Creating A Complete Winter Environment At Al Wasl Plaza

Expo Winter Fest 2023 required the transformation of Al Wasl Plaza into a complete temporary winter environment. Evolution Scenic was appointed by the event producer to design, fabricate, install and technically support the scenic package. The company also maintained the installation throughout its public operating period.

The project was developed and delivered over two months. Rather than focusing on a single stage or feature structure, the scope covered an extensive collection of architectural, sculptural and interactive scenic elements. These included a traditional chalet-style Christmas market, Santa’s House, a themed toy factory, festive fairground installations, tree islands, oversized baubles, entrance gates and a refurbished Santa letter station. 

Each element formed part of the same visual environment, but its construction needed to respond to a different structural or operational requirement.

Developing The Scenic Architecture

The chalet-style market established the principal architectural language for the project. Pitched roofs, timber detailing and traditional winter decoration created the appearance of a seasonal European market while remaining compatible with temporary event construction.

The structures needed sufficient strength for installation and operation but also had to be practical to manufacture, transport, assemble and maintain. Timber framing provided the primary construction method for many of the architectural components. Plywood and MDF were used to form walls, façades, roof sections, trims and decorative details.

Working from a common design language allowed individual structures to retain their own identity while reading as part of one connected winter village. Santa’s House expanded this architectural treatment into an immersive themed installation. The building incorporated festive scenic detailing and Christmas elements designed to create a richer spatial experience than a simple decorative façade.

Golden entrance gates and associated scenic structures marked transition points through the environment. In addition to reinforcing the visual treatment, these elements helped organise the flow between different zones.

Combining Workshop Disciplines

The breadth of the project required several scenic manufacturing disciplines to operate within one production programme. Carpentry teams produced the framed chalet structures, walls, roofs and detailed joinery components. Metal fabrication supported structural elements and the internal frames required for technically integrated installations.

MDF provided smooth surfaces for routed profiles, decorative forms and painted scenic details.Plywood supplied robust sheet construction where greater structural performance was required. Steel was incorporated where structures needed additional rigidity or where moving components placed greater demands on the supporting framework.

The workshop also produced sculptural characters, oversized baubles, gift boxes, decorative islands and numerous smaller themed components. Managing these disciplines within one coordinated production process ensured that architectural structures, props and animated elements shared a consistent standard of fabrication and finish.

Fabricating Elves & Toy-Factory Installation

The hand-carved elves were produced in styrofoam. This method allowed the sculptors to create expressive three-dimensional forms without the weight associated with solid timber or heavier moulded materials. Following carving, the figures received a hard protective coating. The coating increased surface durability and provided a stable base for the final scenic treatment.

The characters were designed to work within the scale of the wider environment. Their proportions and finishes needed to remain visually legible beside the chalet structures, tree installations and larger decorative features. By treating the elves as constructed scenic assets rather than lightweight decorative ornaments, Evolution Scenic was able to integrate them more effectively into the complete environment.

The toy factory contained some of the project’s most technically integrated scenic work.The structure used metal framing, wire mesh and moisture-resistant MDF to form its architectural and decorative surfaces. Moving gifts were incorporated into the installation, introducing mechanical operation within the themed environment.This required the scenic fabrication and technical systems to be developed together. Support frames needed to accommodate the movement, while external finishes had to conceal or visually absorb the underlying technical components.

The moving features also needed to remain accessible for inspection and maintenance during operation. Snow flocking completed the winter treatment, unifying the toy factory with the surrounding chalet structures and decorative installations. The completed feature demonstrated how animated scenery can be incorporated within a temporary public environment without allowing the mechanical system to dominate its visual character.

Producing The Festive Focal Points

Large decorative elements were positioned throughout Al Wasl Plaza to create focal points between the main architectural structures. Tree islands combined artificial trees, fairy lighting and snow dressing. These installations introduced height and texture while helping connect the different scenic zones.

