the auditorium footprint. Together, these elements formed a complete temporary scenic composition rather than a stage assembled from isolated rental components.

Manufacturing Nine Breakout Environments

The breakout-room requirement was substantial. Six temporary rooms were created within the ballroom, with three additional breakout environments installed elsewhere at Emirates Palace. The original project page confirms that the rooms incorporated bespoke stages and backdrops. Evolution Scenic constructed the environments using freestanding modular partitions fabricated in workshop-built sections. This method provided several operational advantages. The wall structures could be cut, framed, assembled and finished under controlled workshop conditions. Graphic positions, joints and visible edges could be checked before the sections reached the venue.

The modular approach also created repeatability. Where the breakout rooms shared common details, the same construction principles could be used across several units rather than developing every room as a completely separate build. Once delivered, the sections could be assembled into temporary room layouts without relying extensively on the permanent venue walls. Each breakout environment incorporated its own stage, backdrop and screen surround. Smaller screens were supplied by Evolution Technical and fitted into the prepared scenic compositions.

Although the rooms belonged to one project identity, they still needed to work individually. The construction therefore had to balance consistency with the practical requirements of each space. The available source material does not provide the dimensions of the partitions, stages or screen openings. It also does not identify whether every breakout room followed exactly the same layout. Those details have not been assumed.

Using Materials Across Different Scenic Functions

The confirmed construction palette included MDF, plywood, timber framing, metal framing, acrylic, fabric, printed panels, vinyl graphics, laminate, PU paint and carpet. This range supported both structural and decorative requirements. Sheet materials could be used to form stage surfaces, wall faces, fascias and display structures. Timber framing provided an adaptable method for producing the larger modular partitions, while metal framing could support details requiring additional rigidity or reduced visual bulk.

Acrylic enabled dimensional graphic components and other refined details to be incorporated into the scenic package. Printed panels, fabric and vinyl graphics carried the Qudwa identity across the auditoria, breakout backdrops, corridor installations and signage. The use of several graphic methods allowed the visual language to be adapted to different substrates and scales.

Laminate and PU paint provided controlled scenic finishes, while carpet helped define the floors of the temporary environments and cover transitions between constructed scenic elements and the venue surface. The precise material build-up of every component has not been supplied. The material list is therefore presented as a confirmed overall project palette rather than as a detailed specification for individual elements.

Extending the Scenic Environment into the Corridors

The project did not stop at the doors of the auditorium and breakout rooms. Custom infographic walls and freestanding panels were installed through the corridors. The original project described these installations as a way of carrying information and visual content through the venue’s circulation areas.

From a scenic perspective, the corridor elements served an architectural purpose. They changed the routes between rooms from neutral venue spaces into part of the temporary project environment. Freestanding construction allowed graphic content to be introduced without depending entirely on the permanent walls. It also supported the requirement to protect existing venue surfaces.

Signage and wayfinding were integrated with these graphic elements. This allowed operational information to use the same materials, proportions and branding as the main scenic package. The result was continuity between the principal auditorium, the breakout rooms and the routes connecting them.

Coordinating Scenic, Technical and Furniture Delivery

The project required coordination between several Evolution departments and the venue. Evolution Scenic fabricated the physical scenic package. Evolution Technical supplied the smaller screens used within the side displays and breakout environments. The main auditorium screen was supplied by Emirates Palace.

This division of responsibility made interface coordination important. Scenic structures had to be built around equipment supplied by other parties, while still achieving consistent finished edges, alignment and access. Evolution Furniture supplied the terrace furniture. These outdoor settings extended the project beyond the enclosed conference spaces and provided a coordinated furniture environment for the terraces, as also recorded on the original project page.

Evolution Events developed the delivery from the client-supplied concept, coordinating the different physical and operational components into one project. The ecosystem demonstrates how scenic fabrication can sit within a wider production structure without blurring responsibility. Screens remained technical equipment, furniture remained a specialist furniture supply and the constructed stages, walls, surrounds, lecterns and graphic installations remained part of the scenic scope.

Project Outcome

The Qudwa Teachers’ Forum environment demonstrated how multiple temporary spaces could be manufactured and installed as a single coordinated scenic package. Evolution Scenic delivered the physical construction required for the main auditorium and nine breakout rooms while also extending the project identity into corridors and circulation spaces.

The use of workshop-built modular partitions supported the three-day phased installation and reduced the amount of on-site fabrication required inside Emirates Palace. Technical responsibilities remained clearly defined. The venue supplied the main screen, Evolution Technical supplied the smaller screens and Evolution Scenic fabricated the surrounding physical structures.

