*R*DUCAB Double-Decker Exhibition Stand Fabrication for MEE 2023

Engineering the Double-Decker Exhibition Architecture

Evolution Scenic delivered the complete two-level exhibition environment for DUCAB, developing the structural framework and scenic architecture as one coordinated temporary build. The stand occupied a 15-metre by eight-metre ground-floor footprint, creating 120 square metres of exhibition space, while the completed structure reached an overall height of five metres.

A circular mezzanine measuring six metres in diameter introduced a dedicated upper-level meeting environment without increasing the ground-floor allocation. The elevated area allowed the stand to accommodate private meeting and hospitality functions above the main exhibition space while retaining an open and accessible layout below.

The mezzanine was supported by a custom mild-steel structural system forming the principal load-bearing framework of the double-decker stand. This structure supported the upper floor, curved perimeter architecture, glazed frontage and staircase, allowing the architectural treatment to be developed around a stable temporary steel framework.

At mezzanine level, Evolution Scenic fabricated a curved MDF architectural surround with integrated frames designed to receive ten-millimetre tempered glass. The glazed frontage maintained visual connection between the upper meeting space and the exhibition floor, while backlit acrylic DUCAB branding was positioned above the curved perimeter to strengthen the upper level as a prominent architectural feature.

Access to the mezzanine was provided through a custom mild-steel staircase finished with MDF scenic cladding and integrated cove strip lighting. A glass railing was installed at the landing to maintain the open architectural character of the upper level. The mezzanine structure was also load tested in accordance with Dubai Municipality requirements, completing the structural and compliance requirements of the temporary double-decker construction.

Constructing the Raised Platform and Accessible Floor System

The complete ground-floor environment was established on a 15-metre-wide by eight-metre-deep raised platform, creating a controlled architectural base for the full exhibition layout. The platform defined the footprint of the stand and supported the reception, hospitality, networking, product-display and seating areas within one coordinated floor system.

Evolution Scenic constructed the platform from plywood and applied a six-millimetre MDF layer across the upper surface. This additional layer created a smooth and consistent substrate for the PVC floor finish, helping the completed floor read as a continuous architectural surface rather than a series of separate platform sections.

The finished platform stood 100 millimetres above the surrounding exhibition floor. This raised construction provided a unified level across the stand while also helping visually distinguish the DUCAB environment from the adjacent exhibition aisle.

Ramp access was incorporated at both the front and rear of the stand. These transitions were integrated directly into the platform construction, allowing access to form part of the scenic architecture rather than appearing as separate temporary additions.

By treating the platform, floor finish and access points as one coordinated construction package, Evolution Scenic created a continuous ground-floor plane that supported the stand’s different functional zones while maintaining consistent levels, finishes and circulation throughout the exhibition environment.

Integrating the Main LED Backdrop and Concealed Operational Space

The principal DUCAB LED-screen backdrop was developed as a multifunctional scenic wall, combining digital presentation, illuminated branding, technical support and concealed operational storage within a single architectural element.

The visible structure was fabricated from MDF and finished in white paint to maintain continuity with the wider stand architecture. Within the depth of the backdrop, Evolution Scenic incorporated a dedicated storeroom, complete with an access door and a small fixed glass window, allowing practical back-of-house functionality to be integrated directly into the scenic construction.

A light-pass acrylic backlit DUCAB logo with applied vinyl graphics was positioned above the main screen area. This illuminated branding was integrated into the scenic elevation rather than added as a separate surface treatment, helping connect the digital display with the wider visual language of the stand.

The LED screen required an independent support system behind the finished wall. Truss was positioned at the rear of the scenic structure to provide the necessary technical support while remaining concealed from normal visitor sightlines. This separation allowed the visible MDF surfaces to retain a clean architectural finish without carrying the full technical load of the display system.

By combining the screen surround, concealed storeroom, structural truss support and backlit branding within one coordinated scenic feature, Evolution Scenic used the available wall depth efficiently while maintaining a controlled and visually refined exhibition frontage.

Fabricating Interactive and Digital Scenic Features

Several bespoke scenic elements were developed across the ground floor to support digital interaction, product engagement and information display. Rather than introducing freestanding technical equipment into the space, Evolution Scenic integrated the digital hardware directly into purpose-built scenic structures.

The interactive world-map installation and podium lightbox were constructed around a steel-framed structure, providing a durable internal framework for the feature. MDF cladding formed the visible surfaces, which were finished in white PU matt spray paint to maintain consistency with the wider stand architecture. Backlit acrylic branding with applied graphics was incorporated into the fabrication as part of the finished scenic composition.