A major Christmas tree provided a central vertical feature within the wider composition. Oversized baubles and gift boxes were fabricated to remain effective within the scale of the plaza. Their three-dimensional construction gave them greater presence than printed or flat decorative treatments.

A giant bauble arrangement was installed on a custom circular platform at the centre of the main stage area. The purpose-built base helped define the composition and provided a controlled interface between the large props and the venue surface.

The Santa letter station was refurbished and incorporated into the updated scenic treatment. Surrounding decorations, timber gift boxes and themed elements allowed the reused structure to sit naturally within the newly fabricated environment.

Installing The Complete Scenic Package

The site installation brought together structures manufactured using different materials and construction methods. Chalet buildings required accurate positioning and alignment so that their roof forms, façades and decorative details retained a consistent architectural rhythm. Large freestanding props needed to be securely installed while preserving their intended orientation and sightlines.

The toy factory required both scenic assembly and technical commissioning. Its structural, decorative and moving components needed to operate as one finished installation. Tree islands, lighting features, entrance treatments and smaller props were then integrated around the principal structures to complete the environment. Project management personnel remained present during delivery, coordinating the scenic and technical work with the event producer. The installation was completed on programme.

Supporting The Environment During Operation

Evolution Scenic remained on site throughout the operating period.

This ongoing responsibility allowed the team to maintain architectural finishes, decorative props, interactive elements and moving scenic systems after the public opening.

Temporary environments experience different demands from static exhibition displays. Visitor contact, repeated operation, environmental exposure and daily cleaning can all affect scenic surfaces and technical elements.

On-site maintenance allowed the team to respond directly to these operational requirements.

The arrangement also ensured that any adjustment was undertaken with an understanding of the original construction methodology, materials and scenic finish.

Delivering A Unified Temporary Environment

The completed Expo Winter Fest environment combined scenic architecture, custom manufacturing and technical production across a broad site.

Its chalet-style structures established a coherent architectural setting. Sculptural elves, giant baubles, gift boxes and tree islands added depth and character. Santa’s House and the letter station created interactive destinations, while the toy factory introduced movement and technical animation.

Behind the winter appearance was a coordinated manufacturing process involving timber framing, steel fabrication, MDF and plywood construction, sculptural carving, hard coating, scenic finishing and mechanical integration.

Evolution Scenic’s complete scope—from design development through maintenance—allowed the environment to be treated as one operational scenic system.

The result demonstrated the company’s ability to design and manufacture complex temporary environments that combine architectural scale, detailed prop work and technically integrated scenic features.

Creating a Multi-Zone Scenic Environment for the Qudwa Teachers’ Forum

The Qudwa Teachers’ Forum was staged at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in 2017. The physical environment extended beyond a single conference stage, requiring a main auditorium, six breakout rooms inside the ballroom, three further breakout rooms elsewhere in the venue, corridor installations and furnished terrace areas.

Evolution Events worked from a client-supplied concept and coordinated the wider event delivery. Evolution Scenic was responsible for fabricating and installing the principal scenic elements that shaped the auditorium, breakout rooms and circulation spaces.

This distributed scope required a consistent scenic language that could operate at different scales. The main auditorium needed to function as the visual centre of the project, while each breakout room required a smaller but complete environment incorporating staging, branded walls and screen integration. The work therefore involved more than creating a single scenic backdrop. It required a temporary architectural system capable of extending through several parts of Emirates Palace.

Building the Main Auditorium

The auditorium package was organised around a fabricated stage deck and steps. Behind the stage, a black scenic backdrop provided a controlled visual field for the remaining scenic and technical components. A custom central surround integrated the venue’s main screen into the overall stage composition.

The venue screen was not supplied by Evolution Scenic or Evolution Technical. Scenic responsibility centred on the physical structure surrounding it and the way that structure connected visually with the stage, backdrop and adjacent display features.

Smaller side screens were supplied by Evolution Technical. These were integrated into scenic and graphic display surrounds fabricated by Evolution Scenic.

