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.

Translating the Concept into a Complete Symposium Environment

Evolution Scenic developed the client-supplied concept into a complete temporary environment extending across the ballroom, foyer and workshop areas. The project needed to support several different functions: a principal presentation stage, panel discussions, collaborative workshops, registration, information points and participant circulation. Although each area performed a different role, they needed to feel like parts of the same event rather than separate scenic installations.

The concept was therefore developed as a connected spatial system. Geometry, proportions, graphic treatments, finishes and architectural details were coordinated across the different environments to establish a consistent visual language.

At the same time, the scenic design had to be translated into practical workshop-built components. Framing, panel sizes, freestanding bases, junctions, technical openings and modular connection points were resolved so that the environment could be fabricated off-site, transported efficiently and assembled within the hotel. This approach allowed the project to operate as one complete symposium environment while still responding to the individual requirements of each venue zone.

Building the Main Presentation Architecture

The main ballroom environment was centred around a raised stage deck with integrated access steps and a large-format scenic presentation backdrop.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the scenic architecture surrounding the central LED display, allowing the screen to become part of the overall stage composition rather than appearing as an independent technical element. Angular scenic forms, branded surfaces and large-format graphic treatments extended across the presentation elevation, creating a clear visual focus for keynote presentations and panel sessions.

Custom lecterns and panel-session units were fabricated to follow the same architectural language. Their proportions, frontal branding and surface finishes were coordinated with the stage backdrop so that the presentation furniture appeared as an intentional part of the scenic environment. The finished stage brought together decking, scenic elevations, branded graphics, presentation joinery and screen integration within one coordinated architectural composition.

Creating Workshop and Discussion Spaces

Away from the main ballroom, the symposium required smaller environments for workshops, discussions and collaborative sessions. Evolution Scenic fabricated modular partitions and freestanding scenic structures to establish these spaces without making permanent alterations to the hotel interior. The partitions provided visual separation while also carrying event graphics, typography and informational content, allowing the architecture itself to contribute to the identity of each workshop area.

Monitor stations and information counters were developed as purpose-built scenic assemblies. Counter surfaces, technical displays, graphic headers and vertical information panels were combined into individual structures rather than treated as separate furniture and equipment.

This helped the workshop environments maintain the same level of visual control as the principal stage while adapting the scenic language to a smaller and more functional scale.

Shaping Arrival, Branding and Wayfinding

The scenic package extended beyond the principal presentation and workshop environments to address how participants arrived, identified destinations and moved through the venue. Evolution Scenic fabricated a coordinated range of registration and reception counters, freestanding directional signs, branded towers, graphic walls, sponsor panels, photo backdrops and entrance structures. These elements were positioned to support both functional circulation and visual continuity across the ballroom, foyer and workshop areas.

“The Loft” entrance feature formed one of the principal destination markers within the symposium. Its freestanding construction, angular profile and bilingual graphic treatment created a recognisable architectural threshold into the workshop environment while reinforcing the event identity at a key transition point. Branded towers and directional elements provided additional vertical landmarks throughout the venue, helping participants identify routes and destinations without relying on conventional standalone signage alone. Their repeated proportions, finishes and graphic treatments also helped connect the different functional zones visually.

Graphics were integrated directly into scenic walls, counters, towers and freestanding structures so that branding and wayfinding became part of the architectural composition rather than being applied as a secondary layer after fabrication. This approach allowed the arrival experience, orientation system and environmental branding to work together as one coordinated scenic language, strengthening both the operational clarity and the visual consistency of the symposium environment.

Fabricating the Scenic Architecture and Custom Joinery

The project was manufactured as a modular workshop-built scenic package using MDF, plywood, timber framing, metal framing, acrylic, fabric, laminate, printed panels, vinyl graphics and PU paint. MDF and plywood were used across scenic wall surfaces, shaped panels, stage fascias, counters, lecterns and presentation furniture. Timber framing provided the internal structure for many of the modular walls and joinery assemblies, while metal framing was incorporated where additional rigidity, slimmer structural sections or improved freestanding stability were required.

Laminate provided durable finishes to selected working surfaces and counters, while PU paint created a controlled architectural finish across fabricated scenic elements. Acrylic, fabric, printed graphics and vinyl treatments introduced additional surface character and allowed branding to be incorporated at different scales throughout the environment. By manufacturing the project as modular components, Evolution Scenic could produce both large architectural scenery and detailed custom joinery within one coordinated fabrication programme.