Evolution Furniture’s terrace package completed the project ecosystem, while Evolution Events coordinated the delivery from the client-provided concept. The completed environment stands as a practical example of multi-room scenic fabrication, temporary conference architecture and coordinated installation within a protected venue.

Developing the 10 × 8 Metre Reusable Retail Architecture

Evolution Scenic developed the Tropicfeel Pop-Up as a complete temporary retail environment within a 10 × 8 metre footprint at Flat12 Café in Dubai. The scenic architecture needed to support the functions of a working retail space while reflecting Tropicfeel’s focus on durable, adaptable and reusable products.

The layout accommodated footwear, garments, bags, bottles and packaged accessories through a combination of full-height display structures, angled shelving, hanging areas, open compartments and lower pallet-style display plinths. An information desk, concealed storage and fitting rooms were also integrated into the overall plan.

Rather than creating a continuous site-built interior, the scheme was developed around independent fabricated components that could be repositioned and retained for future activations. This modular approach also supported efficient adjustments during installation.

The 1.2-ton classic Range Rover formed the principal feature within the space. Its position, together with the custom steel ramps and freestanding branded logo, was coordinated with the surrounding merchandising and circulation areas.

By combining product displays, operational joinery, fitting-room architecture, storage, branding and the vehicle feature within one defined footprint, Evolution Scenic created a cohesive temporary retail environment based on reusable scenic construction.

Fabricating the Mobile Merchandising Display System

Evolution Scenic fabricated the principal merchandising structures from a combination of white wood and PSB board, creating a coordinated system of freestanding scenic display units. Each structure was developed to support different merchandise categories while maintaining a consistent architectural language across the Tropicfeel retail environment.

The internal configurations varied according to product requirements. Selected bays incorporated angled footwear shelves alongside garment hanging areas, while other units featured open compartments for bottles, bags and packaged accessories, allowing multiple merchandising functions to be integrated within the same scenic framework.

Every display stand was fitted with castor wheels incorporating brakes, allowing complete units to be repositioned during installation without dismantling the main structure. This also provided flexibility for future activations, where the displays could be rearranged to suit different spatial layouts and merchandising requirements.

Once positioned, the integrated brakes secured each unit within the completed retail layout. This mobile scenic construction combined operational flexibility, efficient installation and long-term reuse, supporting Tropicfeel’s requirement for an adaptable temporary retail system.

Integrating Product Display and Branded Merchandising Features

The internal architecture of the display bays was developed around the presentation requirements of different Tropicfeel product categories. Each unit needed to support a clear merchandising function while remaining visually consistent with the wider scenic and architectural language of the retail environment.

Angled shelving provided dedicated display surfaces for footwear, improving product visibility within the freestanding units. Integrated hanging areas accommodated garments within the same structural framework, allowing footwear and apparel to be presented as part of one coordinated display system.

Open compartments were incorporated for bottles, bags and packaged accessories, creating additional merchandising zones without introducing separate standalone furniture. This helped maintain a controlled layout and allowed multiple product types to be organised within the same fabricated display architecture.

Branding was integrated directly into the scenic construction through selected fascia surfaces finished with vinyl stickers. This allowed graphic communication to become part of the display system itself, reinforcing brand identity without relying on additional freestanding signage.

The combination of angled shelving, hanging systems, open compartments and branded fascia treatments created flexible merchandising zones while maintaining a consistent and reusable scenic construction language throughout the Tropicfeel retail environment.

Coordinating White Wood, PSB Board and Mixed Scenic Finishes

The principal product display structures were fabricated using a combination of white wood and PSB board, creating a material palette that balanced natural visual character with practical scenic construction. This combination established a consistent architectural language across the merchandising system while supporting the project’s requirement for reusable components.

White wood formed many of the exposed frames and visible scenic surfaces, giving the display units a warmer and more natural appearance. Selected white wood elements received a clear coat finish, helping protect the material during handling and repeated use while retaining its original surface character.

PSB board was incorporated into display panels, storage assemblies and branded components where more solid scenic surfaces were required. Used alongside the white wood framing, it allowed the units to combine open structures, shelving, compartments and fascia sections within the same coordinated display system.

Paint finishes and vinyl graphics were introduced selectively where individual elements required a more controlled branded treatment. This created visual variation across the displays without disrupting the overall material consistency of the retail environment.

The mixed-material approach supported both the scenic appearance and the longer-term reuse strategy. Durable fabricated components could be handled, repositioned and repurposed for future Tropicfeel activations while maintaining a consistent architectural and merchandising language.