The arrangement required close coordination between the technical equipment and the surrounding construction. Openings and finished edges needed to align with the screen dimensions, while the scenic structures had to provide a clean visual interface without preventing technical installation or access.

Dimensional icon panels introduced physical depth across the backdrop. Unlike flat printed graphics, these elements created changes in relief and shadow, allowing the visual identity to become part of the constructed environment.

The lower stage area incorporated branded fascia and panel-session scenic structures. Custom lecterns completed the presentation setting, while carpet and floor finishes established the auditorium footprint. Together, these elements formed a complete temporary scenic composition rather than a stage assembled from isolated rental components.

Manufacturing Nine Breakout Environments

The breakout-room requirement was substantial. Six temporary rooms were created within the ballroom, with three additional breakout environments installed elsewhere at Emirates Palace. The original project page confirms that the rooms incorporated bespoke stages and backdrops. Evolution Scenic constructed the environments using freestanding modular partitions fabricated in workshop-built sections. This method provided several operational advantages. The wall structures could be cut, framed, assembled and finished under controlled workshop conditions. Graphic positions, joints and visible edges could be checked before the sections reached the venue.

The modular approach also created repeatability. Where the breakout rooms shared common details, the same construction principles could be used across several units rather than developing every room as a completely separate build. Once delivered, the sections could be assembled into temporary room layouts without relying extensively on the permanent venue walls. Each breakout environment incorporated its own stage, backdrop and screen surround. Smaller screens were supplied by Evolution Technical and fitted into the prepared scenic compositions.

Although the rooms belonged to one project identity, they still needed to work individually. The construction therefore had to balance consistency with the practical requirements of each space. The available source material does not provide the dimensions of the partitions, stages or screen openings. It also does not identify whether every breakout room followed exactly the same layout. Those details have not been assumed.

Using Materials Across Different Scenic Functions

The confirmed construction palette included MDF, plywood, timber framing, metal framing, acrylic, fabric, printed panels, vinyl graphics, laminate, PU paint and carpet. This range supported both structural and decorative requirements. Sheet materials could be used to form stage surfaces, wall faces, fascias and display structures. Timber framing provided an adaptable method for producing the larger modular partitions, while metal framing could support details requiring additional rigidity or reduced visual bulk.

Acrylic enabled dimensional graphic components and other refined details to be incorporated into the scenic package. Printed panels, fabric and vinyl graphics carried the Qudwa identity across the auditoria, breakout backdrops, corridor installations and signage. The use of several graphic methods allowed the visual language to be adapted to different substrates and scales.

Laminate and PU paint provided controlled scenic finishes, while carpet helped define the floors of the temporary environments and cover transitions between constructed scenic elements and the venue surface. The precise material build-up of every component has not been supplied. The material list is therefore presented as a confirmed overall project palette rather than as a detailed specification for individual elements.

Extending the Scenic Environment into the Corridors

The project did not stop at the doors of the auditorium and breakout rooms. Custom infographic walls and freestanding panels were installed through the corridors. The original project described these installations as a way of carrying information and visual content through the venue’s circulation areas.

From a scenic perspective, the corridor elements served an architectural purpose. They changed the routes between rooms from neutral venue spaces into part of the temporary project environment. Freestanding construction allowed graphic content to be introduced without depending entirely on the permanent walls. It also supported the requirement to protect existing venue surfaces.

Signage and wayfinding were integrated with these graphic elements. This allowed operational information to use the same materials, proportions and branding as the main scenic package. The result was continuity between the principal auditorium, the breakout rooms and the routes connecting them.

Coordinating Scenic, Technical and Furniture Delivery

The project required coordination between several Evolution departments and the venue. Evolution Scenic fabricated the physical scenic package. Evolution Technical supplied the smaller screens used within the side displays and breakout environments. The main auditorium screen was supplied by Emirates Palace.

This division of responsibility made interface coordination important. Scenic structures had to be built around equipment supplied by other parties, while still achieving consistent finished edges, alignment and access. Evolution Furniture supplied the terrace furniture. These outdoor settings extended the project beyond the enclosed conference spaces and provided a coordinated furniture environment for the terraces, as also recorded on the original project page.

