Building An Interactive Exhibition Environment For UNIDO In Abu Dhabi

The 18th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization took place at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from 3–7 November 2019. The conference focused on “Industry 2030 – Innovate. Connect. Transform our Future”, with the exhibition environment providing a physical setting for the different areas of the programme. 

Evolution Scenic was tasked with constructing the exhibition space within the Emirates Palace atrium. The scope extended across seven themed hubs covering Gender, Youth & Entrepreneurship, Circular Economy, Industry 4.0, Industrial Parks, Sustainable Energy and Partnerships.

The challenge was not simply to create visual backdrops. The scenic construction needed to accommodate interactive technology, display content and dedicated exhibition areas while remaining integrated with the existing architecture of the atrium.

Creating Seven Distinct Scenic Hubs

The exhibition was organised around seven subject areas, each requiring a clearly defined physical environment. Evolution Scenic constructed custom scenic panels and interactive stations for the individual hubs, creating a consistent architectural language across the exhibition while allowing each subject to retain its own identity.

The fabricated panels provided the physical framework for the information and interactive content presented throughout the space. This approach allowed the exhibition to function as a connected environment rather than a series of unrelated graphic displays.

Integrating Technology Into Scenic Construction

Interactive technology formed a significant part of the installation. Touchscreens, large displays, AI stations and personal iPads with headsets were incorporated into the scenic environment. The technology therefore became part of the physical construction rather than being positioned independently around the exhibition.

Custom mounting systems were required to hold the different interfaces within the scenic elements, allowing the displays to remain integrated with the individual themed areas.

From a scenic fabrication perspective, this creates a different set of requirements from a conventional decorative wall. The fabricated structure has to provide the necessary physical support while also accommodating the technology and maintaining the intended visual composition.

Fabricating The Photo Gallery

Alongside the seven themed hubs, Evolution Scenic fabricated a dedicated gallery space for Elisabetta Lattanzio Illy’s photographic exhibition. The gallery incorporated custom display structures to present the photographic work within the wider exhibition environment. 

This extended the fabrication scope into a different form of exhibition construction, where the scenic elements needed to provide an appropriate framework for the displayed works while maintaining continuity with the surrounding installation.

Working Within The Emirates Palace Atrium

The installation was constructed within the existing Emirates Palace atrium, meaning the scenic environment had to work with the architecture and circulation of the venue. The source specifically confirms that the scenic elements were designed and installed while maintaining guest flow and functionality. 

This is an important aspect of exhibition fabrication. Large scenic structures need to create visual definition without unnecessarily obstructing movement or compromising the operation of the surrounding venue.

The installation therefore combined physical separation, display infrastructure and interactive technology while retaining functional circulation through the space.

Delivering Against A Tight Production Timeline

Evolution Scenic delivered the project against a tight production timeline, requiring the scenic components to be fabricated and installed efficiently while maintaining structural integrity.  The combination of seven themed hubs, interactive technology, a dedicated photo gallery and wider atrium fit-out created multiple interfaces that needed to work together as one completed exhibition. The supplied project information does not provide the detailed fabrication schedule, installation duration or crew structure, so those elements are not assumed here.

A Fabricated Environment For Interactive Exhibition Content

The completed UNIDO exhibition transformed the Emirates Palace atrium into a purpose-built scenic environment. Seven themed hubs provided the principal structure, while interactive technology and custom display systems were incorporated into the fabrication. A dedicated photo-gallery fit-out added another layer of custom exhibition construction. 

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to take an exhibition concept and translate it into a fabricated physical environment, combining scenic panels, display structures and technical interfaces within an existing venue.

Fabricating A Bespoke Innovation Showcase For The FoodTech Challenge

The FoodTech Challenge 2023 was held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Organised by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tamkeen, the competition brought together 12 finalist teams selected from 667 submissions across 79 countries. The event provided a platform for emerging food technology solutions and innovation. Evolution Scenic was responsible for creating the physical scenic environment supporting the showcase.

The scope extended beyond a conventional exhibition stand. It incorporated a bespoke exhibition environment, themed scenic and branding elements, interactive zones and a dedicated presentation area for finalist pitches and the awards ceremony. The resulting installation combined exhibition fabrication with temporary scenic construction to create a coherent environment around the featured innovations.

Building The Custom Exhibition Stand

The central scenic requirement was a bespoke exhibition stand designed and built to display the finalist food technology innovations. The custom approach allowed the exhibition environment to be developed around the requirements of the showcase rather than relying solely on a standard exhibition system. he fabricated elements created a defined physical setting for the finalist innovations while establishing continuity with the wider scenic environment. This meant the exhibition stand became part of the presentation of the technology itself, providing a constructed environment rather than simply a branded background.

