International pavilions require interior environments that communicate identity while supporting the practical demands of exhibitions, events and continuous visitor engagement.

For the UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Evolution Scenic delivered a bespoke interior fit-out designed to support the pavilion's presentation of British heritage, culture and innovation.

The environment combined contemporary design with traditional references, creating a setting that could communicate the pavilion's narrative while remaining functional throughout the Expo programme.

Through custom fabrication, carefully selected materials and detailed installation, Evolution Scenic translated the design intent into a finished interior suitable for a high-profile international showcase.

The Challenge

The pavilion required an interior environment capable of representing the United Kingdom on a global stage while balancing visual storytelling with practical functionality.

Bespoke elements needed to reflect both traditional British references and a contemporary design language, while the wider environment had to accommodate exhibitions and events throughout Expo 2020.

With large numbers of visitors experiencing the pavilion, material quality, durability and consistency of finish were also important considerations across the completed interior.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered bespoke interior elements that supported the creative direction and functional requirements of the UK Pavilion.

Custom installations were fabricated to integrate cultural references within a contemporary interior aesthetic, creating visual features that contributed to the wider visitor experience.

Artistic displays were coordinated with functional areas so the pavilion could support both exhibitions and hosted events without compromising its overall visual identity.

Materials were selected to provide the durability required for an extended international exhibition while maintaining the high-quality finish expected of a national pavilion.

From fabrication through to installation, each element was carefully executed to ensure the completed interior aligned with the pavilion's design language and operational purpose.

Delivery Highlights

• Bespoke pavilion interior fit-out
• Custom scenic fabrication
• Bespoke interior installations
• Contemporary interpretation of British cultural references
• Artistic and functional display elements
• Exhibition environment fabrication
• Event-ready interior spaces
• High-quality material finishes
• Fabrication for extended public use
• Detailed on-site installation
• Expo 2020 pavilion delivery

Outcome

The completed interior provided the UK Pavilion with a distinctive environment that supported its cultural and technological narrative while meeting the practical requirements of an international exhibition venue.

Bespoke installations, functional spaces and carefully executed finishes worked together to create an engaging visitor environment capable of supporting exhibitions and events throughout Expo 2020.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to deliver high-profile pavilion interiors where bespoke fabrication, material quality, installation and functionality must work together within a single visitor experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Bespoke interior fabrication, custom installations, exhibition elements, material finishing and on-site installation.

National pavilion celebrations provide an opportunity to introduce new layers of cultural storytelling within an established exhibition environment. Any additional scenic elements must complement the existing architecture while creating a distinctive experience for the occasion.

For the Montenegro Pavilion National Day celebration at Expo 2020 Dubai, Evolution Scenic designed, fabricated and installed a bespoke exhibit that enhanced the existing pavilion through a combination of custom joinery, acrylic fabrication and integrated lighting.

The installation introduced a new visual feature while remaining consistent with the pavilion's established design language, combining traditional fabrication techniques with contemporary materials to create a refined and engaging visitor environment.

The Challenge

The project required a new scenic exhibit to be introduced within an existing national pavilion without disrupting its established visual identity.

The installation needed to reflect Montenegro's cultural narrative while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic appropriate to Expo 2020 Dubai. Integration was particularly important, with the new fabrication, acrylic elements and lighting required to feel like a considered extension of the pavilion rather than a temporary addition.

The finished installation also needed to combine visual impact with the durability and quality of finish required for a high-profile public exhibition environment.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed a bespoke exhibit specifically for the Montenegro Pavilion, carefully considering how its form, materials and lighting would integrate with the existing interior.

Traditional joinery techniques formed the foundation of the fabricated scenic elements, providing the structural quality and detailing required for the installation.

Custom acrylic lighting features were incorporated to introduce depth, illumination and a more dynamic visual character. The interaction between fabricated surfaces, acrylic elements and integrated lighting allowed the exhibit to become a distinctive focal point while remaining connected to the wider pavilion aesthetic.