Integrating Screens, Lighting and Scenic Systems

Evolution Technical supplied the LED screens, monitors, lighting and associated technical equipment, allowing the scenic and technical packages to be developed as a coordinated system rather than as separate disciplines.

The main LED display was integrated directly within the fabricated stage backdrop and scenic surround. Its position influenced the dimensions of the surrounding scenic panels, visible edge conditions, structural allowances and the overall composition of the presentation elevation.

Workshop monitors were similarly incorporated into purpose-built information stations, scenic counters and discussion-area structures. This ensured that the digital displays appeared as part of the designed environment rather than as independent technical equipment introduced after fabrication.

These integrations required close coordination between the visible scenic finishes and the technical requirements concealed behind them, including equipment positioning, support framing, cable access, connection points and operational clearances. Lighting was also coordinated with the scenic architecture so that key surfaces, branded features and presentation zones could be visually defined without disrupting the overall design language of the environment.

The collaboration between Evolution Scenic and Evolution Technical allowed screens, monitors and lighting systems to function as intentional architectural components within the symposium setting. This level of integration helped maintain clean sightlines, controlled scenic detailing and a consistent relationship between physical scenery, environmental graphics and digital content across the main stage and supporting workshop spaces.

Delivery, Installation, Handover and De-Rig

Evolution Scenic delivered the complete scenic package through a phased two-day installation programme across the ballroom, foyer and workshop areas. Because the principal structures had already been fabricated as modular workshop sections, site activity could focus on controlled unloading, positioning, assembly, alignment and final integration rather than extensive fabrication inside the hotel.

The larger scenic components—including the stage deck, backdrop, LED surround and principal partitions—were assembled before the smaller joinery, counters, entrance features, branded towers and directional structures were positioned. Evolution Technical coordinated the installation of screens, monitors and lighting with the scenic structures before graphics, floor finishes and final presentation details were completed. Protection was maintained to the hotel’s existing floors and walls throughout delivery and installation.

Once scenic construction, technical integration and final finishing were complete, the environment was prepared for operational handover. Following the symposium, Evolution Scenic carried out the complete de-rig. Stage components, scenic walls, partitions, counters, entrance structures, graphics, signage and supporting scenic elements were dismantled and removed from the venue. The modular construction method allowed larger structures to be separated into manageable transportable sections during removal, after which the ballroom, foyer and workshop spaces were returned to their original condition.

Engineering the Interactive Scenic Environment

The ADEO EC Retreat TP took place in Abu Dhabi in 2025, with Evolution Scenic delivering the complete fabrication and installation of the interactive scenic environment. The project comprised a coordinated series of freestanding workshop walls, participant engagement features and tinted-acrylic display structures. Each element was developed around a specific workshop function, including strategic discussion, voting, idea development, mapping and participant feedback.

To create consistency across the different installations, Evolution Scenic developed a common structural methodology for the freestanding scenic walls. Each unit incorporated a timber-framed internal structure positioned on a plywood base and finished with MDF cladding to create smooth architectural surfaces for paint and printed vinyl application.

The lower sections of the walls incorporated concealed counterweight supports, allowing the structures to remain stable without permanent fixing to the existing venue architecture. Removable rear access panels were integrated into the base areas so the counterweight zones could be reached during positioning, installation and final adjustment.

This repeatable structural system created a reliable technical foundation across the project while allowing each wall to adopt its own scale, graphic treatment and interactive components. By maintaining a shared construction language throughout the installation, the different workshop features could operate as individual engagement tools while still reading as part of one coordinated temporary scenic environment.

Fabricating the Answer, Voting and Ideation Walls

The Write Your Answer Wall, Voting Wall and Ideation Wall were developed using the same principal freestanding scenic construction methodology. Each structure incorporated a timber-framed internal support system mounted on a plywood base and finished with MDF cladding. The MDF provided a clean, continuous surface across the participant-facing elevations while also creating a suitable substrate for the applied graphic finishes.

Printed vinyl graphics were applied to the visible wall faces according to the individual workshop layouts. This allowed each installation to perform a different engagement function while maintaining the same construction quality and visual consistency.

The Write Your Answer Wall provided a dedicated surface for participant responses, while the Voting Wall and Ideation Wall were organised around their respective workshop activities.

