Expo Mosque Temporary Architecture and Scenic Construction

Constructing a Temporary Mosque at Expo City Dubai

For Hai Ramadan 2024, Expo City Dubai required a fully functional temporary mosque within a 35m × 35m enclosure. The original tent structure was supplied by another contractor, creating a fixed shell around which the architectural and technical packages had to be developed. Evolution Scenic was responsible for developing the client-supplied design and transforming the basic enclosure through structural fabrication, scenic construction, interior fit-out and building-services installation. The project therefore required the team to work across both architectural and technical disciplines rather than treating the mosque as a conventional event installation.

Evolution Scenic completed the combined fabrication and site-installation programme over two months. The finished mosque incorporated a structural-steel mezzanine and staircase, double-wall internal construction, a steel-framed external envelope and a developed architectural entrance. Plywood and fibreglass façade elements, illuminated prayer-hall features, fitted joinery and coordinated floor finishes established the visible architectural character of the completed space. At the same time, electrical systems, lighting, air conditioning, plumbing and ablution facilities ensured that the temporary mosque functioned as an operational building rather than solely as a scenic environment.

The completed installation transformed the contractor-supplied tent into a cohesive temporary place of worship with a distinct architectural identity. Internally, the fitted walls, ceiling treatments, prayer carpet, illuminated mihrab and custom joinery created a controlled worship environment. Externally, the steel-framed envelope, concrete-board construction, façade portals, lattice panels and entrance structure concealed the visual character of the original tent. The result was a coordinated temporary building that combined scenic fabrication, structural engineering, interior fit-out and building services within one integrated delivery package.

Developing the Client Design

The architectural concept was supplied by the client and developed by Evolution Scenic into a practical construction package suitable for fabrication and installation. This required the design intent to be translated into coordinated technical information that could respond to the actual site and structural conditions. The project also had to work around the dimensions and connection restrictions of a tent manufactured by another supplier. Those limitations became an important part of the technical development rather than something that could be resolved only during installation.

The existing tent influenced the positioning of the internal wall lines, external framing, mezzanine, staircase, façade geometry, foyer, ceiling and service routes. Each of these elements needed to be coordinated with the original enclosure while still maintaining the intended architectural proportions of the mosque. The new construction also had to conceal the visual character of the tent so that the finished environment did not read as a temporary enclosure with decorative panels applied over it. This required a more complete scenic and architectural treatment around both the interior and exterior surfaces.

Evolution Scenic therefore developed internal and external wall systems that established independent architectural planes around the original tent structure. These controlled surfaces created a consistent basis for installing the façade, entrance features, interior finishes and other scenic elements. By separating the visible architectural treatment from the original enclosure, the team could maintain cleaner geometry and a more convincing finished appearance. The result was a coordinated temporary environment in which the underlying tent structure was visually transformed through scenic construction and architectural detailing.

Fabricating the Structural-Steel Mezzanine

A mezzanine level was introduced within the mosque to increase the available internal space and make more effective use of the existing tent volume. Evolution Scenic fabricated both the mezzanine structure and the associated staircase from structural steel. The assembly had to fit within the restricted height and footprint of the existing enclosure while maintaining usable circulation around the main prayer area. This required the mezzanine geometry to be coordinated carefully with the wider architectural layout rather than treated as an independent platform.

The mezzanine formed part of an occupied temporary building and therefore required a robust structural approach appropriate to its function. It was not developed as a lightweight scenic deck or purely visual feature, but as a usable upper level within the completed environment. The staircase also formed part of this circulation strategy, providing access between levels while fitting within the spatial limitations of the tent. Together, the steelwork and access route needed to support the practical use of the space without disrupting the organisation of the prayer areas below.

The mezzanine fabrication also needed to coordinate with the internal wall construction, air-conditioning distribution, lighting and completed floor levels. These interfaces were important because the structural steel could not be developed in isolation from the surrounding architectural and technical systems. Accurate coordination helped ensure that the finished mezzanine integrated cleanly into the wider temporary mosque environment. 