Evolution Events developed the delivery from the client-supplied concept, coordinating the different physical and operational components into one project. The ecosystem demonstrates how scenic fabrication can sit within a wider production structure without blurring responsibility. Screens remained technical equipment, furniture remained a specialist furniture supply and the constructed stages, walls, surrounds, lecterns and graphic installations remained part of the scenic scope.

Project Outcome

The Qudwa Teachers’ Forum environment demonstrated how multiple temporary spaces could be manufactured and installed as a single coordinated scenic package. Evolution Scenic delivered the physical construction required for the main auditorium and nine breakout rooms while also extending the project identity into corridors and circulation spaces.

The use of workshop-built modular partitions supported the three-day phased installation and reduced the amount of on-site fabrication required inside Emirates Palace. Technical responsibilities remained clearly defined. The venue supplied the main screen, Evolution Technical supplied the smaller screens and Evolution Scenic fabricated the surrounding physical structures.

Evolution Furniture’s terrace package completed the project ecosystem, while Evolution Events coordinated the delivery from the client-provided concept. The completed environment stands as a practical example of multi-room scenic fabrication, temporary conference architecture and coordinated installation within a protected venue.

Engineering the Double-Decker Exhibition Architecture

Evolution Scenic delivered the complete two-level exhibition environment for DUCAB, developing the structural framework and scenic architecture as one coordinated temporary build. The stand occupied a 15-metre by eight-metre ground-floor footprint, creating 120 square metres of exhibition space, while the completed structure reached an overall height of five metres.

A circular mezzanine measuring six metres in diameter introduced a dedicated upper-level meeting environment without increasing the ground-floor allocation. The elevated area allowed the stand to accommodate private meeting and hospitality functions above the main exhibition space while retaining an open and accessible layout below.

The mezzanine was supported by a custom mild-steel structural system forming the principal load-bearing framework of the double-decker stand. This structure supported the upper floor, curved perimeter architecture, glazed frontage and staircase, allowing the architectural treatment to be developed around a stable temporary steel framework.

At mezzanine level, Evolution Scenic fabricated a curved MDF architectural surround with integrated frames designed to receive ten-millimetre tempered glass. The glazed frontage maintained visual connection between the upper meeting space and the exhibition floor, while backlit acrylic DUCAB branding was positioned above the curved perimeter to strengthen the upper level as a prominent architectural feature.

Access to the mezzanine was provided through a custom mild-steel staircase finished with MDF scenic cladding and integrated cove strip lighting. A glass railing was installed at the landing to maintain the open architectural character of the upper level. The mezzanine structure was also load tested in accordance with Dubai Municipality requirements, completing the structural and compliance requirements of the temporary double-decker construction.

Constructing the Raised Platform and Accessible Floor System

The complete ground-floor environment was established on a 15-metre-wide by eight-metre-deep raised platform, creating a controlled architectural base for the full exhibition layout. The platform defined the footprint of the stand and supported the reception, hospitality, networking, product-display and seating areas within one coordinated floor system.

Evolution Scenic constructed the platform from plywood and applied a six-millimetre MDF layer across the upper surface. This additional layer created a smooth and consistent substrate for the PVC floor finish, helping the completed floor read as a continuous architectural surface rather than a series of separate platform sections.

The finished platform stood 100 millimetres above the surrounding exhibition floor. This raised construction provided a unified level across the stand while also helping visually distinguish the DUCAB environment from the adjacent exhibition aisle.

Ramp access was incorporated at both the front and rear of the stand. These transitions were integrated directly into the platform construction, allowing access to form part of the scenic architecture rather than appearing as separate temporary additions.

By treating the platform, floor finish and access points as one coordinated construction package, Evolution Scenic created a continuous ground-floor plane that supported the stand’s different functional zones while maintaining consistent levels, finishes and circulation throughout the exhibition environment.