Behind the finished surfaces, the timber framing, counterweight supports and structural interfaces remained concealed within the scenic assembly.

Removable rear access panels allowed the lower support areas to remain serviceable during installation without interrupting the clean architectural appearance of the participant-facing sides. Using a shared construction system across these walls also created consistency in proportion, finish and structural behaviour, helping the separate workshop elements read as one integrated scenic package rather than unrelated standalone displays.

Constructing the Lovable Abu Dhabi Interactive Feature Wall

The Lovable Abu Dhabi Wall introduced additional three-dimensional and physical interaction into the standard freestanding wall construction. The principal structure was developed using the same timber-framed support methodology, with a plywood base, MDF cladding and a printed vinyl finish across the main participant-facing surface.

Small MDF boxes were incorporated on both sides of the wall, extending selected parts of the installation beyond the primary display plane and introducing a more layered scenic composition.

The centre section incorporated 40-millimetre nails positioned according to the approved design. These formed part of the physical interaction system and required accurate placement in relation to the surrounding graphic content.

Because the wall combined flat graphic surfaces with projecting MDF components and fixed interaction points, workshop setting-out was particularly important.

The MDF boxes, nails, printed graphics and wall proportions all needed to align correctly so the finished feature operated as one coordinated assembly rather than a collection of separately added components.

The internal timber frame and counterweighted plywood base provided the concealed support required for the projecting elements while maintaining the overall stability of the freestanding wall. This combination of structural fabrication, applied graphics and participant-facing details transformed the wall from a conventional display surface into a more dimensional interactive scenic feature.

Integrating Clear Acrylic into the AD Map Wall

The AD Map Wall combined conventional scenic wall construction with an integrated transparent display element. The primary structure was fabricated using timber framing, a plywood base and MDF cladding, with printed vinyl graphics applied across the main wall surfaces.

A precision groove was formed within the front fascia to receive a three-millimetre clear-acrylic panel.

This construction method allowed the acrylic to become part of the wall assembly rather than appearing as a separately fixed surface attached over the front of the scenic structure.

A light-green painted border framed the acrylic section and created a visual separation between the transparent map area and the surrounding printed graphics. The integration required careful coordination between the groove dimensions, acrylic panel size, painted perimeter and vinyl layout.

Maintaining the correct fit was important both visually and technically, as the acrylic needed to sit securely within the scenic fascia while remaining clean and accurately aligned with the surrounding graphic information.

The completed wall therefore combined solid MDF construction, painted detailing, printed vinyl and clear acrylic within one layered architectural composition.

This approach added material contrast to the wider retreat environment while retaining the structural language used across the other freestanding workshop walls.

Building the Projected Longevity Wall

The Longevity Wall was developed as a layered scenic structure rather than a conventional flat graphic backdrop. The primary installation used timber-framed internal construction with a plywood base and MDF cladding, finished with printed vinyl graphics across the main surfaces.

Its defining feature was the incorporation of three projecting wall sections extending forward from the principal display plane.

Each projection was individually finished with vinyl, allowing the graphic treatment to continue across multiple architectural surfaces rather than being contained within a single flat elevation.

The projecting elements introduced physical depth into the installation and created a stronger sense of hierarchy within the wall composition.

Their fabrication required accurate dimensional control so the three sections aligned correctly with the main wall while maintaining consistent spacing and clean edge relationships.

The concealed timber framing provided the necessary support for both the primary wall and the forward scenic sections, while the plywood base and lower counterweight system maintained the stability of the complete freestanding assembly.

By translating the graphic design into a series of layered physical planes, the Longevity Wall demonstrated how scenic fabrication could extend a two-dimensional workshop concept into a more architectural three-dimensional feature.

Manufacturing the Tinted-Acrylic Workshop Installations

Evolution Scenic fabricated separate green- and orange-tinted acrylic workshop installations using a layered combination of opaque and transparent scenic materials. Each structure incorporated a plywood base with MDF-clad scenic boxes forming the lower architectural volume.

Tinted acrylic walls were installed above the base structures and finished with transparent vinyl graphics. This allowed the colour and translucency of the acrylic to remain visible while still carrying the required branded and workshop information. A plain MDF wall formed the backdrop to each installation and was finished with printed vinyl graphics.