Creating Themed Scenic Branding

The exhibition environment was supported by themed scenic and branding elements designed to align with the event's vision and sustainability objectives. The branding was incorporated into the physical scenic treatment, allowing the different areas of the installation to read as one environment. This created visual continuity between the exhibition showcase, interactive zones and presentation area. The approach demonstrates how branded environments can be developed through scenic fabrication, with constructed elements providing the physical framework for the graphic and visual identity.

Integrating Interactive Zones

Interactive zones formed part of the confirmed project scope, providing areas for engagement with the innovative food solutions being showcased. These areas extended the function of the installation beyond static exhibition display. The interactive components needed to sit within the wider scenic environment while remaining connected to the exhibition structures and themed branding. This created a more varied temporary environment, with dedicated areas serving different purposes while retaining a common visual language.

Fabricating The Presentation Environment

A dedicated awards stage and presentation area was designed and installed for the finalist pitches, culminating in the awards ceremony. The stage created a defined focal point within the wider exhibition environment. Its function differed from the surrounding showcase areas, requiring the scenic installation to accommodate both exhibition display and formal presentation.The presentation area therefore became an important part of the temporary architecture, extending the scenic treatment into a dedicated stage environment.

Sustainable Scenic Construction

Sustainability formed an explicit part of the scenic fabrication brief. The project source confirms that eco-friendly materials were used in the scenic construction to reflect the FoodTech Challenge's commitment to sustainability. The exact materials and fabrication specifications are not identified in the available source. It is therefore not possible to confirm individual board types, timber specifications, framing systems, finishes or other construction products without the project's technical records. The confirmed use of eco-friendly materials nevertheless demonstrates that sustainability was incorporated into the physical scenic construction.

Delivering A Multi-Functional Scenic Environment

The FoodTech Challenge required several different scenic functions to operate within the same project. The bespoke exhibition stand provided the principal showcase, themed scenic branding established the visual environment, interactive zones supported engagement and the presentation stage provided a dedicated area for finalist pitches and the awards ceremony. Bringing these components together required the installation to be considered as one cohesive scenic environment rather than a collection of separate structures. Evolution Scenic's role therefore combined custom exhibition fabrication with environmental scenic construction and presentation-stage installation.

The Finished Installation

The completed installation created a bespoke environment for the FoodTech Challenge at ADNEC, bringing together exhibition display, interactive engagement and formal presentation within one temporary scenic build. The project combined custom scenic fabrication, exhibition construction, themed branding and presentation architecture, with sustainable material selection forming part of the confirmed construction approach. The result demonstrates how Evolution Scenic can translate a complex exhibition brief into a physical environment that supports multiple functions while maintaining a consistent scenic identity.

Building a Complete Exhibition Interior for the Slovenia Pavilion

In 2023, Evolution Scenic developed and delivered a complete exhibition fitout for the Slovenia Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. The project transformed the existing interior into a sequence of interpretive and gallery environments designed to accommodate wall graphics, cultural objects, framed artworks and three-dimensional displays.

Rather than relying on a single repeated display system, the fitout combined several forms of scenic and interior construction. Curved black walls carried the principal timeline and interpretive content. White gallery partitions created a contrasting setting for artworks and textile displays. Black plinths and glazed cases provided protected presentation areas for objects and artefacts.

Custom ceiling elements, lighting, flooring, skirting and planting connected these components into one coherent environment. Evolution Scenic developed the exhibition design and delivered the principal scenic construction within a confirmed 20-day programme.

The finished installation was intended to remain inside the Slovenia Pavilion for an extended period. This required a balance between workshop-efficient scenic fabrication and the durability, alignment and finish quality associated with a longer-term exhibition interior.

Developing the Exhibition Layout

The interior was organised through a deliberate contrast between dark interpretive spaces and white gallery environments. The curved black timeline walls created broad surfaces for photographic material, text and historical content. Their geometry guided movement through the exhibition while avoiding the visual rigidity of a conventional sequence of straight display panels.

The black walls also provided a controlled background for the exhibited objects. Dark plinths and display bases continued the wall language across the floor, creating visual continuity between the interpretive graphics and the three-dimensional displays. The white gallery areas used a different spatial character. Workshop-built partitions formed restrained, neutral surfaces for framed artworks, masks, textile pieces and other wall-mounted exhibits. The pale gallery walls allowed the material, colour and form of the displayed works to remain visually prominent.

The transition between the two zones was resolved through curved entrance and feature-wall elements, consistent flooring and coordinated ceiling treatment. Decorative planting was integrated at selected points within the layout, introducing softer natural forms between the constructed gallery surfaces.

Fabricating the Curved Timeline Walls

The curved black walls were produced as timber-framed scenic structures clad in MDF. The timber framework established the required radius and provided support for the finished wall faces. MDF was then applied to create a smooth and continuous surface capable of receiving paint, printed wallpaper and vinyl graphic material.

