ICE Futures Abu Dhabi Scenic Fabrication at ADGM

DESIGNING THE ICE FUTURES SCENIC ENVIRONMENT AT ADGM

ICE Futures Abu Dhabi launched at ADGM on 29 March 2021.

Evolution Scenic developed the scenic design and delivered the complete scenic environment, taking responsibility for the physical integration of the stage architecture, scenic walls, screen surrounds, lecterns, branded structures and flooring. The completed scope included the main stage deck, curved steps, curved backdrop and screen surround, front branded fascia, lecterns, side scenic walls, additional branded scenic structures and flooring.

The environment was developed as a coordinated temporary architectural system rather than a series of independent event components. This required the stage geometry, scenic wall profiles, technical screen openings, branding positions, material transitions and floor finishes to operate as one continuous composition. The project programme was one month, covering the development and delivery of the scenic package at the ADGM venue in Abu Dhabi.

FABRICATING THE CURVED BACKDROP AND SCREEN SURROUNDS

Evolution Scenic fabricated the principal curved scenic backdrop and screen-surround structures using a combination of MDF, plywood, timber framing and metal framing. Timber framing provided the structural basis for much of the scenic construction, while MDF and plywood created the visible architectural surfaces required for paint, laminate and graphic finishes.

Metal framing was incorporated where additional rigidity or structural support was required within the scenic assembly. Producing the curved backdrop required the framing and surface layers to remain dimensionally coordinated. The supporting structure had to maintain the intended scenic profile while providing sufficiently stable surfaces for the final finish.

The large screen openings introduced additional interface requirements. Scenic edges around technical equipment must remain visually clean while allowing the technical systems to sit correctly within the surrounding architecture. The resulting construction combined conventional scenic carpentry with structural support, curved fabrication and accurate finishing around integrated audiovisual elements.

PU PAINT, GRAPHICS AND FINISHING

PU paint provided the principal high-quality scenic finish across the fabricated environment. Large scenic surfaces require careful substrate preparation before painting. Panel joints, fixing points, edge conditions and transitions between individual fabricated sections must be prepared so that they do not remain visible through the final coating. The quality of the painted finish therefore depends heavily on the accuracy of the underlying scenic carpentry.

Vinyl graphics and printed panels were applied to selected surfaces to introduce project identity and detailed branding. Laminate provided an alternative decorative surface where required, introducing additional material variation within the overall scenic package. Illuminated branding added a further layer of fabrication by incorporating light directly into selected branded elements.

These finishes were coordinated across the backdrop, stage fascia, lecterns, side walls and supporting scenic structures to maintain a consistent visual language. The finished result depended on control at every stage, from framing and sheeting through surface preparation, paint application, graphic positioning and final installation.

FABRICATING LECTERNS, SIDE WALLS AND BRANDED ELEMENTS

The main stage environment was supported by a wider package of custom scenic elements. Evolution Scenic fabricated lecterns that followed the same material and branding language as the principal stage. Because lecterns are positioned close to presenters and cameras, their visible faces, joints, graphic alignment and finished edges form an important part of the overall scenic quality.

Side scenic walls extended the architectural language beyond the central backdrop and helped define the boundaries of the presentation environment. Additional branded structures allowed project identity to be incorporated throughout the physical setting rather than being concentrated only around the central screens. Flooring completed the lower visual plane of the environment and helped connect the audience-facing floor treatment with the stage, steps and surrounding scenic structures.

Together, these elements created continuity across the full scenic package.

FABRICATING THE SUPPORTING SCENIC ELEMENTS

The main backdrop was supported by a broader group of fabricated elements. Custom lecterns provided dedicated presentation positions while retaining the same visual identity as the stage. Side scenic walls extended the architecture beyond the principal screen area and helped establish the boundaries of the environment.

Additional branded scenic structures provided further opportunities to integrate identity into the physical space. Flooring completed the composition at ground level, allowing the scenic environment to read continuously from the audience-facing floor through to the raised stage and backdrop.

The project used a broad scenic material palette.MDF and plywood formed the principal sheet materials, supported by timber and metal framing. Acrylic, fabric and laminate were incorporated within the wider scenic package. Selecting the appropriate material for each component allowed Evolution Scenic to combine large architectural surfaces with smaller fabricated details and branded elements. The finished environment therefore depended not on one construction method but on the controlled integration of several scenic disciplines.

INSTALLING THE ENVIRONMENT AT ADGM

The scenic package was installed at the ADGM venue in Abu Dhabi. The overall project programme was one month. During installation, protection was applied to the existing floors and walls to reduce the risk of damage while scenic sections, stage components and finished structures were moved through the venue and positioned. The stage deck, curved scenic elements, screen surrounds, steps, fascia, lecterns, walls and flooring were then brought together on site. Evolution Technical’s screen systems were coordinated with the scenic works during the installation process.

DELIVERING A COMPLETE TEMPORARY SCENIC SYSTEM

The completed ICE Futures environment demonstrates how conference scenery can be approached as temporary architecture rather than conventional event dressing. The stage deck, curved steps, screen surrounds, backdrop, front fascia, lecterns, side scenic walls, graphics, illuminated branding and flooring were developed as interconnected elements within one physical system.

The project combined scenic design development, timber fabrication, metal framing, curved scenic construction, substrate preparation, PU finishing, graphics, branded fabrication and audiovisual integration. Evolution Scenic delivered the scenic architecture, while Evolution Technical supplied the screens incorporated within the finished environment. The resulting installation depended on accurate coordination between structural framing, visible scenic surfaces, technical interfaces and final finishes.

For Evolution Scenic, ICE Futures Abu Dhabi demonstrates the technical value of controlling the complete scenic process from design development through workshop fabrication, finishing and installation within an existing venue.