Reinforcing the Internal Tent Walls

Evolution Scenic constructed a double-wall system around the interior of the tent to replace the soft visual character of the original enclosure with a more controlled architectural finish. The confirmed wall build-up used 18mm plywood PSB board fixed over timber formers, creating a rigid surface suitable for the internal scenic treatment. A textured painted finish was then applied to complete the wall system and establish a consistent visual language throughout the mosque interior. This construction created cleaner wall planes and gave the temporary structure a more permanent architectural appearance.

The internal wall system also provided a consistent background for the prayer hall, illuminated mihrab, shoe-storage joinery, ceiling treatments and other integrated scenic features. By introducing independent wall planes inside the tent, Evolution Scenic could coordinate these elements against a stable fabricated surface rather than the flexible tent lining. This helped maintain alignment between the architectural features and the wider interior composition. The wall construction therefore performed both a visual and practical role within the completed temporary mosque.

The internal build also needed to accommodate electrical, air-conditioning and other service interfaces without disrupting the finished wall surfaces. Openings, penetrations and service routes had to be coordinated within the timber former and board construction so that the technical systems could remain integrated with the architectural treatment. This allowed the completed walls to retain clean, continuous planes while supporting the operational requirements of the occupied space. The result was a coordinated internal envelope that combined scenic fabrication, architectural finishing and technical integration within the existing tent structure.

Building the External Wall System

Steel-framed concrete-board panels formed the mosque’s external wall system and created a more substantial architectural envelope around the existing tent. The steel framing provided a stable backing structure that was independent of the original fabric surface. Concrete board was then used as the visible external substrate, giving the perimeter a more rigid and durable finish. The project page confirms this steel-framed concrete-board construction as the principal external wall build-up.

This external system also created the base for the mosque’s repeated architectural portals, perforated screens and tower-like entrance feature. By working from a controlled structural surface, these elements could be aligned more consistently across the elevations. The wall system therefore supported both the practical enclosure of the tent and the architectural detailing applied to its exterior. This helped the completed mosque read as a coordinated temporary building rather than an exposed tent with added decorative features.

The external walls played both a functional and scenic role within the overall project. They enclosed and visually transformed the original structure while providing the surfaces required for the repeated façade language. The combination of steel framing, concrete-board panels and applied architectural elements established a continuous perimeter treatment around the mosque. The result was a stronger temporary envelope that supported the scale, rhythm and visual identity of the finished building.

Creating the Plywood and Fibreglass Façade

The external elevations were defined by a repeated sequence of tall triangular portals that established the main architectural rhythm of the mosque façade. Evolution Scenic fabricated these features using plywood and fibreglass, combining shaped scenic construction with a more refined visible finish. The portals projected outward from the main wall line, giving the elevations additional depth and helping the temporary structure read as a purpose-built architectural environment. Their repeated geometry became one of the strongest visual characteristics of the completed exterior.

Each portal needed to maintain consistent angles, openings and spacing so that the elevation remained visually controlled from one end of the building to the other. Any dimensional variation between the individual units could have disrupted the alignment of the façade and created inconsistencies where the portals met the adjacent lattice panels. Plywood provided the shaped scenic base required to establish the angular geometry, while fibreglass was used to form and finish the visible architectural surfaces. This combination allowed the repeated forms to retain a consistent profile across the full exterior treatment.

Perforated decorative lattice panels were integrated within the façade composition and positioned inside the large angular openings created by the portals. These panels introduced an additional layer of pattern and depth without competing with the dominant triangular geometry of the exterior. The construction photographs show the latticework working in direct relationship with the portal framing, creating a layered façade rather than a flat wall treatment. Together, the plywood, fibreglass and perforated panels produced a coordinated scenic envelope with a strong architectural identity.

Fabricating the Prayer-Hall Ceiling

Evolution Scenic delivered the prayer-hall ceiling together with its circular illuminated feature, creating one of the main architectural focal points within the worship space. The central element comprised a series of illuminated concentric forms that introduced depth and visual emphasis overhead. Its circular geometry contrasted with the surrounding linear surfaces while remaining integrated into the overall interior composition. The completed feature is clearly visible in the project imagery as a defining element of the prayer hall.