Curved walls introduce a different set of fabrication considerations from conventional flat partitions. The framework must maintain a consistent radius across its full length. Sheet materials need to follow that geometry without creating visible faceting, abrupt joints or changes in surface level.

The completed faces also need to remain suitable for graphic application. Any variation in curvature, joint alignment or surface preparation can become visible once large-format printed imagery and horizontal text lines are installed. Evolution Scenic’s construction therefore needed to provide both the physical geometry of the wall and the accurate finishing surface required by the outsourced graphics supplier. The black finish unified the wall assemblies and allowed the graphics, objects and display lighting to stand forward visually.

Producing Modular Gallery Partitions

The white exhibition walls and partitions were fabricated as modular workshop-built sections. Workshop fabrication allowed the wall components to be assembled, checked and finished before delivery to Expo City Dubai. It also reduced the amount of direct construction required inside the completed pavilion. Each partition needed to perform several functions.

The walls defined the gallery layout, supported framed works and created the finished background visible around every exhibit. They also needed to coordinate with skirting, flooring, ceiling elements, lighting positions and adjoining wall sections. Plywood and timber framing provided internal support where required, while MDF and painted surfaces formed the visible faces. Gypsum wall construction was also incorporated within the wider interior package.

Once installed, the modular sections were aligned and joined so that they read as continuous architectural walls rather than temporary panels. Joint treatment, edge alignment and consistent paintwork were particularly important in the white gallery areas because shadows and surface variations are more visible against light finishes. The result was a clean exhibition setting capable of supporting different artwork formats without visually competing with the displayed material.

Manufacturing Display Plinths and Case Bases

Three-dimensional objects were presented using custom black plinths and glazed display cases. Evolution Scenic fabricated the plinths and display bases. The glazed cases themselves were supplied by another contractor. This division of responsibility required accurate coordination between separate packages. The scenic bases needed to match the dimensions and support requirements of the glass enclosures. Their finished surfaces also needed to align cleanly with the case edges so that the separate components appeared as one complete display unit.

MDF, plywood, timber framing and selected metal components provided the body and internal support of the plinths. Black laminate and painted finishes created a consistent external appearance across the exhibition. The dark bases visually grounded the displays while allowing the glass cases and illuminated objects to remain the main focus.

The fitout also included wall-mounted artefact shelves and supports for framed artworks. These elements required suitable internal backing and accurate setting-out so that the final exhibits could be positioned consistently across the modular walls. Acrylic and glass were incorporated where required within the wider display package, although the available information does not identify the exact application of every transparent component.

Integrating Graphics Without Claiming Their Manufacture

Printed wallpaper, timeline imagery, interpretive text and vinyl graphics formed a major part of the exhibition’s visible surface treatment. The graphic production and installation package was carried out by an outsourced specialist supplier rather than Evolution Scenic. Evolution Scenic’s role was to create the physical scenic surfaces and spatial framework into which those graphics were incorporated.

This distinction is important because exhibition graphics depend heavily on the quality of the underlying construction. Large printed panels and wallpapers require walls that are smooth, accurately aligned and free from abrupt surface changes. Curved graphics require especially careful dimensional control because text, image grids and horizontal lines can reveal inconsistencies in the wall radius.

By producing stable timber-framed and MDF-clad walls, Evolution Scenic established the physical base required for the final graphic installation. The completed environment therefore depended on coordination between scenic fabrication and specialist graphic production without incorrectly attributing the outsourced graphics to Evolution Scenic.

Constructing the Ceiling and Lighting Environment

The exhibition fitout extended above the wall and display systems through custom suspended and perimeter ceiling structures. These elements helped define the exhibition spatially and provided a coordinated framework for the lighting. Evolution Scenic supplied the ceiling lighting. Fixture positions were developed in relation to the timeline walls, gallery partitions, display cases and circulation areas.

Lighting needed to perform more than a general illumination function. The black interpretive zones required focused light on objects, cases and graphic content. The white gallery areas required even presentation of framed works without allowing the surrounding architecture to become visually dominant. The ceiling treatment helped connect these requirements by creating a consistent overhead structure across the different exhibition areas.

The project also included battery-operated display lights supported by a 48-hour backup system. This allowed exhibit lighting to remain operational while limiting the need for visually intrusive power connections around the glazed cases. The integration of lighting into the scenic and ceiling construction helped the finished exhibition read as one designed environment rather than a collection of independently lit objects.

Delivering the Fitout Within Twenty Days

The confirmed project programme was 20 days. The supplied information does not identify how the period was divided between workshop fabrication and site installation. It should therefore be described as the overall project programme rather than separate confirmed fabrication and installation durations.