The relationship between the transparent foreground panels and the solid printed background created a layered visual composition that differed from the fully opaque freestanding workshop walls used elsewhere in the retreat. Accurate alignment was required between the tinted acrylic, applied transparent graphics, MDF-clad boxes and rear backdrop surfaces so the complete structure presented as one controlled scenic assembly. Although the green and orange installations used different acrylic colours, they shared the same principal fabrication methodology and material arrangement.

This repeatable approach allowed the two stands to remain visually related while still creating distinct colour identities within the wider scenic environment. The use of tinted acrylic also introduced a lighter and more translucent architectural quality, providing material variation within the overall project without moving away from the established design language.

Coordinating Scenic Finishes, Installation & Delivery

The completed scenic package combined painted surfaces, printed vinyl graphics and transparent vinyl applications across the different wall and acrylic assemblies. Printed vinyl formed the principal graphic finish across the MDF-clad workshop walls and backdrop surfaces, allowing large-format information and branded content to be integrated directly into the scenic construction.

Paint was used on selected architectural details, including the light-green border surrounding the clear-acrylic panel on the AD Map Wall. Transparent vinyl was applied to the green and orange tinted acrylic panels so the workshop graphics could be introduced without obscuring the colour and translucent character of the acrylic itself.

Successful delivery depended on close coordination between the fabrication and installation stages. The plywood bases, concealed counterweight supports, timber-framed wall sections, projecting scenic features and acrylic components all needed to align correctly once positioned within the venue.

Removable rear access panels provided access to the counterweight areas during final placement and adjustment, while the freestanding construction allowed the walls to be installed without permanent fixing to the existing interior architecture. The clear and tinted acrylic components required controlled handling during delivery and installation to protect their visible surfaces and maintain accurate alignment with the surrounding MDF structures and applied graphics.

Final positioning also needed to preserve the intended relationship between the workshop installations, existing interior elements and circulation areas. Evolution Scenic completed the full scenic build and installation in accordance with the client’s regulations.

The finished environment brought together scenic carpentry, counterweighted freestanding construction, MDF fabrication, acrylic integration, applied graphics and participant interaction within one coordinated temporary architectural system.

Building a Unified Scenic Environment for Make it in the Emirates

The second Make It in the Emirates Forum took place at Abu Dhabi Energy Centre from 31 May to 1 June 2023. The venue needed to accommodate a main conference stage, breakout presentation spaces, sponsor exhibition environments, arrival features, branded circulation routes and integrated technical displays within one connected event environment.

Evolution Scenic was appointed to deliver the full turnkey scenic solution and developed the overall event concept before translating it into practical temporary architecture. The scope included the main stage, breakout stages, exhibition area, arrival arch, project flooring, scenic walls, branded portals, signage, wayfinding and integrated display structures.

The exhibition layout was developed to accommodate six diamond sponsors and 30 additional sponsors. Each organisation needed its own visible and functional presence, while the wider environment still had to maintain a consistent architectural identity. Balancing individual sponsor requirements with the overall scenic concept became an important part of the design and fabrication approach.

Rather than treating the project as a collection of unrelated stages, booths and branded structures, Evolution Scenic developed the venue as a single scenic system. Geometry, materials, graphics, screen integration and architectural detailing were repeated across different zones so that the environment remained visually connected from arrival through to the main conference and exhibition spaces.

Developing a Consistent Architectural Language

The scenic concept used a strong geometric language based around angled wall profiles, layered surfaces, framed openings and illuminated linear features. These details were repeated across the main stage, breakout spaces, sponsor structures, Government Hub, arrival environment and wayfinding features.

The main conference stage established the principal architectural direction. A broad screen composition was surrounded by angular scenic architecture, while layered stage steps carried the same geometry into the floor. Branded vertical elements added another level of depth and connected the presentation area with the visual identity used throughout the venue.

Breakout stages applied the same design principles on a smaller scale. Integrated screen openings, presentation plinths and scenic wall systems provided each space with the functionality required for individual sessions while maintaining a clear relationship with the primary conference stage.

The exhibition environments extended this language into the sponsor areas through fabricated walls, overhead structures, counters and integrated display positions. The arrival arch introduced the same architectural character before visitors reached the main environment, using dynamic content and fabricated scenery to establish the project identity from the entrance onwards.