Detailed scenic finishing completed the installation, ensuring the new elements aligned with the pavilion's existing design language and delivered a cohesive environment for the National Day celebration.

Delivery Highlights

• Bespoke National Day exhibit
• Scenic design and fabrication
• Integration within the existing Montenegro Pavilion
• Custom joinery
• Acrylic fabrication
• Integrated acrylic lighting features
• Contemporary lighting treatments
• Bespoke scenic detailing
• Cultural exhibition environment
• Pavilion enhancement
• On-site installation
• Expo 2020 Dubai delivery

Outcome

The completed exhibit introduced a distinctive new feature to the Montenegro Pavilion while maintaining continuity with the existing environment.

By combining bespoke joinery, acrylic fabrication and integrated lighting, Evolution Scenic created a visually engaging installation that supported the pavilion's National Day celebration and reinforced its cultural presentation to Expo visitors.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's capability to deliver bespoke pavilion enhancements where fabrication, material detailing and integrated lighting must work within an established exhibition design.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Bespoke scenic fabrication, custom joinery, acrylic fabrication, lighting integration, scenic detailing and on-site installation.

Cultural exhibitions require spaces that protect and present individual objects while guiding visitors through a coherent visual and narrative journey.

From 30 September to 15 December 2023, Evolution Scenic delivered a complete exhibition fit-out for the Slovenia Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. The exhibition explored the themes One World, One Family and Soul Survivors through ideas of global connection, shared values and human resilience.

The project combined custom ceilings, gypsum walls, display plinths, high-resolution graphics, specialist lighting, zoned audio and digital displays. Every component was developed to connect the physical exhibits with the wider themes of the exhibition.

The Challenge

The pavilion needed to present cultural objects and stories from different parts of the world within one unified environment.

The abstract themes of unity, interconnectedness and resilience had to be translated into tangible spatial and visual elements that visitors could understand as they moved through the exhibition.

The fit-out required several specialist systems to work together. Custom ceilings, gypsum walls, plinths, graphics, lighting, audio and digital screens all needed to be coordinated within the installation programme.

Exhibit illumination also needed to remain operational during a loss of mains power. This required a discreet backup system capable of powering the display lights for 48 hours without disrupting the exhibition design.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the exhibition hall as a connected narrative environment, using scenic architecture, graphics and lighting to distinguish individual sections while maintaining a consistent visitor journey.

High-resolution, custom-printed wallpapers were installed across the venue walls. The graphics introduced colour, depth and thematic context while connecting the exhibits to the wider stories of One World, One Family and Soul Survivors.

Durable gypsum walls were constructed to organise the exhibition and create defined display areas. Bespoke plinths provided stable and appropriately scaled platforms for individual objects and artefacts.

A custom ceiling structure was designed and fabricated to integrate the exhibition lighting. Its form helped establish the intended atmosphere while concealing and organising the technical elements above the displays.

Precision lighting was used to focus attention on significant objects and sections. Changes in colour, brightness and shadow supported transitions between different parts of the exhibition.

Localised audio zones provided individual sections with culturally relevant music, narration and ambient sound without allowing one area to interfere with another.

Magnetic LED screens were integrated to present high-resolution imagery, video and cultural narratives alongside the physical exhibits.

Evolution Scenic worked with its in-house technical team to develop battery-operated display lighting with a 48-hour backup capacity. The system ensured that key exhibits would remain illuminated during a power interruption.

Delivery Highlights

• Complete exhibition fit-out
• Installation at the Slovenia Pavilion
• Exhibition operation from September to December 2023
• Spatial interpretation of two principal themes
• Custom interior scenic elements
• High-resolution printed wallpapers
• Venue-wide graphic installation
• Durable gypsum display walls
• Bespoke exhibition plinths
• Custom fabricated ceiling
• Integrated specialist lighting
• Precision focus lighting
• Dynamic colour and shadow treatments
• Localised audio zones
• Cultural narration and ambient sound
• Magnetic LED display screens
• High-definition visual content
• Battery-operated exhibit lighting
• 48-hour lighting backup system
• Coordination of scenic and technical installation

Outcome

The completed fit-out transformed the Slovenia Pavilion into a structured exhibition environment combining physical artefacts, graphic storytelling and integrated media.