Workshop production allowed the modular wall sections, curved structures, plinths, bases, shelves, artwork supports and ceiling elements to be prepared before delivery. On site, installation needed to follow a coordinated sequence. The principal walls established the spatial layout. The modular gallery sections were aligned and joined. Display bases were positioned to receive the glazed cases. Ceiling structures and lighting were installed in relation to the final exhibit locations.

The outsourced graphics package was then incorporated onto the completed scenic wall surfaces.

Flooring, skirting, wall-mounted elements and decorative planting resolved the remaining junctions and completed the visual environment. The modular methodology reduced dependence on extensive direct construction inside the pavilion while still allowing the finished fitout to read as a continuous interior.

Creating an Extended-Duration Scenic Installation

The exhibition was intended to remain inside the Slovenia Pavilion for an extended period. This separated the project from short-duration event scenery, where components may only need to perform across a limited installation and operating window.

The Slovenia Pavilion fitout required the speed and adaptability of scenic fabrication while maintaining a consistent finished appearance over a longer display period. Wall sections needed to remain aligned. Plinth finishes needed to withstand continued use and cleaning. Artwork supports and shelving needed to remain stable. Lighting had to function as an integrated part of the exhibition rather than as a temporary technical overlay.

The project therefore occupied a useful space between scenic fabrication, exhibition construction and interior fitout. Evolution Scenic’s workshop capabilities allowed the complex components to be manufactured efficiently, while the installation process converted those modular elements into a refined and cohesive gallery environment.

Completing the Slovenia Pavilion Exhibition

The finished interior brought together several distinct fabrication disciplines. Timber-framed curved walls established the interpretive route. Modular white partitions created the gallery areas. Gypsum construction helped complete the architectural envelope.

Black display plinths and bases supported the exhibit cases, while shelves and framed artwork supports accommodated wall-mounted material. Custom ceiling structures, integrated lighting, flooring, skirting and planting connected the separate elements into a complete environment.

The outcome demonstrates how scenic fabrication can be used beyond temporary event production. Through modular construction, controlled workshop manufacture and accurate supplier coordination, Evolution Scenic delivered an exhibition interior capable of remaining in place for an extended period while retaining the precision and visual clarity required from a cultural display environment.

Engineering A Bespoke Exhibition Environment For ADNOC

For ADIPEC 2022 in Abu Dhabi, Evolution Scenic was entrusted with designing and producing the ADNOC stand within the Smart Manufacturing Zone. The environment needed to present a strong corporate identity while accommodating several specialist areas within one coordinated exhibition footprint.

The stand brought together dedicated zones covering Offshore & Marine, Digitalization in Energy, Smart Manufacturing and Decarbonization. Each area required clear spatial definition and presentation functionality while remaining visually connected to the wider ADNOC environment.

Evolution Scenic developed the stand as an integrated scenic construction using custom-fabricated structures, structural components and premium finishes. These elements helped organise the different zones, support branding and create suitable surfaces for information and digital presentation.

Integrated digital display systems were incorporated within the fabricated environment so that technical content formed part of the overall scenic architecture. The completed stand combined scenic fabrication, structural construction, premium finishes and digital integration within one consistent exhibition environment.

Building The Scenic Architecture

Evolution Scenic developed the main exhibition architecture using MDF scenic cladding fixed over supporting structural frameworks, creating the rigid and clean surfaces required throughout the ADNOC stand.

This construction approach provided a consistent base for the contrasting white and black finishes while also supporting the integration of branding, graphics and other visual treatments across the principal scenic surfaces. The wall structures therefore performed both an architectural and presentation function within the exhibition environment.

Straight wall sections established the main spatial framework and helped define the individual presentation zones. These linear forms were combined with custom-fabricated curved elements, introducing a more sculptural quality and creating smoother transitions between different areas of the stand.

By combining conventional scenic wall construction with bespoke curved forms, Evolution Scenic created a more tailored environment than a standard modular exhibition system. The finished architecture provided a consistent framework across the stand while allowing each presentation area to retain its own spatial identity.

Creating Distinct Exhibition Zones

A key requirement of the ADNOC stand was to create clearly defined areas representing different parts of the organisation’s activity while maintaining one consistent exhibition environment.

Dedicated zones were developed for Offshore & Marine, Digitalization in Energy, Smart Manufacturing and Decarbonization. Each area needed enough spatial definition to support its own content and presentation requirements without becoming visually disconnected from the wider stand.

Evolution Scenic used the scenic architecture to organise these areas through walls, feature structures, branding surfaces and presentation points. These components worked together to create separation between the zones while maintaining a common material and visual language across the exhibition space.

The resulting layout created a clear hierarchy within the stand, allowing each subject area to retain its own identity while remaining part of a coordinated ADNOC environment. This approach helped the visitor-facing architecture support both navigation and the presentation of technical information.

Fabricating MDF Scenic Structures

MDF scenic cladding formed a significant part of the visible construction across the ADNOC stand, providing the clean, controlled surfaces required for the main architectural elements and presentation features.