Fabricating the Scenic Package

MDF and plywood were the principal scenic materials used across the project. Their versatility allowed the workshop team to manufacture the controlled flat surfaces, angular profiles, arches, screen frames, stage features and exhibition structures required by the concept while maintaining consistent edges and junctions across the different areas.

Selected elements combined metal framing with MDF cladding. The internal metal construction provided structural support where required, while the MDF faces created the smooth visible architectural surfaces used throughout the wider scenic scheme. This allowed individual structures to respond to different technical and functional requirements without changing the external design language.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the project flooring, all scenic walls and arches and most of the other visible scenic elements. With multiple stages, sponsor environments, portals and presentation zones being manufactured as parts of one package, accurate set-out was essential to maintaining relationships between wall lines, floor transitions, overhead features, graphics and screen openings.

Workshop production therefore played a central role in controlling the complete installation. Components needed to connect accurately once delivered to Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, while graphic zones, technical apertures and adjoining scenic structures had to maintain the proportions established during design development. Fabrication accuracy allowed the different parts of the project to come together as one consistent temporary architecture on site.

Delivering the Forced-Perspective Feature

Forced perspective formed part of the wider event concept and introduced a scenic feature that relied on controlled geometry rather than conventional flat construction. The feature was fabricated as two principal sections before being transported to Abu Dhabi Energy Centre and assembled in its final position.

Dividing the structure into two sections made the feature practical to manufacture, handle and install while creating an important requirement at the connection between the two halves. Once assembled, the separate components needed to appear as one continuous scenic form rather than two independent fabricated sections.

Forced-perspective environments depend on the relationship between line, scale, depth and the position from which the feature is viewed. Maintaining these relationships through the fabrication process meant the geometry of both sections needed to correspond accurately when brought together on site.

The finished feature demonstrates how visually complex scenery can be broken into practical manufactured sections without losing the intended effect. It also illustrates the importance of considering transport, assembly and installation while developing unusual scenic forms rather than resolving those requirements only after fabrication has begun.

Integrating Screens into the Scenic Construction

The project incorporated an extensive technical display package across the main conference stage, breakout areas, Government Hub, sponsor environments and arrival architecture. One principal screen was supplied by Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, while the remaining screens were installed by Evolution Technical’s in-house team.

The venue screen was incorporated into the main stage architecture rather than treated as an independent technical element. Scenic walls and stage geometry framed the display and connected it visually with the surrounding environment, allowing the screen to become part of the architectural composition of the stage.

Additional screens were integrated into fabricated structures throughout the sponsor exhibition areas, Government Hub, breakout stages and presentation spaces. Screen positions needed to align with the scenic openings, while surrounding panels, trims and graphic surfaces created the finished architectural interface around each technical system.

The arrival arch also incorporated dynamic content, extending the relationship between scenic fabrication and digital display into the visitor arrival sequence. This allowed the visual language established around the main stage technology to continue into a very different type of structure.

Coordination between Evolution Scenic and Evolution Technical was particularly valuable at the interface between fabricated scenery and technical equipment. The technical systems required suitable support and operational access, while the scenic construction needed controlled edges, accurate openings and clean finishes. Developing both disciplines within the Evolution group allowed those interfaces to be treated as parts of the same built environment.

Constructing the Sponsor Exhibition Environment

he exhibition area was developed to accommodate six diamond sponsors and 30 additional sponsors within a shared architectural environment. The challenge was to provide individual organisations with clear presence and functional presentation space without allowing the exhibition floor to become a collection of visually unrelated stands.

Fabricated wall structures, overhead branding elements, integrated monitors, meeting counters and presentation surfaces established the individual sponsor environments. Open frontages maintained visibility and circulation through the exhibition area, while scenic structures created enough architectural definition for each organisation to establish its own presence.

Repeated details such as vertical fins, angled portals, illuminated edges and framed screen openings linked these individual areas back to the wider Make It in the Emirates identity. Sponsor graphics and digital content could vary within each space, while the physical construction retained the common geometry and material language established across the project.

The Government Hub created one of the strongest individual environments within the exhibition. Vertical illuminated features, recessed screens and a central branded header defined the area, while its curved layout created a recognisable presentation zone without disconnecting it from the angular scenic language used elsewhere.

By controlling the architecture centrally while allowing individual branding within it, Evolution Scenic was able to balance sponsor visibility with overall consistency. The result was an exhibition area in which individual identities remained clear while the physical environment continued to read as part of one event.