Custom walls and plinths gave each exhibit a defined setting, while the ceiling, lighting and high-resolution wallpapers connected the different sections through a consistent visual language.

Zoned audio and magnetic LED screens added contextual material without displacing the physical exhibits as the primary focus of the experience.

The 48-hour battery backup provided greater operational resilience by allowing key display lights to remain active during potential power interruptions.

Through coordinated scenic fabrication and technical integration, Evolution Scenic delivered an exhibition environment designed to support both the cultural content and the practical requirements of extended public operation.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Exhibition design development, custom interior fit-out, gypsum walls, display plinths, printed wallpapers, ceiling fabrication, spatial coordination and installation.

Evolution Technical – Specialist lighting, localised audio, magnetic LED screens and development of the 48-hour battery-backup system.

Public artworks displayed outdoors must preserve the artist’s creative intent while meeting demanding structural, environmental and visitor-safety requirements.

For the Dubai Light Art Festival, held at Expo City Dubai from 26 January to 4 February 2024, AGB Events commissioned Evolution Scenic to fabricate and install three large-scale illuminated artworks.

The project included Minaret 2.0 by Abdullah Al-Mulla, Musk Spectre by Dr Najat Makki and Afterlife by Maitha Hamdan. Each installation required a distinct combination of metal fabrication, structural calculations, specialist materials, integrated RGBW or LED lighting and secure outdoor installation.

The Challenge

The artists’ concepts needed to be translated into engineered structures capable of operating safely in a public outdoor environment.

Structural calculations had to consider wind loading, material durability, environmental exposure, base design and counterweight requirements. Each installation also needed to protect visitors while maintaining the visual proportions and material character of the original artwork.

The scale and geometry of Minaret 2.0 created a particular transportation challenge. Measuring approximately 2.1 metres wide, 2.1 metres deep and 10 metres high, its finished acrylic elevations required careful handling during delivery.

Musk Spectre extended across 180 square metres and combined seven connected figures with fabric, internal lighting and three tonnes of sand. Afterlife required a six-metre cylindrical structure with a continuous 360-degree light curtain.

All three installations needed to be coordinated, transported and securely positioned within the festival programme.

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.

The Solution

Minaret 2.0 by Abdullah Al-Mulla

Evolution Scenic fabricated a custom metal structure weighing approximately 1,000 kilograms. Geometric acrylic frames with reflective vinyl were incorporated into its elevations, strengthening the form’s interaction with daylight and artificial illumination.

A two-tonne metal base structure and counterweights provided the stability required for outdoor display. Detailed calculations addressed wind loading and the behaviour of the tall installation in changing environmental conditions.

Internal RGBW lighting introduced gradual colour transitions representing the five daily prayer times, supporting the artist’s exploration of time and the spiritual rhythm of life in Dubai.

The completed structure’s height and delicate acrylic geometry required a planned transportation method to protect its finished surfaces during delivery to Expo City.

Musk Spectre by Dr Najat Makki

Seven custom metal structures were fabricated and connected through metal base plates to form the installation’s individual figures.

The structures were wrapped in stretch tulle, creating translucent sculptural surfaces through which internal RGBW lighting could produce shadows and changing visual effects.

The installation occupied an area of approximately 180 square metres. Three tonnes of sand were placed around the figures, supporting the artwork’s representation of women emerging from the ground and the transition of Dubai’s natural environment from water to sand.

Afterlife by Maitha Hamdan

Evolution Scenic fabricated a cylindrical metal structure measuring 2.4 metres in diameter and six metres high.

A custom LED light curtain was installed around the full circumference of the cylinder, creating a continuous 360-degree illuminated surface.