The material allowed Evolution Scenic to produce planar wall sections, defined edges and custom-shaped components that could receive the required painted finishes. White surfaces formed the dominant architectural treatment, while black scenic elements introduced contrast and helped differentiate selected features within the overall stand.

The fabrication scope also included counters and smaller architectural elements designed to sit within the larger scenic environment. These components extended the same material and finishing language across both the principal structures and the more functional parts of the exhibition space.

Where curved geometry was required, Evolution Scenic produced bespoke scenic forms rather than relying solely on straight modular construction. The sweeping white feature positioned at the front of the stand introduced a more sculptural element and demonstrated how MDF fabrication could be used to create both precise linear structures and customised curved forms.

Integrating Digital Displays Into The Build

Digital technology was integrated directly into the scenic construction, allowing screens, AVL equipment and interactive presentation tools to form part of the overall exhibition architecture rather than operate as separate technical additions.

Large digital screens were positioned within the main scenic walls, with the surrounding fabricated structures providing clean visual framing. This created a more controlled presentation environment and helped the technology sit naturally within the wider stand design.

The scenic construction therefore needed to accommodate the dimensions and positioning of the display systems while maintaining the clean architectural finish of the completed surfaces. Accurate coordination between the fabricated wall structures and technical equipment was important to ensure the screens aligned correctly within their openings.

By incorporating digital displays directly into the scenic build, Evolution Scenic created an environment where physical fabrication and technical presentation worked together as one system. This approach allowed the stand to retain a strong architectural identity while supporting the digital content required across the different ADNOC exhibition zones.

Applying Scenic Finishes And Graphics

The quality and consistency of the finished surfaces were central to the overall appearance of the ADNOC exhibition environment. Painted MDF created the clean white and black architectural surfaces used throughout the stand, providing a controlled backdrop for branding, graphics and digital content.

Printed branding was incorporated directly into selected scenic elements rather than applied as a separate visual layer. The bilingual Energy for Life identity formed part of the wider graphic treatment and helped connect the physical architecture with ADNOC’s communication across the stand.

Painted surfaces, graphic applications and integrated digital screens were therefore developed as parts of one coordinated visual system. This allowed branding to move naturally between physical scenic structures and screen-based content without disrupting the consistency of the exhibition design.

The completed finish brought together scenic fabrication, paintwork, graphics and digital integration within a single architectural language. This gave the stand a clean corporate appearance while allowing the fabricated environment to support both permanent visual branding and changing digital presentation content.

Constructing The Feature Elements

The ADNOC stand incorporated several bespoke architectural features that added depth, variation and visual hierarchy to the wider exhibition environment.

The most prominent was the curved white scenic feature positioned at the front of the stand. Its sweeping profile contrasted with the straighter vertical wall structures behind it, introducing a more sculptural form within the otherwise linear architecture.

This feature demonstrated the flexibility of scenic fabrication in producing customised architectural shapes from sheet-based construction and supporting frameworks. It allowed Evolution Scenic to move beyond flat wall systems and introduce a more distinctive three-dimensional element into the stand.

Additional fabricated components included display structures, counters and branded architectural features positioned throughout the environment. Together, these elements created a layered exhibition space in which primary walls, sculptural features and functional components worked as parts of one coordinated scenic build.

Coordinating Fabrication And Technical Installation

The completed ADNOC stand required the scenic construction to work closely with the digital and technical systems integrated throughout the exhibition environment.

The fabricated structures established the positions for screens, presentation areas, branding surfaces and feature elements, ensuring that each component aligned correctly within the wider stand architecture.

The integration of AVL equipment and digital displays introduced additional coordination between scenic fabrication and technical installation. Dimensional accuracy was particularly important around screen apertures, cable routes, access points and adjoining fabricated components.

By coordinating the scenic and technical packages as interconnected parts of the same build, Evolution Scenic created a clean and integrated exhibition environment in which physical architecture, branding and digital presentation could operate together effectively.

Delivering The Completed ADNOC Stand

The completed ADNOC stand brought together custom MDF scenic construction, supporting structural frameworks, painted finishes, printed graphics, integrated digital screens and bespoke architectural features within one coordinated exhibition environment.

Dedicated areas for Offshore & Marine, Digitalization in Energy, Smart Manufacturing and Decarbonization were organised within the same scenic framework. The fabricated architecture provided the physical structure for each zone while maintaining a consistent visual language across the wider stand.

Evolution Scenic’s scope included the design and production of the stand, dedicated exhibition zones, precision scenic fabrication, structural components, premium finishes and the integration of digital and interactive presentation equipment. These elements were coordinated so that physical construction, branding and technical content functioned as parts of the same environment.