Installing Within Abu Dhabi Energy Centre

The scenic package was installed within the existing finished environment of Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. Protecting the venue formed an important part of the site operation, with protective measures applied to existing floors, walls and glazed surfaces during installation and subsequent dismantling.

This was particularly important given the physical extent of the project. Large scenic wall assemblies, project flooring, arches, stages, display structures and numerous sponsor environments all needed to be transported through the venue, positioned and assembled without damaging the surrounding architectural finishes.

Evolution Scenic installed the project flooring, all scenic walls and arches and most of the additional scenic elements. The two-part forced-perspective structure was assembled on site, while the main stage and exhibition environments were coordinated with both the existing venue screen and the additional display systems installed by Evolution Technical.

The scenic installation also had to respond accurately to fixed conditions within the building. Existing architecture, usable floor areas, circulation routes and technical infrastructure established physical boundaries around which the temporary environment had to be positioned.

Bringing the project together required careful coordination between flooring, large scenic structures, sponsor zones, screens, graphic finishes and supporting branded elements. The installation translated a substantial workshop-built package into the final venue environment while maintaining the consistent geometry and finish developed through the scenic concept.

Completing and Removing the Temporary Environment

Once installed, the scenic package transformed Abu Dhabi Energy Centre into a connected series of branded temporary environments. The main conference stage, breakout stages, sponsor exhibition areas, Government Hub, arrival feature and wayfinding structures all performed different functions while sharing the same architectural vocabulary.

Integrated display systems became part of the physical architecture rather than sitting independently within it. Screens were framed within scenic walls and sponsor structures, while the arrival arch combined fabricated form with dynamic content. MDF, plywood and selected metal-framed construction allowed these different elements to maintain a consistent external finish despite their varied structural and technical requirements.

The sponsor exhibition environment demonstrated the same approach at a larger scale. Six diamond sponsors and 30 additional sponsors were accommodated within individual settings while the repeated geometry, framing and illuminated detailing maintained visual consistency across the complete floor.

Following the forum, Evolution Scenic dismantled the temporary installation, completing a scope that extended from concept development and fabrication through installation and final removal. Venue protection remained part of this process as the scenic structures, flooring and technical interfaces were taken out of the finished building.

Make It in the Emirates demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to manage a substantial multi-zone scenic package combining conference staging, exhibition fabrication, sponsor environments, temporary architecture, branding and technical integration. By developing the physical environment and coordinating closely with Evolution Technical, the project could operate as one complete scenic system rather than a collection of independent production elements.

Building a Modular Forum Environment at Expo 2020 Dubai

The Qudwa–PISA Global Competence Forum took place at Expo 2020 Dubai on 19 February 2022. Developed around the theme Preparing Students to Live in an Interconnected World, the forum was delivered in collaboration with the OECD and the Bussola Institute.

Evolution Scenic was responsible for developing and delivering the physical scenic environment. The scope extended well beyond the main presentation area and included the stage deck, screen structures, Media Hub installation, partitions, branded backdrops, illuminated totems and plinths, signage, wayfinding and lounge elements.

Each part of the environment performed a different function, but the complete installation needed to operate as one coordinated piece of temporary architecture. This required the stage, technical displays, exhibition structures, branding and supporting elements to share a consistent architectural and graphic language throughout the forum.

Developing the Scenic Concept

Evolution Scenic developed the scenic design rather than working solely from a completed third-party production package. This allowed the visual concept, fabrication methodology, material choices and installation requirements to be considered together from the beginning of the project.

The forum identity was translated into a combination of solid scenic surfaces, framed technical displays, illuminated vertical elements and areas of coloured transparency. The main stage established the strongest architectural expression, with the same visual principles subsequently carried into the Media Hub, partitions, branded structures and wayfinding elements.

Maintaining this continuity was particularly important because the forum contained several distinct functional areas. Consistent proportions, framing, materials and graphics allowed each zone to retain its own purpose while still reading as part of the same temporary environment.

Constructing the Main Stage

The main stage and stage deck formed the central scenic structure within the forum. Evolution Scenic fabricated the physical stage environment, including the deck, surrounding scenic architecture and the metalwork required to integrate the LED screens supplied by Evolution Technical.