Integrating the Main LED Backdrop and Concealed Operational Space

The principal DUCAB LED-screen backdrop was developed as a multifunctional scenic wall, combining digital presentation, illuminated branding, technical support and concealed operational storage within a single architectural element.

The visible structure was fabricated from MDF and finished in white paint to maintain continuity with the wider stand architecture. Within the depth of the backdrop, Evolution Scenic incorporated a dedicated storeroom, complete with an access door and a small fixed glass window, allowing practical back-of-house functionality to be integrated directly into the scenic construction.

A light-pass acrylic backlit DUCAB logo with applied vinyl graphics was positioned above the main screen area. This illuminated branding was integrated into the scenic elevation rather than added as a separate surface treatment, helping connect the digital display with the wider visual language of the stand.

The LED screen required an independent support system behind the finished wall. Truss was positioned at the rear of the scenic structure to provide the necessary technical support while remaining concealed from normal visitor sightlines. This separation allowed the visible MDF surfaces to retain a clean architectural finish without carrying the full technical load of the display system.

By combining the screen surround, concealed storeroom, structural truss support and backlit branding within one coordinated scenic feature, Evolution Scenic used the available wall depth efficiently while maintaining a controlled and visually refined exhibition frontage.

Fabricating Interactive and Digital Scenic Features

Several bespoke scenic elements were developed across the ground floor to support digital interaction, product engagement and information display. Rather than introducing freestanding technical equipment into the space, Evolution Scenic integrated the digital hardware directly into purpose-built scenic structures.

The interactive world-map installation and podium lightbox were constructed around a steel-framed structure, providing a durable internal framework for the feature. MDF cladding formed the visible surfaces, which were finished in white PU matt spray paint to maintain consistency with the wider stand architecture. Backlit acrylic branding with applied graphics was incorporated into the fabrication as part of the finished scenic composition.

A separate networking-screen structure was manufactured from fire-retardant MDF and finished in the same white PU matt spray-paint treatment. A 55-inch touchscreen was integrated into each face, allowing the feature to operate from both sides and support interaction from different circulation directions within the exhibition space.

Aluminium-profile diffusers with integrated LED lighting were installed along the edges of the networking feature. These illuminated details helped visually define the structure while framing the digital interfaces as part of the architectural language of the stand rather than as standalone screens.

Evolution Scenic also fabricated a custom plinth for a ten-inch iPad. The PU matt spray-painted enclosure incorporated a removable internal server shelf and mesh cover, allowing supporting equipment to remain accessible and ventilated. Together, these features demonstrate how digital hardware, scenic joinery, structural framing, lighting and service access were coordinated within a unified exhibition fabrication package.

Developing the Dual-Faced DMB Display and Media Wall

The DMB feature was engineered as a double-sided scenic structure, allowing two distinct presentation functions to be incorporated within a single footprint. The approach reduced the need for separate display walls while creating a coordinated scenic element that could support both physical product presentation and digital media.

On the front elevation, Evolution Scenic fabricated an illuminated product-display wall from fire-retardant MDF with a white PU matt spray-paint finish. Six-millimetre crystal-clear glass was used for the display shelving, while opal-white acrylic and light-pass graphics were integrated into the illuminated sections to create a series of built-in product-display lightboxes.

The reverse elevation was developed as the DMB LED-screen wall. This face used the same fire-retardant MDF construction but was finished with metallic brushed laminate across the front and side surfaces, introducing a contrasting material treatment within the wider stand architecture.

Plywood reinforcement was incorporated internally to provide dedicated support for the LED screen. The upper section of the wall was left open to allow ventilation around the integrated equipment, ensuring that the technical requirements of the display system were accommodated within the scenic construction.

By developing both elevations as one coordinated wall system, Evolution Scenic combined display joinery, illuminated graphics, screen integration, structural reinforcement and ventilation within a compact architectural feature. The result allowed the stand to support both physical and digital content without compromising the visual consistency of the overall exhibition environment.