The finished installation demonstrated how custom scenic fabrication and technical integration can be combined to deliver a cohesive corporate exhibition space, with the architecture supporting both the practical presentation requirements and the overall ADNOC identity.

Engineering Three Immersive Light Installations for Expo City Dubai

Dubai Light Art Festival brought a series of artist-designed illuminated works into the outdoor environment of Expo City Dubai. AGB Events commissioned Evolution Scenic to provide full project delivery for three of the installations: Minaret 2.0 by Abdullah Al-Mullah, Musk Spectre Sculpture by Dr Najat Makki and Afterlife by Maitha Hamdan. Evolution Scenic’s scope covered design development, structural engineering, fabrication, specialist scenic finishes, integrated lighting, transportation, installation, testing and final programming. The three artworks did not share one standard construction system. Each required its own relationship between structure, surface, lighting and site installation.

Minaret 2.0 was a slender ten-metre-high architectural form supported by a substantial counterweighted base. Musk Spectre Sculpture consisted of seven illuminated textile-clad figures distributed across a 180-square-metre area. Afterlife was a six-metre cylindrical structure enclosed by a complete digital LED curtain. Delivering the project required these technically different installations to be managed concurrently while maintaining the dimensions, material expression and lighting effects intended by their artists

Fabricating Minaret 2.0

Minaret 2.0 was the tallest of the three installations. The completed structure measured 2.1 metres wide, 2.1 metres deep and ten metres high. Its principal fabricated structure weighed approximately 1,000 kilograms. Evolution Scenic manufactured the supporting framework from mild steel. The narrow footprint and substantial height meant that structural stability could not be treated independently from the scenic design. A separate two-ton mild-steel base frame was fabricated with an engineered counterweight system. This allowed the installation to achieve the required stability while preserving the vertical proportions of the visible artwork.

The elevations were constructed from geometric acrylic frames finished with reflective vinyl. Accuracy was particularly important across these repeated components. Misalignment would have affected the rhythm of the geometric pattern and changed how reflections and internal light travelled through the structure. The acrylic sections also introduced handling and transportation considerations. They needed to arrive on site without damage to their profiles or reflective surfaces and then align correctly when attached to the steel framework.

Internal RGBW lighting was integrated within the completed structure. The fixtures produced programmed colour transitions and illuminated the acrylic geometry from within. Lighting positions, access requirements, cable routes and control equipment therefore had to be incorporated during fabrication rather than introduced after the structural work was complete. 

Building Seven Interconnected Musk Spectre Figures

Musk Spectre Sculpture occupied a much wider footprint. Evolution Scenic fabricated seven custom mild-steel figure structures and installed them across an area of approximately 180 square metres. The individual forms were elongated and relatively narrow, creating a strong visual contrast between their height and their lightweight translucent surfaces. Metal base plates interconnected the figures and helped establish their relationship across the completed composition. Accurate setting-out was required so that the spacing and orientation of all seven structures remained consistent with the intended arrangement.

Stretch tulle fabric was fitted over the steel frames. The textile transformed the fabricated skeletons into softly defined illuminated figures while allowing the internal RGBW lighting to remain visible. Fabric tension needed to be controlled to preserve each silhouette without producing heavy creases or uneven areas that could disrupt the lighting effect.

The RGBW fixtures created colour and shadow within the textile surfaces. Their positions had to account for the geometry of each figure and the visual behaviour of the tulle. Three tonnes of sand were installed around the completed structures. The sand formed part of the visible scenic environment, connecting the seven figures to the ground plane and extending the artwork beyond the fabricated forms themselves. Its installation was sequenced after the main structures had been connected so that the bases, cabling and access points could be completed first.

Creating Afterlife’s Digital Cylindrical Surface

Afterlife required the lighting technology to function as the artwork’s complete visible exterior. Evolution Scenic fabricated a cylindrical mild-steel framework measuring 2.4 metres in diameter and six metres high. The frame supported a continuous custom LED light curtain wrapped around the full circumference of the installation. A cylindrical digital surface requires consistent geometry. Changes in radius, vertical alignment or tension can become visible through gaps, distortion or irregular content spacing.

The steel framework therefore needed sufficient dimensional accuracy to maintain the form of the LED curtain from its upper support to its base. Power, control and data connections were coordinated with the supporting structure. These services needed to remain accessible for installation and testing while avoiding interference with the continuous visual surface. Once assembled, the LED curtain created a 360-degree illuminated installation. Animated graphic content could be viewed from every side, turning the cylindrical structure into an immersive digital scenic element rather than a conventional front-facing screen.

Managing Workshop Production and Pre-Assembly

The production programme was phased around the different requirements of the three artworks.

Minaret 2.0 required substantial mild-steel fabrication, repeated acrylic components, reflective finishes and a counterweighted base. Musk Spectre Sculpture required seven related but individually fabricated frames, interconnected bases, textile skins and internal RGBW systems.