Constructing the Bespoke Information Desk with Concealed Storage

Evolution Scenic fabricated a bespoke information desk as the principal customer-facing joinery element within the Tropicfeel pop-up. The desk was developed to provide a clear reception point while remaining visually consistent with the material language established across the wider retail environment.

The external structure was constructed from white wood and finished with a clear coat, preserving the natural appearance of the material while providing additional protection for repeated handling and future reuse. This finish also helped connect the desk visually with the surrounding display units and pallet-style merchandising elements.

A three-dimensional Tropicfeel cut-out logo was integrated directly into the front fascia and completed with a painted finish. Incorporating the branding into the joinery gave the counter a defined identity without requiring an additional freestanding graphic or secondary signage element.

Internally, the desk incorporated a dedicated storage structure fabricated from PSB board and finished with paint. This concealed compartment provided practical space for operational materials while keeping the customer-facing surfaces controlled, organised and free from visible storage items.

By combining reception functionality, integrated branding, durable finishes and concealed storage within one custom-built structure, the information desk operated as both a functional retail counter and a coordinated piece of scenic joinery within the temporary Tropicfeel environment.

Fabricating the Low-Level Pallet Display Plinths

Evolution Scenic fabricated custom pallet-style display plinths from white wood to create lower-level merchandising surfaces throughout the Tropicfeel retail environment. The units introduced a secondary display height beneath the full-height merchandising bays, helping establish a more layered composition within the 10 × 8 metre footprint.

The plinths used a repeated slatted construction with open-framed side elevations and a timber deck across the upper surface. This pallet-inspired architectural treatment reduced the visual mass of the units while creating depth and texture through the repeated horizontal and vertical timber members.

Their low-profile form provided flexible presentation surfaces for footwear, accessories and other featured products without interrupting sightlines across the wider retail space. The open construction also allowed the plinths to sit comfortably alongside larger display structures while retaining their own distinct scenic character.

Each unit received a clear coat finish, protecting the exposed white wood while preserving its natural grain, tone and material texture. This treatment maintained continuity with the white wood used across the information desk and principal merchandising structures.

As freestanding scenic components, the pallet displays supported the project’s wider reuse strategy and could be repositioned within different retail configurations. Their combination of slatted joinery, natural material treatment and adaptable low-level presentation made them functional pieces of reusable scenic retail architecture.

Constructing the Storage and Fitting-Room Architecture

Evolution Scenic integrated dedicated storage and fitting-room facilities into the temporary retail environment, ensuring that operational functions were incorporated within the same architectural language as the public-facing merchandising areas.

The enclosure walls were fabricated from MDF and completed with a paint finish, creating clean scenic surfaces that aligned with the surrounding display structures and information desk. This allowed the fitting-room and storage zones to read as part of the wider retail architecture rather than as separate temporary additions.

Within the fitting rooms, curtains provided privacy while mirrors supported the practical requirements of the changing areas. These elements were coordinated within the fabricated wall system so the customer facilities remained visually consistent with the overall Tropicfeel environment.

The adjacent storage areas provided concealed operational space for stock and supporting materials, helping keep the principal retail zones clear and focused on product presentation. Integrating storage into the scenic construction also reduced the need for exposed back-of-house items within the public-facing layout.

By incorporating fitting rooms, mirrors, curtains and concealed storage into the overall scenic build, Evolution Scenic created a more complete temporary retail environment within the 10 × 8 metre footprint, combining customer functionality with coordinated architectural fabrication.

Engineering the Range Rover Feature and Branded Foreground

A 1.2-ton classic Range Rover formed the principal feature within the Tropicfeel retail environment, creating a strong focal point within the 10 × 8 metre layout. Its position was coordinated with the surrounding merchandising structures so the vehicle became part of the wider scenic composition rather than an isolated display element.

Evolution Scenic fabricated dedicated steel ramps to support and elevate the vehicle within the space. Finished in black paint, the structural steelwork was visually controlled and integrated with the overall feature while providing the load-bearing capacity required for the confirmed vehicle weight.

The ramps functioned as engineered scenic structures rather than decorative platforms, combining structural performance with a clean architectural finish. Their placement established the vehicle at a defined display height while maintaining a clear relationship with the adjacent product displays and customer circulation areas.

A freestanding three-dimensional Tropicfeel logo was positioned across the foreground of the vehicle feature. The letters were fabricated from PSB board and finished with white paint, while the supporting base received a contrasting black paint finish to coordinate with the steel ramp system.

Together, the raised Range Rover, black-painted steel ramps and contrasting branded foreground created a defined scenic focal point within the pop-up. The feature combined structural metalwork, custom branding and retail spatial planning as one coordinated architectural installation.