 Manufacturing Hospitality Joinery and Coordinating Interior Finishes

Custom scenic joinery was fabricated throughout the stand to support reception, hospitality and informal meeting functions. The principal reception counter measured three metres long, 700 millimetres wide and one metre high. It was manufactured from MDF and finished in white PU matt spray paint, with a backlit acrylic DUCAB logo integrated into the front elevation.

A separate coffee counter was fabricated using the same MDF construction and white PU matt finish. An integrated cove LED profile introduced a controlled illuminated detail within the counter architecture. A consistent material palette connected these elements with the wider stand. White PU matt spray paint was used across the reception counter, coffee counter, interactive structures, networking display and product-display fabrication, while metallic brushed laminate provided contrast at the DMB media wall.

Integrated illumination formed part of the scenic architecture throughout the environment. Backlit acrylic logos, LED profiles, illuminated shelving and staircase lighting were incorporated directly into the fabricated elements.

The ground floor was completed with armchairs and tables arranged according to the stand design. The mezzanine incorporated sofa seating, tables, a freestanding television stand, planter boxes and vinyl flooring, creating a more enclosed meeting and hospitality environment above the public exhibition level.

Installation, Testing, Handover and De-Rig

Evolution Scenic handled the complete site delivery of the exhibition environment, bringing together structural steelwork, scenic carpentry, glazing, technical display supports, lighting, floor finishes, branding and furniture.

Installation required close coordination between the mild-steel mezzanine structure and the surrounding scenic package. The raised platform established the primary floor geometry before the upper structure, staircase, curved mezzanine frontage and glazed architectural elements were integrated.

At ground level, the LED backdrop, concealed storeroom, reception and coffee counters, interactive features, networking screens, DMB display wall and custom digital plinths were positioned within the completed structural environment.

Technical interfaces were incorporated into the scenic fabrication during installation. Screen-support dimensions needed to correspond with the display systems, the curved glazing had to follow the mezzanine radius accurately, and scenic cladding needed to conceal structural elements without restricting ventilation or equipment access.

The DMB wall incorporated an open upper section for ventilation, while the custom iPad plinth retained removable access to its internal server shelf. The mezzanine structure was load tested in accordance with Dubai Municipality requirements before final operation.

Once completed, the stand provided reception, product-display, hospitality, networking and interactive functions across the ground floor, with a dedicated circular meeting environment positioned above.

The finished project demonstrates how temporary exhibition architecture can integrate structural steelwork, scenic joinery, specialist finishes, glazing, digital infrastructure and illuminated branding within a single coordinated double-decker construction.

Constructing a Temporary Mosque at Expo City Dubai

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

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

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

Developing the Client Design

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

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

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

Fabricating the Structural-Steel Mezzanine

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

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

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

Reinforcing the Internal Tent Walls

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

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

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

Building the External Wall System

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

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

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

Creating the Plywood and Fibreglass Façade

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

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

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

Fabricating the Prayer-Hall Ceiling

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

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

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

Creating the Illuminated Mihrab

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

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

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

Integrating Air Conditioning

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

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

Constructing the Ablution Areas

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

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

Producing the Shoe-Storage Joinery

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

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

Installing the Floor Finishes

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

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

Coordinating the Two-Month Programme

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

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

Delivering Functional Temporary Architecture

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

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

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

Building A Festive Scenic Environment Across Expo 2020 Dubai

In December 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai became the setting for a substantial package of temporary Christmas scenery distributed across the site. Evolution Scenic delivered the scenic fabrication and installation required to create XMAS @ EXPO 2020, translating the festive concept into a series of large-scale scenic structures, themed environments and decorative features. The scope brought together custom fabrication, scenic construction and installation across multiple individual elements while maintaining a consistent visual language throughout the wider festive environment.