The structure provided the physical framework for Maitha Hamdan’s textile-led exploration of social boundaries, religion and personal memory.

Engineering and installation

Across all three artworks, Evolution Scenic combined technical calculations with custom metal fabrication, scenic material integration and secure base structures.

Installation methods were developed to comply with the required specifications and public-safety standards. A coordinated delivery schedule enabled the artworks, counterweights, lighting components and three tonnes of sand to be transported and installed within the festival timeframe.

Delivery Highlights

• Three large-scale outdoor art installations
• Custom structural calculations
• Wind-load and environmental considerations
• Visitor-safety planning
• Bespoke metal fabrication
• Secure base structures and counterweights
• Integration of RGBW and LED lighting
• Minaret 2.0 by Abdullah Al-Mulla
• 1,000-kilogram minaret structure
• Two-tonne metal base and counterweights
• Geometric acrylic frames
• Reflective vinyl finishes
• Structure approximately 10 metres high
• Musk Spectre by Dr Najat Makki
• Seven interconnected metal figures
• Stretch-tulle fabric surfaces
• Installation covering 180 square metres
• Three tonnes of sand
• Afterlife by Maitha Hamdan
• 2.4-metre-diameter cylindrical structure
• Six-metre installation height
• 360-degree LED light curtain
• Complex transport and logistical planning
• Secure installation at Expo City Dubai

Outcome

The three completed installations translated distinct artistic concepts into structurally developed outdoor artworks for public display at Expo City Dubai.

Minaret 2.0 combined geometric acrylic forms, reflective surfaces and changing RGBW lighting within a tall counterweighted structure. Musk Spectre used illuminated fabric figures and sand to create a sculptural landscape across 180 square metres. Afterlife transformed a cylindrical metal framework into a continuous surface of light.

Through structural calculations, specialist metal fabrication and planned installation, Evolution Scenic delivered each artwork in a form suited to the environmental and safety requirements of the festival.

The project demonstrated how close coordination between artists, scenic fabricators, engineers and lighting specialists can protect creative intent while resolving the practical demands of large-scale public art.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Structural development, design calculations, metal fabrication, acrylic and reflective finishes, fabric integration, base structures, counterweights, transportation and outdoor installation.

Evolution Technical – RGBW lighting control, internal illumination and technical integration across the artworks.

Cultural pavilions require scenic environments that do more than provide a backdrop. They must support storytelling, live demonstrations and visitor interaction while creating an authentic sense of place.

During COP28, held from 30 November to 12 December 2023, the UAE Pavilion at Expo City Dubai provided an interactive cultural environment where visitors could explore Emirati heritage alongside the wider themes of sustainability.

Appointed by the National Projects Office, Evolution Scenic designed, fabricated and installed scenic elements throughout the pavilion, creating environments for traditional craftsmanship, cultural performances, marine heritage displays and guided storytelling.

The result brought together contemporary fabrication and traditional cultural references within a cohesive visitor experience.

The Challenge

The UAE Pavilion needed to communicate the country's cultural heritage within the context of COP28, creating an experience that was authentic, engaging and aligned with the pavilion's sustainability objectives.

Multiple cultural activities had to coexist within the environment, including traditional craft demonstrations, gahwa preparation, traditional medicine displays, Ayallah performances and marine heritage exhibits.

The scenic approach therefore needed to support live activity and visitor movement while maintaining a consistent visual language throughout the pavilion. Elements also needed to transition effectively between daytime and evening operation across the COP28 programme.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed a series of custom scenic environments designed around the pavilion's cultural programme and visitor journey.

Modular scenic structures were fabricated to integrate naturally with the existing pavilion environment while supporting the project's sustainability-led approach. Dedicated areas were created for live demonstrations of traditional Emirati crafts, including date palm weaving, gahwa preparation and traditional medicine.

Custom-built environments supported live Ayallah performances and marine craft exhibitions, allowing cultural practices to become active parts of the visitor experience rather than static displays.