The ceiling treatment needed to coordinate closely with the electrical installation, lighting system and air-conditioning outlets serving the space. This required the illuminated feature to be developed alongside the technical services rather than treated as an isolated decorative component. Lighting positions and service interfaces had to work within the surrounding ceiling geometry while preserving the intended appearance of the concentric forms. The result was a coordinated overhead treatment in which scenic fabrication and technical integration operated together.

Rather than being applied as a separate decorative object, the illumination formed part of the architectural composition of the prayer hall. The surrounding ceiling lines and wall surfaces helped frame the circular feature and strengthen its visual relationship with the rest of the interior. This created a controlled connection between the overhead geometry and the prayer carpet below, reinforcing the organisation of the worship space. The finished ceiling therefore combined scenic construction, integrated lighting and interior coordination within a single cohesive architectural feature.

Creating the Illuminated Mihrab

An illuminated triangular mihrab formed the principal focal point at the front of the prayer hall and established a clear visual direction within the worship space. Its geometry continued the triangular architectural language used across the external façade, creating a direct connection between the mosque’s interior and exterior treatment. The feature was designed to sit within the wider wall composition rather than read as an isolated decorative element. This helped maintain a consistent architectural language throughout the temporary structure.

The mihrab was integrated with Evolution Scenic’s lighting and electrical package, allowing illumination to form part of the feature itself. Rather than relying on applied graphics or temporary branding, the lighting defined the triangular outline and gave the element a restrained visual presence. The illuminated edge treatment helped distinguish the mihrab from the surrounding wall surfaces while preserving the overall simplicity of the prayer-hall environment. This approach supported the functional importance of the feature without introducing unnecessary visual complexity.

The completed mihrab remained visually clear within the wider prayer-hall composition while retaining the restrained material language used throughout the mosque. Its shape, position and illumination worked together to reinforce its role as the principal architectural reference point at the front of the space. The surrounding wall and ceiling treatments supported the feature without competing with it. The result was a cohesive focal element that linked scenic fabrication, integrated lighting and the wider architectural geometry of the mosque.

Integrating Air Conditioning

Evolution Scenic also supplied the air-conditioning system required to serve the temporary mosque environment. The system needed to operate across the full 35m × 35m enclosure, supporting the main prayer hall, mezzanine, foyer and separate ablution spaces. Because these areas had different spatial conditions, the air-conditioning installation needed to be coordinated with the wider architectural layout rather than treated as a standalone technical package. This helped ensure that the completed environment remained comfortable while preserving the intended internal appearance.

Air-conditioning outlets and service routes were coordinated with the internal wall construction and ceiling treatment so that the technical systems could be incorporated without disrupting the finished scenic surfaces. The distribution needed to work around the prayer-hall ceiling, mezzanine structure, wall build-ups and other architectural features already forming part of the interior. This required close coordination between the mechanical installation and the scenic fabrication package during design development. The result was a more integrated interior in which environmental services could operate without visually dominating the architectural treatment.

Constructing the Ablution Areas

Separate ablution facilities were constructed for men and women as part of the wider temporary mosque environment. Evolution Scenic delivered the partitions, plumbing systems, ablution fittings and vinyl flooring required for both areas. The project information confirms the provision of two separate ablution spaces together with the vinyl floor finish. These facilities formed an essential functional component of the mosque and therefore needed to be integrated into the overall architectural and service layout.

The ablution areas required coordination between water services, fittings, partitions and floor finishes to create practical wet-use environments. Their positioning also needed to maintain clear separation from the main prayer area while remaining connected to the mosque’s circulation routes. Vinyl flooring provided a maintainable surface appropriate to the wet-area function and supported the practical use of the facilities. The completed spaces therefore combined plumbing, partitions, fittings and finishes within a coordinated part of the temporary building.