Afterlife required accurate cylindrical metalwork and the preparation of a continuous LED curtain with its associated power and control equipment. Workshop pre-assembly allowed the team to review the fit between structural components before transportation. Acrylic panels and reflective vinyl could be checked against the Minaret frame. Fabric application could be reviewed on the Musk Spectre structures. The shape and mounting arrangement of the Afterlife LED curtain could be tested against the cylindrical framework. Lighting components were also prepared and tested before delivery. This helped identify potential access, cable-routing or alignment issues before the structures reached Expo City Dubai.

Planning Transportation & Site Installation

The three artworks required different transport considerations. The geometric acrylic elevations of Minaret 2.0 were identified as a particular logistical challenge. Although the completed installation reached ten metres high, its frame and finished components needed to be divided into transportable sections and protected during movement. Reflective vinyl and acrylic surfaces can be visibly affected by impact, abrasion or distortion. Their packaging and loading therefore needed to support both physical protection and the planned installation sequence.

The seven Musk Spectre frames also needed to reach site in an order compatible with their setting-out positions. The interconnected base system meant that installation sequencing affected the alignment of the complete group. Afterlife’s cylindrical framework and LED curtain required separate protection strategies. The metal components needed to retain their geometry, while the lighting curtain and electronic systems required controlled handling before being installed around the completed frame.

Site installation began with the positioning and securing of the structural bases. This sequencing established the setting-out, orientation and support conditions for each artwork before its visible components and lighting systems were completed. Minaret 2.0 was assembled onto its two-ton counterweighted base. The geometric elevations and internal lighting were then aligned with the primary structure. The seven Musk Spectre figures were positioned across the 180-square-metre area and connected through their metal base plates. Their RGBW systems and fabric surfaces were completed before three tonnes of sand were distributed around the installation. Afterlife’s cylindrical frame was assembled and checked before the custom LED curtain was installed around its full circumference.

The three artworks were at different scales and occupied separate areas, but their installation needed to progress within one coordinated site programme. Structural work, scenic finishes, electrical integration and testing therefore followed planned sequences rather than operating as isolated activities.

Structural Stability and HSSE Controls

Project-specific HSSE controls applied throughout the installation. The Minaret assembly alone involved a 1,000-kilogram structure and a two-ton counterweighted base. The work required controlled positioning, secure connections and verification of the completed support system.

The seven Musk Spectre figures needed to remain stable individually and as part of their interconnected arrangement. Their bases also had to be coordinated with the surrounding sand and concealed electrical infrastructure. Afterlife combined a six-metre structure with an externally mounted electronic surface. The framework, curtain connections and electrical equipment needed to remain secure and accessible for testing. Outdoor conditions were addressed through engineered base structures, counterweights and secure structural connections.

Detailed HSSE records have not been supplied. The case study therefore does not assign unconfirmed lifting equipment, engineering standards, wind ratings or inspection procedures to the project.

Creating an Immersive Illuminated Environment

The completed installations demonstrated three different ways in which scenic fabrication can support light-based artwork. Minaret 2.0 used architectural scale, reflection and internal colour to create a tall illuminated landmark. Musk Spectre Sculpture used steel, textile, light and sand to form a distributed scenic environment that could be experienced from within and around its 180-square-metre footprint. Afterlife created a continuous animated enclosure through a cylindrical LED surface visible from all directions. The project’s outcome was not simply the successful installation of three structures. It was the creation of three immersive experiences in which the underlying engineering remained controlled while light, surface and form defined the visible result.

Evolution Scenic’s delivery connected artist-led concepts with structural engineering, workshop manufacturing, specialist finishes, lighting systems, logistics and site installation. The project provides a clear example of the company’s ability to produce complex temporary art installations where scenic fabrication and technical integration must operate as one coordinated discipline.

Project Overview and Creative Scope

From 26–28 November 2021, ADNOC Headquarters in Abu Dhabi hosted the ADNOC Jubilee Festival, celebrating 50 years of achievements, innovation and service to the nation. The anniversary required an event environment that could reflect the significance of the milestone while supporting the practical requirements of a large-scale festival.

Evolution Scenic was responsible for translating the event's design concepts into a coordinated collection of custom scenic installations. Rather than producing a single feature, the project involved multiple fabricated environments that needed to function together as one consistent visual experience.

The scenic scope included the distinctive ADNOC 50 Faces gallery stands, created around the number "50", a heavy-duty main stage platform, a large freestanding hashtag installation, an interactive pledge booth, as well as custom backdrops and supporting branded scenic elements.

Each installation had its own purpose, scale and construction requirements, but all needed to communicate the same ADNOC Jubilee identity. This made coordination between fabrication, finishing and installation an important part of the overall delivery.