A separate networking-screen structure was manufactured from fire-retardant MDF and finished in the same white PU matt spray-paint treatment. A 55-inch touchscreen was integrated into each face, allowing the feature to operate from both sides and support interaction from different circulation directions within the exhibition space.

Aluminium-profile diffusers with integrated LED lighting were installed along the edges of the networking feature. These illuminated details helped visually define the structure while framing the digital interfaces as part of the architectural language of the stand rather than as standalone screens.

Evolution Scenic also fabricated a custom plinth for a ten-inch iPad. The PU matt spray-painted enclosure incorporated a removable internal server shelf and mesh cover, allowing supporting equipment to remain accessible and ventilated. Together, these features demonstrate how digital hardware, scenic joinery, structural framing, lighting and service access were coordinated within a unified exhibition fabrication package.

Developing the Dual-Faced DMB Display and Media Wall

The DMB feature was engineered as a double-sided scenic structure, allowing two distinct presentation functions to be incorporated within a single footprint. The approach reduced the need for separate display walls while creating a coordinated scenic element that could support both physical product presentation and digital media.

On the front elevation, Evolution Scenic fabricated an illuminated product-display wall from fire-retardant MDF with a white PU matt spray-paint finish. Six-millimetre crystal-clear glass was used for the display shelving, while opal-white acrylic and light-pass graphics were integrated into the illuminated sections to create a series of built-in product-display lightboxes.

The reverse elevation was developed as the DMB LED-screen wall. This face used the same fire-retardant MDF construction but was finished with metallic brushed laminate across the front and side surfaces, introducing a contrasting material treatment within the wider stand architecture.

Plywood reinforcement was incorporated internally to provide dedicated support for the LED screen. The upper section of the wall was left open to allow ventilation around the integrated equipment, ensuring that the technical requirements of the display system were accommodated within the scenic construction.

By developing both elevations as one coordinated wall system, Evolution Scenic combined display joinery, illuminated graphics, screen integration, structural reinforcement and ventilation within a compact architectural feature. The result allowed the stand to support both physical and digital content without compromising the visual consistency of the overall exhibition environment.

 Manufacturing Hospitality Joinery and Coordinating Interior Finishes

Custom scenic joinery was fabricated throughout the stand to support reception, hospitality and informal meeting functions. The principal reception counter measured three metres long, 700 millimetres wide and one metre high. It was manufactured from MDF and finished in white PU matt spray paint, with a backlit acrylic DUCAB logo integrated into the front elevation.

A separate coffee counter was fabricated using the same MDF construction and white PU matt finish. An integrated cove LED profile introduced a controlled illuminated detail within the counter architecture. A consistent material palette connected these elements with the wider stand. White PU matt spray paint was used across the reception counter, coffee counter, interactive structures, networking display and product-display fabrication, while metallic brushed laminate provided contrast at the DMB media wall.

Integrated illumination formed part of the scenic architecture throughout the environment. Backlit acrylic logos, LED profiles, illuminated shelving and staircase lighting were incorporated directly into the fabricated elements.

The ground floor was completed with armchairs and tables arranged according to the stand design. The mezzanine incorporated sofa seating, tables, a freestanding television stand, planter boxes and vinyl flooring, creating a more enclosed meeting and hospitality environment above the public exhibition level.

Installation, Testing, Handover and De-Rig

Evolution Scenic handled the complete site delivery of the exhibition environment, bringing together structural steelwork, scenic carpentry, glazing, technical display supports, lighting, floor finishes, branding and furniture.

Installation required close coordination between the mild-steel mezzanine structure and the surrounding scenic package. The raised platform established the primary floor geometry before the upper structure, staircase, curved mezzanine frontage and glazed architectural elements were integrated.

At ground level, the LED backdrop, concealed storeroom, reception and coffee counters, interactive features, networking screens, DMB display wall and custom digital plinths were positioned within the completed structural environment.

Technical interfaces were incorporated into the scenic fabrication during installation. Screen-support dimensions needed to correspond with the display systems, the curved glazing had to follow the mezzanine radius accurately, and scenic cladding needed to conceal structural elements without restricting ventilation or equipment access.

The DMB wall incorporated an open upper section for ventilation, while the custom iPad plinth retained removable access to its internal server shelf. The mezzanine structure was load tested in accordance with Dubai Municipality requirements before final operation.

Once completed, the stand provided reception, product-display, hospitality, networking and interactive functions across the ground floor, with a dedicated circular meeting environment positioned above.

The finished project demonstrates how temporary exhibition architecture can integrate structural steelwork, scenic joinery, specialist finishes, glazing, digital infrastructure and illuminated branding within a single coordinated double-decker construction.