Producing the Shoe-Storage Joinery

Custom shoe-storage joinery and counters were installed within the mosque to support the transition between the entrance areas and the carpeted prayer hall. These elements provided a practical location for footwear storage while helping organise movement into the main worship space. The joinery needed to offer sufficient storage without obstructing circulation routes or creating congestion around the entrance. Its placement therefore formed part of the wider spatial planning of the mosque rather than functioning as standalone furniture.

The finishes were coordinated with the surrounding interior so that the shoe-storage units and counters appeared as integrated architectural elements. Their proportions and positioning needed to work with the adjacent wall treatment, flooring and circulation paths while maintaining a clean visual appearance. This approach helped the operational furniture remain consistent with the wider material language of the mosque instead of reading as temporary event equipment. The completed joinery therefore combined practical storage, circulation support and coordinated scenic finishing within the overall interior environment.

Installing the Floor Finishes

Different floor finishes were selected across the mosque to suit the practical requirements of each functional area. The main prayer hall received fitted prayer carpet, while vinyl flooring was installed within the foyer and the separate ablution areas. Grass carpet completed the external approach and immediate perimeter, creating a distinct transition between the outside environment and the enclosed worship space. This material division is confirmed by the project page and helped differentiate the worship, circulation, wet and external zones.

The floor-finishing package also required careful coordination with the wider construction sequence. Structural steelwork, high-level construction, wall finishing and service installation needed to progress without damaging the completed prayer carpet, vinyl flooring or external grass carpet. Final surfaces therefore had to be introduced at the appropriate stage of the build so they could remain clean and protected through completion. The finished flooring contributed both functionally and visually to the overall organisation of the temporary mosque environment.

Coordinating the Two-Month Programme

Evolution Scenic completed the combined fabrication and installation programme over two months, bringing together a wide range of interdependent scenic, structural and technical disciplines. The programme covered structural steel fabrication, carpentry, plywood construction, fibreglass work, concrete-board installation, paint finishes, joinery, lighting, electrical systems, air conditioning, plumbing and flooring. Because the existing tent formed a fixed structural interface, each package had to be developed around its actual dimensions and connection limitations. This required the sequencing of fabrication and site works to remain closely coordinated so that one trade could progress without restricting the installation of another.

Workshop accuracy was essential, but the project also required sufficient flexibility on site to accommodate the real geometry of the contractor-supplied enclosure. The programme needed to move logically from structural and supporting works through wall systems, architectural finishes, service installation, joinery and final flooring while maintaining access for multiple disciplines. Careful coordination was particularly important where steelwork, scenic construction and technical services occupied the same areas of the temporary building.

Delivering Functional Temporary Architecture

The completed mosque demonstrates how scenic construction can extend beyond conventional stages, exhibitions and branded event environments into functional temporary architecture. Evolution Scenic applied its fabrication capabilities to create an occupied building environment incorporating structural elements, building services, wet facilities and a fully developed architectural interior. Although the original tent remained the primary enclosure, it no longer defined the appearance or character of the finished mosque. Instead, the visible environment was created through a coordinated combination of scenic construction, architectural detailing and technical integration.

Internally, reinforced wall systems, fitted prayer carpet, illuminated architectural features, custom joinery and coordinated services established the main worship environment. Externally, steel-framed walls, concrete-board cladding, plywood and fibreglass portals, decorative lattice panels and the tower-style entrance created a completely different architectural identity around the original enclosure. These elements worked together to transform the tent from a temporary shell into a purpose-built visual and functional environment. The finished mosque therefore operated at the intersection of scenic fabrication, temporary architecture and interior fit-out.

The project also demonstrates the importance of coordinating multiple disciplines within a single delivery package. Structural construction, specialist manufacturing, lighting, electrical systems, air conditioning, plumbing, joinery and finishing all had to work within the same constrained temporary structure. Each package contributed to the final architectural result while also supporting the practical requirements of an occupied place of worship. The completed installation therefore reflects Evolution Scenic’s ability to combine technical coordination, custom fabrication and detailed finishing within one integrated temporary building solution.