Installation, Delivery and Completion of the Reusable Scenic Environment

Evolution Scenic completed the full Tropicfeel installation within an eight-hour programme, coordinating the scenic, joinery, branding and structural elements within the 10 × 8 metre retail footprint. The compressed installation period required the prefabricated components to be positioned efficiently while maintaining the intended spatial arrangement and circulation.

The castor-mounted merchandising units supported an efficient site sequence by allowing complete display structures to be moved directly into position and adjusted within the finished layout. Once aligned, the integrated brakes secured each unit, reducing the need for additional on-site fixing while preserving the flexibility of the reusable display system.

Installation of the wider scenic package included the pallet display plinths, bespoke information desk, storage structures, painted MDF fitting-room walls, curtains, mirrors, vinyl-branded fascias and freestanding three-dimensional logo. These elements were coordinated as one temporary retail architecture rather than installed as unrelated individual components.

The black-painted steel vehicle ramps formed a separate structural element within the installation sequence and were positioned before the 1.2-ton Range Rover was placed into its final display location. The vehicle, ramps and contrasting branded foreground were then aligned with the surrounding merchandising structures to complete the principal scenic focal point.

Because the product displays were fabricated as independent castor-mounted units, the completed system also supported future handling, transportation and reconfiguration. The finished installation demonstrated how mobile scenic joinery, temporary retail architecture, branded finishes and structural metalwork could be delivered within a compact footprint while retaining the adaptability required for future Tropicfeel activations.

Building More Than 24 Bespoke Exhibition Environments

The 2022 Make it in the Emirates forum required a large-scale exhibition environment capable of presenting a diverse collection of UAE companies and organisations within the Abu Dhabi Energy Center. The space needed to accommodate multiple exhibitors while maintaining a consistent overall visual language throughout the venue.

Evolution Scenic designed and built more than 24 bespoke exhibition stands, with each environment tailored to the identity, branding and presentation requirements of the organisation it represented. This allowed every exhibitor to retain its own character while remaining part of a cohesive event environment.

From a fabrication perspective, this created a substantial requirement for repeatable scenic construction across multiple custom-built spaces. Although each stand had its own layout, graphics and configuration, the structures needed to be manufactured to a consistent standard and installed efficiently as part of one larger temporary environment.

The resulting exhibition featured custom scenic walls, portals, counters, display areas and architectural elements, with integrated graphics, screens and lighting helping to create complete branded environments across the exhibition floor.

Creating Architectural Forms From Scenic Fabrication

The exhibition was developed around a consistent architectural language, using angular portals, projecting canopies, recessed wall sections and freestanding scenic structures to create depth and visual interest across the individual stands.

MDF scenic cladding formed the finished surface for many of these structures, allowing clean edges, precise geometric profiles and smooth architectural finishes. Behind the visible panels, timber and metal framing provided the necessary support for the larger fabricated forms and helped maintain their overall shape and stability.

A custom-made 3D Make it in the Emirates logo installation was also fabricated as a prominent feature within the event environment. The dimensional logo was constructed on a purpose-built platform, finished with paint and enhanced with integrated lighting to define the angular forms and create a strong illuminated presence.

The combination of structured framing, scenic cladding and custom 3D fabrication made it possible to create more refined exhibition environments than conventional modular stand systems. Careful coordination between the internal structure, finished surfaces and integrated lighting ensured that each element maintained a clean and consistent architectural appearance throughout the venue.

MDF Cladding and Scenic Finishes

The visible surfaces across the exhibition were predominantly clean and architectural, with light-coloured finishes giving the structures a refined stone or concrete-inspired appearance. MDF was used as the principal scenic cladding material, providing a smooth and versatile surface for the custom-built walls, counters, portals and feature structures.

Its machinability allowed the fabrication team to produce crisp corners, straight runs and precise angular profiles across the stands, supporting the strong geometric language of the overall design. The MDF surfaces were then finished through the scenic paint and finishing process to achieve a consistent appearance across the different fabricated elements.

The finishing palette was further developed through a combination of stone-effect surfaces, high-gloss black feature panels and carefully detailed counter fronts. Integrated downlighting within the projecting canopy structures added depth to the finished MDF forms, while green wall elements introduced a natural contrast against the hard architectural finishes and helped define individual exhibition spaces.

This combination of accurate fabrication and carefully applied finishes helped create a polished architectural look throughout the exhibition, while maintaining visual consistency between individual stands and the wider event environment

Building Around LED Display Technology

Digital screens were incorporated into numerous exhibition structures, forming an important part of the presentation and communication strategy across the event environment. 

The screens were recessed within fabricated walls and feature panels, creating clean, integrated presentation areas for digital content while maintaining the architectural character of each stand. This approach allowed the technology to feel like part of the scenic design rather than a separate add-on.

