Image descriptiovolution Scenic kinetic floral scenery arranged around the Expo 2020 central stage.n

Opening ceremonies require scenic elements that operate at architectural scale while responding precisely to choreography, lighting and live performance.


For the Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony on 1 October 2021, Evolution Scenic produced six large-scale kinetic flower sculptures and a collection of engineered scenic features for the performance beneath the Al Wasl Dome.


The package included moving flowers with illuminated details, interactive six-metre performance poles, manually operated flower props, a motorised stage-reveal mechanism and a 12-metre-diameter rehearsal stage. Each element combined specialist fabrication with mechanical movement, technical integration and detailed testing.

The Challenge


The scenic features needed to remain visually effective against the immense scale of the Al Wasl Dome while integrating closely with performers and the ceremony’s choreography.


The six kinetic flowers required dependable movement and illumination without restricting their scenic appearance. Hydraulic mechanisms, fibre optics, LEDs, batteries and wireless controls needed to be integrated within the fabricated forms.


The performance poles had to allow artists to move in different directions while suspended from their upper sections. This required careful attention to their bases, counterweights and structural behaviour.


A separate motorised quick-release system was also required for a precisely timed stage reveal. All elements needed to be delivered early enough for rehearsals and produced within the ceremony’s fixed timeframe.


Strict site-access and health requirements applied throughout delivery. Crew members were required to complete venue inductions and undergo regular COVID-19 testing.

The Solution


Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated six giant kinetic flower sculptures in different forms. Hydraulic systems were integrated with the petals to create controlled blooming movement, including twisting, spiralling and synchronised sequences.


Fairy lights, fibre optics and battery-powered LED systems were incorporated into the flowers to produce changing colours and illuminated effects. Wireless functionality allowed the movement and lighting to operate without visible connections interfering with the performance.


Additional flower props were fabricated with spring mechanisms, enabling dancers to open and close them manually during the ceremony.


Six-metre-high scenic poles were constructed with circular bases, integrated LED decoration and counterweights. These structures allowed performers positioned at the top to swing and travel in multiple directions as part of the choreography.


For the stage reveal, the team developed a motorised quick-release mechanism using a steel-wire system. Its operation was tested and refined to ensure the reveal could be synchronised with the live performance.


A 12-metre-diameter rehearsal stage was also constructed and delivered to the client’s designated location, providing a full-scale environment for daily performer rehearsals.


The scenic elements were produced using timber, metal and fabric, with repeated testing undertaken to verify movement, durability and safe operation before delivery to Expo.

Delivery Highlights


  • Six large-scale kinetic flower sculptures
  • Hydraulic petal movement
  • Twisting and spiralling flower actions
  • Synchronised blooming sequences
  • Battery-powered scenic elements
  • Integrated fibre optics
  • Wireless LED illumination
  • Fairy-light detailing
  • Spring-operated dancer flower props
  • Six-metre interactive performance poles
  • Circular pole bases and counterweights
  • Integrated LED pole decoration
  • Motorised quick-release stage mechanism
  • Steel-wire stage-reveal system
  • 12-metre-diameter rehearsal stage
  • Timber, metal and fabric construction
  • Factory testing and technical refinement
  • Transportation from the Evolution facility to Expo
  • Venue induction and COVID-19 testing compliance


Outcome


The kinetic flowers and engineered scenic features became integral components of the Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony’s visual storytelling.


The flowers combined large-scale sculptural forms with controlled movement and illuminated effects, while the performance poles enabled dynamic interaction between the artists and scenery. The motorised quick-release system delivered the planned stage-reveal moment in coordination with the choreography.


The full-scale rehearsal stage allowed the performance team to practise with an environment suited to the production’s requirements before the live ceremony.


Through detailed fabrication, mechanical integration and extensive testing, Evolution Scenic delivered a complex scenic package for one of Dubai’s most significant global ceremonies.

Project Ecosystem


Evolution Scenic – Kinetic flower fabrication, hydraulic mechanisms, illuminated scenic integration, performer props, counterweighted poles, motorised stage-reveal engineering, rehearsal-stage construction, testing and delivery.