Scenic backdrops and interpretive display elements were integrated throughout the guided experience, helping support the stories presented to visitors as they moved through the pavilion.

Ambient lighting was also incorporated into the scenic environment, allowing the atmosphere to transition from daytime operation into evening programming while maintaining visual consistency across the installation.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic design, fabrication and installation
• Modular scenic display structures
• Cultural exhibition environments
• Date palm weaving demonstration area
• Gahwa preparation environment
• Traditional medicine displays
• Live Ayallah performance area
• Marine craft exhibition environments
• Interactive cultural installations
• Scenic backdrops for guided storytelling
• Interpretive display elements
• Integrated ambient lighting
• Day-to-night scenic environment
• COP28 pavilion installation
• Sustainability-led scenic approach

Outcome

The completed UAE Pavilion environment provided visitors with an interactive way to experience Emirati heritage during COP28, bringing traditional practices, performance and cultural storytelling together within a contemporary pavilion setting.

Rather than presenting heritage exclusively through static exhibition displays, the scenic environments supported live artisans, performers and demonstrations, creating opportunities for visitors to engage directly with different aspects of Emirati culture.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic's ability to deliver culturally informed exhibition environments where bespoke fabrication, visitor experience and live programming work together to communicate heritage within a major international event.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic design, bespoke fabrication, modular display structures, cultural exhibition environments, performance areas, interpretive scenic elements, integrated lighting and installation.

Seasonal environments often rely on the careful reuse and renewal of existing scenic assets as much as the creation of new ones. For Expo Winter City 2024 at Expo City Dubai, Evolution Scenic supported the festive programme through a combination of scenic refurbishment, structural repair, refinishing and new feature fabrication.

The scope included the restoration of Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, refinishing of Christmas baubles and the fabrication of a new 10-stack decorative bauble tower. Together, these elements refreshed the existing seasonal décor while extending its visual life for another year of public use.

The Challenge

The project required existing festive scenic elements to be brought back to a high presentation standard while preserving their usability for the Winter City environment.

Some components required structural repair as well as cosmetic restoration, meaning the work needed to address both durability and appearance.

The wider seasonal display also required new visual interest, so the refurbishment programme was combined with the fabrication of an additional feature installation that would complement the existing Christmas décor.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic carried out structural repairs and detailed refinishing across key festive assets.

Santa’s sleigh and reindeer were refurbished to restore both their appearance and durability. Damaged or worn elements were repaired before the scenic finishes were renewed.

Existing Christmas baubles were re-sprayed and updated with custom vinyl graphics to align with the refreshed festive theme.

To add a new focal point within the display, Evolution Scenic also fabricated a 10-stack decorative bauble tower. The feature introduced additional height and visual impact while remaining consistent with the wider Christmas aesthetic.

By combining refurbishment with new fabrication, the team was able to extend the life of existing scenic assets while introducing a fresh element into the overall seasonal environment.

Delivery Highlights

• Festive scenic refurbishment for Expo Winter City 2024.
• Installation at Expo City Dubai.
• Santa’s sleigh refurbishment.
• Reindeer structural repairs.
• Detailed scenic refinishing.
• Christmas bauble restoration.
• Re-sprayed decorative baubles.
• Custom vinyl graphics.
• Fabrication of a 10-stack bauble tower.
• New seasonal feature installation.
• Reuse and enhancement of existing scenic assets.
• Delivery and installation.

Outcome

The completed refurbishment programme refreshed key festive elements and helped extend the usable life of the Winter City décor.

Restored scenic pieces were returned to a high visual standard, while the new bauble tower introduced an additional focal feature into the seasonal display.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to support recurring seasonal events through scenic refurbishment and adaptive reuse, combining structural repair, refinishing and selective new fabrication rather than replacing complete installations unnecessarily.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic refurbishment, structural repairs, refinishing, re-spraying, vinyl application, decorative feature fabrication, delivery and installation.