The scenic fabrication was developed to accommodate the dimensions and depth of the display hardware while maintaining a neat finished surround. Openings, panel depths and framing needed to be coordinated carefully so that each screen sat correctly within the structure and aligned with the surrounding surfaces.

By integrating the displays directly into the scenic architecture, the stands achieved a more refined and cohesive appearance while still providing flexible digital platforms for branded content, presentations and visual communication.

The integration of display technology was supported by complementary scenic elements including illuminated portals, feature towers and interactive presentation points, allowing digital content to be distributed throughout the exhibition environment. This combination of screens, lighting and custom-built structures created a layered visitor experience, while maintaining a consistent architectural finish across the individual stands.

Main Stage and Branded Scenic Architecture

The project extended beyond the exhibition floor into the main presentation environment, where the scenic language was carried through into a large-scale stage designed for keynote speeches, panel discussions and official ceremonies.

Evolution fabricated a high-impact main stage incorporating custom scenic structures, branded finishes and a substantial digital presentation surface. The stage was developed with a strong architectural composition, using layered platforms, illuminated steps, scenic side towers and integrated branding to create a clear focal point within the auditorium.

The large digital screen formed the central backdrop for presentations and event content, while the surrounding scenic elements framed the display and helped create a more complete branded environment. Dedicated seating areas, presentation positions and stage access were incorporated into the overall layout to support the different programme requirements.

Integrated lighting within the stage edges, steps and scenic features added definition to the structure and strengthened the overall visual impact. The main stage followed the same fabrication approach as the exhibition stands, bringing together custom scenic architecture, branding, digital technology and lighting as one coordinated event environment.

Panel Discussion and Signing Environments

Dedicated panel discussion and signing zones were also constructed as part of the project, extending the scenic environment beyond the exhibition stands into more formal presentation and agreement-signing spaces.

These areas required a different configuration from the exhibition floor, with the layout designed to support official meetings, presentations and signing activities. Custom scenic backdrops, branded side panels and a purpose-built signing desk helped create a professional and clearly defined environment for these functions.

The signing area also incorporated a large digital backdrop, raised carpeted platform and coordinated branded graphics, creating a strong visual setting for photography, media coverage and formal ceremonies. The surrounding scenic elements helped frame the space while maintaining the same design language used throughout the wider event.

A total of 32 Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the forum, making these dedicated environments an important part of the overall event delivery. Evolution’s role included constructing the physical settings required for these activities, extending the scenic scope from exhibition fabrication into temporary presentation and ceremonial architecture.

Custom Furniture and Supporting Scenic Infrastructure

The exhibition environments were completed with custom-built furniture, display counters and supporting structural elements, helping each area function as a complete and practical event space while remaining consistent with the overall scenic design.

Counters were integrated directly into the scenic architecture rather than treated as separate furniture pieces. Reception and information points incorporated branded finishes, directional information and venue mapping, allowing functional visitor services to become part of the wider visual environment.

Furniture and seating were positioned throughout the exhibition to create comfortable meeting, networking and presentation areas. Dedicated lounge settings incorporated upholstered seating, occasional tables and raised carpeted platforms, supported by custom scenic backdrops and integrated lighting to create clearly defined spaces within the venue.

Supporting scenic infrastructure also included branded information walls, display features and purpose-built structures that helped organise visitor movement and communication across the event. This combination of scenic construction, custom furniture and functional elements allowed Evolution to deliver fully resolved environments rather than isolated fabricated walls.

Coordinating a Multi-Zone Installation

The scale of the project required multiple fabrication disciplines to come together within one coordinated installation, with numerous exhibition stands and shared spaces needing to operate as part of a unified environment.

Carpentry and scenic construction formed the physical basis of the stands, while paintwork, graphics, lighting, greenery and digital displays completed the finished environments. Consistent architectural forms and material finishes helped maintain a clear visual language across the different zones.

The installation also required careful coordination between circulation routes, individual stand layouts and shared presentation areas. Each display screen needed to fit its scenic opening, graphics had to align with finished panels, counters and furniture needed to sit correctly within the fabricated structures, and integrated lighting had to complement the overall scenic design.

This level of coordination was essential to delivering a large-scale exhibition environment in which multiple bespoke spaces could function independently while still reading as one cohesive temporary architecture.

Delivering a Consistent Scenic Finish Across Diverse Stands

The finished installation demonstrates the value of maintaining a consistent fabrication standard across a large number of individual exhibition spaces, each with its own branding, layout and functional requirements.