MDF, plywood and timber framing formed part of the confirmed material palette. These materials provided adaptable scenic surfaces that could be produced in modular sections and finished with the required graphics and decorative treatments, while metal framing provided additional structural support around the technical display systems.

The screens were treated as integral parts of the stage composition rather than freestanding pieces of equipment. Their positions influenced the proportions of the surrounding architecture, while the fabricated scenic elements established the visual boundaries that connected the displays to the wider stage.

The stage also needed to support practical technical operation. Scenic surrounds were therefore developed around the physical requirements of the screens and their supporting systems, allowing the visible architecture and technical installation to work together as one coordinated environment.

Integrating the LED Systems

Evolution Technical supplied the LED screen systems used within the main stage. Evolution Scenic fabricated the metal structures and scenic surrounds that incorporated those displays into the architecture of the presentation environment.

This required accurate coordination between the dimensions of the technical equipment and the fabricated scenic components. Screen position influenced the spacing, alignment and overall geometry of the surrounding structures, while the scenic architecture determined how the technical equipment was visually framed from the audience position.

The resulting stage combined two connected disciplines. Evolution Scenic created the physical architecture, while Evolution Technical delivered the display systems operating within it, allowing structural, scenic and technical elements to appear as parts of one resolved composition.

The same collaborative approach extended beyond the main auditorium into the Media Hub, where fabricated frames, graphics and technical displays again needed to operate within a shared architectural system.

Fabricating the Media Hub

The Media Hub was developed as a freestanding scenic feature within the wider forum environment. Evolution Scenic fabricated metal-framed panels incorporating coloured transparent sheet and printed graphics, creating a distinct secondary zone without requiring permanent modification to the Expo venue.

The metal frames established the geometry and structural definition of the feature, while the transparent coloured materials introduced layering and visual depth. Unlike solid scenic walls, these surfaces allowed parts of the surrounding environment and structural framing to remain visible, creating a lighter architectural treatment.

Printed graphics were incorporated within the framed composition to connect the Media Hub visually with the wider Qudwa–PISA identity. The relationship between structural frames, transparent panels and graphic surfaces allowed the installation to remain distinctive without feeling disconnected from the main stage environment.

Evolution Technical supplied the display equipment incorporated into the Media Hub. The scenic framing was therefore developed around the technical components so that screens, coloured materials and printed graphics aligned as one coordinated installation.

Producing Partitions and Branded Backdrops

Custom partitions and branded backdrops were fabricated to define different areas throughout the forum. These elements functioned as temporary spatial architecture, providing visual separation, branded surfaces and controlled backgrounds without becoming permanent interventions within the Expo venue.

The confirmed construction palette included MDF, plywood, timber framing, metal framing, acrylic, printed fabric and vinyl graphics. Timber-framed panel construction allowed the larger elements to be manufactured as modular sections, while MDF and plywood provided smooth surfaces suitable for consistent graphic and decorative finishes.

Metal framing was incorporated where freestanding structures required additional support or where the construction needed to relate visually to the screen surrounds and Media Hub. This created continuity between the heavier scenic walling and the lighter framed structures positioned elsewhere within the environment.

Together, the partitions and backdrops extended the architectural language beyond the main stage. They helped organise the venue spatially while providing a consistent physical framework for branding, interpretation and circulation.

Branded Totems, Plinths, Signage and Reception Counters

Evolution Scenic fabricated MDF totems and plinths finished with vinyl graphics to create smaller branded focal points throughout the forum. These elements extended the visual identity into areas where a full scenic wall or large architectural installation was unnecessary.

Reception counters, signage and wayfinding used the same coordinated approach to graphics, proportions and finishes. Their scale was smaller than the principal scenic structures, but their positioning and appearance were important to maintaining continuity through the visitor journey.

The freestanding nature of these elements allowed them to be placed according to the practical needs of each area while remaining visually connected to the wider environment. Their finishes and graphic treatment ensured that supporting functions such as reception, information and navigation became part of the overall scenic language.

By carrying the design into these smaller components, the temporary architecture extended beyond the main visual moments. The complete forum environment could therefore maintain a consistent identity from the principal stage through to the supporting circulation and reception areas.

Creating Lounge and Seating Areas

Evolution Scenic fabricated MDF totems and plinths finished with vinyl graphics to create smaller branded focal points throughout the forum. These elements extended the visual identity into areas where a full scenic wall or large architectural installation was unnecessary.