Design and Fabrication Challenges

One of the main challenges of the ADNOC Jubilee project was the variety of scenic structures required within a single event environment. Each feature presented a different fabrication requirement, meaning the production team had to manage several construction approaches simultaneously while maintaining a consistent visual standard.

The 50 Faces gallery installations, for example, required shaped scenic fabrication built around the recognizable "50" anniversary form. Their construction also incorporated technical PVC flooring and reflective vinyl, adding both practical surface treatment and visual impact.

The main stage presented a different challenge. As one of the central functional structures within the festival, it required a heavy-duty platform capable of supporting the event's operational needs. Custom ramp access also had to be incorporated into the platform design.

Meanwhile, the giant hashtag installation needed to function as a substantial freestanding scenic feature. Unlike elements supported by existing architecture, it had to create a strong standalone visual presence within the wider festival environment. The pledge booth, custom backdrops and additional branded elements further increased the diversity of the fabrication programme.

All of these components also had to be completed against a tight project timeline. The production process therefore required careful coordination so that fabrication, finishing and preparation for installation could progress efficiently without compromising consistency across the different scenic elements.

Scenic Fabrication, Engineering and Construction

Evolution Scenic's fabrication approach focused on turning graphic and architectural concepts into practical physical structures suitable for a live festival environment.

The ADNOC 50 Faces gallery stands were among the project's most visually distinctive elements. Scenic construction was shaped around the anniversary number "50", transforming the graphic identity of the celebration into a three-dimensional visitor experience. Technical PVC flooring and reflective vinyl were incorporated into the finished installations, reinforcing the visual character of the structures.

The main stage platform required a more substantial construction approach because of its functional role within the festival. A heavy-duty platform formed the structural foundation, while PVC flooring provided the finished stage surface. A custom ramp was integrated into the platform to provide controlled access to the stage.

For the giant hashtag, the scenic fabrication had to produce a structure capable of operating independently as a freestanding feature. Its scale and positioning allowed it to act as a prominent visual landmark within the event environment.

Evolution Scenic also fabricated the interactive pledge booth, custom backdrops and supporting branded installations. Although each element had a different function, the fabrication process ensured that branding, finishes and visual proportions worked together across the complete festival site. This coordinated construction approach allowed multiple individual structures to appear as parts of one carefully designed scenic environment rather than unrelated standalone pieces.

Materials, Finishes and Branded Environment

Materials and finishes played an important role in transforming the fabricated structures into a coherent ADNOC Jubilee environment.

Technical PVC flooring and reflective vinyl were used on the 50 Faces gallery installations to create a polished and visually striking finish. The reflective vinyl enhanced the anniversary-themed structures, helping the distinctive “50” forms stand out throughout the festival environment. The technical PVC flooring provided a practical and clean finished surface for the gallery installations while supporting the overall presentation of the scenic environment.

The main stage platform also incorporated PVC flooring as part of its finished construction. Beneath the visible surface, the heavy-duty platform provided the structural support required for the central stage environment. Maintaining visual consistency across the different scenic elements was also an important part of the project. The gallery structures, main stage, pledge booth, hashtag installation and branded backdrops were designed to work together as part of one unified event identity.

Careful attention to finishes, branding and the relationship between individual structures helped create a cohesive visual experience across the site. By coordinating these scenic treatments, ADNOC’s anniversary branding extended beyond graphics and signage into the physical environment of the festival.

The result was a professionally finished scenic environment where materials, surfaces and branded elements worked together to strengthen the overall presentation of the ADNOC Jubilee celebration.

Installation, Delivery and Project Outcome

The completed scenic package was delivered to ADNOC HQ in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Jubilee Festival, which took place from 26–28 November 2021.

Installation involved bringing together several different types of scenic structures across the venue. Gallery installations, the heavy-duty main stage, freestanding signage, the interactive pledge booth, branded backdrops and supporting scenic elements all had to be positioned and integrated into the overall festival environment.

The main stage required its custom ramp to be incorporated into the completed platform, while the giant hashtag needed to be positioned as a prominent standalone feature. At the same time, the gallery structures and supporting branded elements had to work together visually across the site. Despite the demanding programme, Evolution Scenic successfully delivered the scenic installations within the project's tight timeline.

The completed environment gave the ADNOC Jubilee Festival a combination of custom-built architecture, branded scenic finishes and functional event infrastructure. The 50 Faces gallery stands provided a distinctive architectural interpretation of the anniversary theme, while the main stage created the central functional platform for the event. The giant hashtag, pledge booth, custom backdrops and additional branded elements extended the Jubilee identity throughout the venue and created multiple visual touchpoints for guests.

Overall, the project demonstrated Evolution Scenic's ability to translate detailed creative concepts into physical scenic environments while coordinating varied construction methods, finishes and functional requirements as part of a single large-scale event delivery.