Although the stands represented different organisations and industries, the use of clean architectural forms, fabricated walls, integrated displays, graphics, coordinated lighting and carefully finished surfaces created a coherent visual environment throughout the Abu Dhabi Energy Center.

Evolution's role covered the design and execution of the exhibition setup, ensuring that scenic, structural and branded elements were integrated consistently across multiple zones. Careful attention to proportions, finishes and detailing helped the individual stands retain their own identity while still belonging to the wider event environment.

The completed project therefore demonstrates not simply the ability to fabricate an individual exhibition stand, but the ability to coordinate multiple bespoke scenic builds as one large temporary architectural installation with a unified level of finish and presentation.

Building a Data-Led Forum Environment at Manarat Al Saadiyat

The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Data Analytics Forum was established in 2019 as a platform for tourism professionals to exchange data, research and insights affecting the future of the sector. Hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the inaugural forum examined the role of analytics and technology in developing Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. The event took place at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island.

Evolution Scenic was appointed to deliver the forum’s scenic and branding environment. Working from a client-supplied concept, the team fabricated and installed the physical elements required to organise the venue into a series of distinct but connected spaces. The scope included the main stage, workshop environments, Tourism Data Lab structures, infographic walls, registration facilities, networking areas, monitor kiosks, branded plinths, partitions, signage and floor-applied wayfinding.

Translating the Supplied Concept into Buildable Scenery

A creative concept establishes the visual direction of an environment, but it does not automatically resolve how each element will be constructed. Evolution Scenic’s role required the supplied design to be interpreted as a practical fabrication package. Scenic walls needed supporting frames. Counters required usable working surfaces and enclosed structures. Display panels had to remain stable and flat. Monitor kiosks needed to accommodate technical equipment, while the stage required safe access and accurate integration with presentation systems.

The project used MDF, plywood, timber framing, metal framing and acrylic across its different scenic elements. These materials allowed the fabrication team to respond to the changing structural and visual requirements of the venue. MDF provided smooth finished faces. Plywood offered strength where components needed to resist handling or carry fixings. Timber and metal framing created the supporting construction, while acrylic was used for precisely formed display and branding details. Painted finishes, printed panels and vinyl graphics transformed the structural components into a consistent branded environment.

Fabricating the Main Presentation Environment

The main forum space was centred on a purpose-built scenic stage. Evolution Scenic fabricated the stage deck, access steps and backdrop walls. Custom lecterns were produced to complete the setting and provide functional presentation positions aligned with the surrounding scenic treatment. The relationship between the stage and the backdrop was important. The deck created a defined presentation plane, while the scenic walls provided architectural scale and held the forum identity around the main content area.

Stage steps needed to be positioned for direct movement without interrupting the visual composition. Fascias, junctions and painted surfaces had to remain consistent when viewed from across the room. The original Evolution Scenic project record identifies the main forum stage as one of several coordinated areas delivered for the event.

Constructing the Tourism Data Lab

Beyond the main stage, the Tourism Data Lab created a more spatial and interactive setting for information. Evolution Scenic fabricated open timber-framed structures that defined the area without closing it off from the wider venue. The repeated framing established an architectural rhythm and made the Data Lab identifiable from different approaches. Unlike a conventional solid partition, the open structure preserved visibility and allowed the space to remain connected to surrounding circulation.

Monitor kiosks, branded plinths and information displays were incorporated into this environment. The scenic elements supported the presentation of digital and printed content while giving the Data Lab its own physical character. The visible framing also required a high standard of finish. Structural components that remain exposed need accurate joints, consistent spacing and cleanly resolved connections because there are fewer applied surfaces available to conceal construction tolerances.

Producing Freestanding Infographic Environments

The forum used freestanding infographic walls to present information beyond the stage and Data Lab. These scenic structures combined graphic communication with temporary construction. Each wall needed to provide a smooth, accurately aligned surface for printed data while remaining stable within a public circulation area. MDF and plywood supplied the rigid faces, while timber or metal framing provided the supporting structure. Printed panels and vinyl graphics carried the information across the completed surfaces.

Monitor kiosks and branded plinths introduced additional formats for displaying content. Together, the physical displays created a layered environment in which information could be read from walls, viewed on monitors or encountered at individual stations. This distributed approach allowed the data content to become part of the venue architecture rather than remaining confined to the main presentation screen.

Creating Functional Scenic Joinery

Registration and networking areas required scenery that could also function as working furniture. The registration counter needed to present a finished public-facing surface while providing a practical operating position behind it. Counter dimensions, worktop construction, internal framing and graphic placement all contributed to its performance. Networking counters provided points for informal discussion throughout the venue. Partitions helped define these areas and distinguish them from the more formal stage and workshop settings.