Reception counters, signage and wayfinding used the same coordinated approach to graphics, proportions and finishes. Their scale was smaller than the principal scenic structures, but their positioning and appearance were important to maintaining continuity through the visitor journey.

The freestanding nature of these elements allowed them to be placed according to the practical needs of each area while remaining visually connected to the wider environment. Their finishes and graphic treatment ensured that supporting functions such as reception, information and navigation became part of the overall scenic language.

By carrying the design into these smaller components, the temporary architecture extended beyond the main visual moments. The complete forum environment could therefore maintain a consistent identity from the principal stage through to the supporting circulation and reception areas.

Coordinating Externally Supplied Banners

Tall floor-supported graphic banners were produced by an external specialist supplier and incorporated into the wider forum layout. Evolution Scenic coordinated these elements alongside its fabricated stage, partitions, framed displays and branded structures.

Maintaining a clear distinction between packages was important. The banners formed part of the final visual environment but were not manufactured by Evolution Scenic, while the surrounding scenic architecture and fabricated elements remained within Evolution Scenic’s direct production scope.

The positioning of the banners still needed to respond to the scale and layout of the scenic installation. Their graphic presence contributed to the wider visual identity and therefore needed to sit comfortably alongside the dimensional structures, screens and branded surfaces developed elsewhere in the venue.

Large temporary environments frequently involve several specialist contractors working together. The Qudwa–PISA environment demonstrates how externally supplied elements can be incorporated into a coordinated scenic scheme while retaining clear responsibility for individual fabrication packages.

Modular Workshop Fabrication

The complete scenic environment was produced in modular sections, allowing the main stage structures, framed panels, partitions and backdrops to be manufactured away from the venue under controlled workshop conditions.

Modular construction made the larger elements more manageable for transportation and load-in. Instead of moving complete full-scale structures, the fabrication team could prepare controlled sections that were transported separately and assembled in their final positions at Expo 2020 Dubai.

This approach placed particular importance on workshop accuracy. Connections needed to align consistently, framed structures had to remain square and graphic surfaces needed to meet cleanly once individual modules were joined together on site.

The stage surrounds also had to correspond accurately with the dimensions and positions of the technical displays. Completing this coordination during fabrication reduced the amount of adjustment required within the venue and supported a more controlled installation process.

Completing the Two-Day Installation

The complete on-site scenic installation was delivered over two days. Modular construction and detailed workshop preparation allowed a substantial proportion of the physical production to be completed before the scenic package arrived at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The stage deck and modular scenic sections were assembled before the fabricated surrounds were coordinated with the LED screens supplied by Evolution Technical. The relationship between the screens and scenic architecture could then be checked as the primary presentation environment came together.

The Media Hub was installed as a separate scenic feature, combining its metal frames, coloured transparent panels, printed graphics and technical displays. Partitions, branded backdrops, illuminated totems, plinths, reception elements, signage, wayfinding and lounge structures were positioned across the wider forum environment.

Externally supplied graphic banners were also incorporated into the final layout. Delivering multiple zones within the two-day installation required a controlled sequence so that structural assembly, technical installation, graphics and final scenic finishing could progress efficiently alongside one another.

Creating a Unified Temporary Environment

The completed Qudwa–PISA Global Competence Forum brought scenic fabrication, technical integration and temporary architecture together within one coordinated environment. The main stage combined a modular deck, fabricated scenic structures, metal screen surrounds and LED displays to create the principal presentation setting.

The Media Hub introduced a different architectural character through freestanding metal frames, coloured transparent materials, printed graphics and integrated technical displays. Partitions and backdrops established the surrounding spatial structure, while illuminated totems, plinths, signage and wayfinding extended the visual identity throughout the venue.

Lounge and reception elements brought the same design approach into the functional areas supporting the main programme. Externally supplied banners were coordinated within the overall layout, allowing specialist packages to contribute to the completed environment without blurring responsibility for their manufacture.

Following the forum, the installation was dismantled. From initial scenic development through workshop fabrication, technical coordination, two-day installation and final removal, the project demonstrates the operational value of connecting scenic and technical disciplines within one temporary architectural system. Evolution Scenic produced the physical environment while Evolution Technical supplied the integrated LED and Media Hub systems, with both disciplines coordinated as parts of the same finished space.