Although these pieces were smaller than the main backdrop walls, their construction quality remained important. Visitors encountered them at close range, making alignment, paintwork, vinyl application and edge finishing particularly visible. The joinery therefore needed to be robust enough for operational use while retaining the visual language established across the larger scenic package.

Extending the Environment Through Graphics and Wayfinding

The forum identity continued beyond the fabricated stage and display structures. Evolution Scenic installed printed panels, applied vinyl, signage, floor graphics and pathfinding elements across the venue. The original project record confirms that the wayfinding package was intended to support a cohesive and functional journey between the forum’s different spaces.

Floor graphics were particularly effective because they introduced direction and branding without requiring additional freestanding structures. Signage identified individual areas, while applied graphics connected counters, partitions, walls and plinths to the same visual system. The combination of scenic construction and environmental graphics allowed the venue to be read as one complete temporary installation rather than a series of separately branded rooms.

Coordinating Multiple Scenic Systems

Delivering the forum required several fabrication disciplines to operate together. Carpentry formed the stage decks, walls, counters and display structures. Timber and metal framing supplied structural support. Acrylic components created refined branded details, while paint and graphics completed the visible surfaces. These processes needed to follow a coordinated production sequence.

Frames and substrates had to be completed before final finishing. Graphic dimensions had to correspond with the fabricated faces. Monitor openings and equipment supports needed to be established before kiosks were closed and finished. Consistency was equally important. Repeated graphic alignments, panel details, counter proportions and material transitions allowed elements of different sizes to appear related. This coordination is what turns a collection of scenic components into a complete environment.

Installing the Forum at Manarat Al Saadiyat

The fabricated elements were delivered and installed across the selected areas of Manarat Al Saadiyat. The main stage established the central presentation setting. The Tourism Data Lab, infographic walls and monitor kiosks formed the information environment. Registration and networking joinery supported the operational areas, while graphics and signage connected the different zones across the venue.

The screens and monitors were supplied and installed by Evolution Technical. This allowed the scenic structures and audiovisual equipment to be coordinated within the same wider production team, including the integration of display openings, equipment positions and monitor kiosks. Temporary scenic projects are normally planned around restricted access periods and the activities of other production departments. Scenic installation must therefore be sequenced with technical systems, venue operations, graphics and final dressing.

Delivering a Cohesive Physical Environment

The completed scenic package gave each part of the forum an identifiable purpose. The main stage provided a formal architectural setting for keynote content. The open-framed Tourism Data Lab created a recognisable destination for analytical material. Freestanding infographic walls and monitor kiosks distributed information throughout the venue.

Registration counters, networking joinery, partitions and wayfinding supported the movement and operation of the forum. Each element performed a separate role, but the shared materials, graphics and finishes allowed the components to operate as one visual system. Evolution Scenic’s contribution lay in turning the supplied concept into a functioning temporary environment through coordinated fabrication, scenic joinery, material construction, graphic integration and on-site installation.

Engineering the Nano Robot for Mansour Festival

The 2024 Mansour Festival at Zayed Sports Complex required a large-scale scenic interpretation of the Nano Robot character. Evolution Scenic was responsible for designing, fabricating and installing the freestanding structure in Abu Dhabi. The completed robot measured approximately 8 metres wide, 6.3 metres deep and 3 metres high. Its wide overall dimensions were created by four projecting wing structures arranged around a more compact central body. The complete structure had an approximate weight of 100–150 kilograms.

Although visually read as one object, the Nano Robot was not manufactured as one continuous component. Its construction was divided between a single central assembly and four separately fabricated wings. This division allowed the workshop team to preserve the scale of the final design while making the widest elements easier to transport and install.

The central structure incorporated the main robot body and all four support legs. This section was fabricated as one piece, measuring approximately 3 metres in diameter and 3 metres high. Keeping the central body and legs together maintained their dimensional relationship throughout production and installation. The four wing structures extended from this central form to create the complete 8-metre width.

Their projecting geometry gave the robot its distinctive silhouette, but also introduced practical constraints. Permanently fixing all four wings during workshop production would have created a component that was unnecessarily wide and difficult to transport. Evolution Scenic therefore treated the robot as a modular scenic system. The central section provided the principal freestanding structure, while the wings were developed as detachable assemblies.

Constructing the Central Steel Assembly

Mild-steel square tube formed the structural framework within the robot’s central body and legs. The steel structure established the main geometry, supported the shaped exterior and transferred the completed assembly onto four individual leg positions. Each leg incorporated a metal base plate at floor level. These plates provided defined contact points beneath the structure and supported the freestanding installation.

Steel flat bars were incorporated at the top of the leg structures. These created attachment points for the main fiberglass body and helped connect the visible sculptural form to the internal framework below. The combination of square-tube framing, upper flat-bar connections and lower base plates created a continuous supporting arrangement from the main body to the venue surface.

The visible bodywork was produced using shaped styrofoam with polyurea and fiberglass finishes. Styrofoam allowed the workshop team to develop the curved volume of the character around the internal metal structure. The material could be shaped into rounded transitions that would have been more difficult to achieve using flat sheet materials alone.

Polyurea and fiberglass finishes were applied to protect and strengthen the shaped scenic surfaces. The bodywork concealed the internal square-tube construction while retaining the smooth, simplified geometry required by the character design. The four legs followed the same overall fabrication language. Their visible surfaces enclosed the structural metalwork, while the circular metal base plates remained positioned beneath them.

Fabricating Four Modular Wing Assemblies & Acrylic Mirror Features

The Nano Robot incorporated four wing structures, each fabricated as an individual component. This was a deliberate transport and installation decision. Separating the wings reduced the dimensions of the principal body assembly and protected the projecting elements during handling. Each wing was constructed around a metal supporting arm. Shaped styrofoam and fiberglass scenic elements were fixed to the arm to create the circular outer profiles and internal blade-like forms visible in the completed installation.

The metal arm performed both a structural and logistical role. It supported the shaped wing components while also creating the connection through which each wing could be attached to the central body. The wings were completed using paint and applied vinyl graphics. Their black and yellow surfaces continued the visual language of the central robot body and defined the perimeter of the structure.

Acrylic elements formed the dark mirror-like panels within the robot body. These components were manufactured from 6mm acrylic sheet and completed with a vinyl-applied finish. The existing project record identifies sourcing and shaping the transparent acrylic components as one of the production challenges.

The acrylic needed to fit accurately within the surrounding shaped styrofoam while maintaining the intended visual relationship with the curved body surface. Metal strips were used to retain the acrylic panels within the styrofoam construction. This provided a physical fixing method rather than relying only on the applied finish or adhesive bond. The resulting detail combined three distinct materials: the structural metalwork behind the body, the shaped scenic surround and the finished acrylic feature panel.

Coordinating Scenic Finishes, Transportation & Installation

Paint and vinyl graphics were used across the central body and wing structures. The painted finish established the strong yellow and black colour treatment visible across the robot, while vinyl provided the branded lettering and additional surface graphics. The acrylic features also used applied vinyl to create their mirror-like visual finish. Coordinating these treatments required the visible surfaces to align across several material types, including fiberglass, acrylic and the wing components.

The finish therefore depended on more than colour matching. Graphic positions, panel boundaries, curved surfaces and component junctions all needed to work together once the four wings were installed around the central body.

The structure’s modular breakdown was established around transportation requirements. The central body and four legs were retained as one assembly. This reduced the number of major structural connections required at the venue and kept the main supporting geometry intact.

The four wings travelled as separate components.

Their metal supporting arms allowed the shaped scenic assemblies to remain complete while being handled independently from the robot body. This approach moved a substantial amount of detailed finishing into the workshop. The styrofoam shaping, fiberglass work, paint and vinyl graphics could be completed before the parts reached the venue. On site, the installation team could concentrate on positioning the central body, connecting the completed wing components and checking the relationship between all four assemblies.

A rubber mat platform was installed beneath the completed robot. This formed a protective layer between the scenic structure and the existing venue surface. The four metal base plates rested within the defined installation footprint created by the mat. The mat also visually separated the robot from the surrounding ground without introducing a raised scenic deck. Because the central body and legs formed one assembly, their position needed to be established before the four projecting wings were installed. The modular wings could then be attached around the body without requiring the full 8-metre-wide structure to be transported as one piece.

Delivering Within a One-Month Production Programme

Evolution Scenic completed the production within one month. The programme included structural metal fabrication, styrofoam shaping, polyurea and fiberglass finishing, acrylic preparation, paintwork, vinyl graphics and the manufacture of four separate wing assemblies. This work was delivered while the project was also affected by extended approval periods, resource constraints and other concurrent workshop commitments.

The completed components were transported to Zayed Sports Complex and assembled as an 8-metre-wide freestanding scenic structure. The finished Nano Robot demonstrates how a visually complex character can be resolved through a clear fabrication hierarchy: a rigid central steel structure, lightweight sculptural bodywork, separately manufactured projecting components and detailed acrylic and graphic finishes. Evolution Scenic’s delivery brought metalwork, three-dimensional scenic production, fiberglass construction, paintwork, graphics and installation together within one coordinated character build.