At the centre of the installation was a 20-metre Christmas tree, supported by eight custom festive chalets and 12 oversized nutcracker figures positioned throughout the seasonal setting. These large-format scenic elements established the scale of the environment and created recognisable architectural and character features across the site. Each component formed part of a coordinated scenic package designed to work collectively within the wider Expo 2020 Dubai surroundings rather than as isolated decorative pieces.

Evolution Scenic also delivered Santa’s House and the adjoining elf workshop, extending the project into more detailed themed interior environments. Animated workshop scenes, reindeer elements and additional scenic features were incorporated to support the wider festive activity zones and create a more layered visitor environment. Together, the architectural scenery, oversized props, themed interiors and seasonal decoration transformed multiple areas of Expo 2020 Dubai into a cohesive temporary Christmas environment built specifically for the festive programme.

Creating One Scenic Language Across Multiple Environments

The project was not centred on a single stage set or standalone scenic feature. Its physical scope extended across several parts of the Expo 2020 Dubai site, with each area requiring a different combination of temporary architecture, oversized props, decorative treatments and integrated lighting. Despite the variation in scale and function, the complete scenic package needed to read as one connected festive environment.

Evolution Scenic achieved this consistency by developing a recognisable visual language that could be repeated across different structures and installations. Steep chalet rooflines, gingerbread-style façades, striped confectionery details, oversized bows, gift boxes, baubles and artificial snow appeared throughout the project. Strong red, green and gold finishes reinforced the seasonal character and helped visually connect the larger architectural elements with smaller scenic details.

These recurring motifs linked the marketplace, Santa environments, central tree setting and supporting festive installations without requiring every scenic structure to follow the same form. Individual areas could retain their own function and identity while still belonging to the wider XMAS @ EXPO 2020 environment. The result was a coordinated scenic system in which architecture, props, decoration and finishes worked together to create continuity across a large and varied site.

Manufacturing Eight Custom Festive Chalets

The eight custom festive chalets formed the principal repeated architectural element within the wider installation. Unlike a single scenic prop, a group of related structures needs to maintain consistency across dimensions, profiles, trims and finishing details so that the complete set reads as one coordinated environment. This required a fabrication approach that treated the chalets as a repeatable scenic system rather than as eight unrelated builds.

The chalets also needed to function as temporary architecture within the Expo site. Each unit had to be manufactured as a complete scenic structure, prepared for transportation and installed as part of the wider festive environment. Their repeated forms created visual continuity across the marketplace while allowing individual chalet positions to contribute to the overall layout and rhythm of the space.

Rather than relying only on printed graphic treatments, the chalet façades were developed with layered scenic detailing to create greater depth and physical character. Steep roof edges, framed openings, confectionery-inspired motifs and applied seasonal decoration gave the structures a more dimensional, built quality. These details helped the chalets read as fabricated themed architecture rather than simple temporary kiosks dressed with graphics.

Fabricating Twelve Giant Nutcracker Figures

Twelve oversized nutcracker figures were produced as repeated scenic markers within the wider festive environment. Their strong vertical proportions allowed them to operate at an architectural scale rather than simply as decorative props, helping frame the central Christmas tree and define key seasonal areas across the Expo site. Repeating the figures in multiple locations also reinforced the shared visual language running through the complete installation.

Fabricating character props at this scale requires close control of proportion and symmetry. Features that appear balanced on a small object can become visually exaggerated when reproduced several times human height, making consistency across faces, uniforms, limbs and decorative components especially important. Each figure therefore needed to maintain a clear silhouette and balanced form while remaining legible from a distance within a large public setting.

The finished nutcrackers combined bold colour, strongly defined detailing and exaggerated traditional character features suited to the scale of the environment. Their repeated placement created recognisable visual anchors between the tree setting, marketplace and surrounding festive installations. As part of the broader scenic package, they helped connect the different areas through a consistent combination of scale, form and seasonal detailing.

Constructing Santa’s House And The Workshop Scenes

Santa’s House introduced a more detailed form of themed scenic construction within the wider festive installation. Its exterior used a gingerbread-house vocabulary, combining confectionery-style trims, decorative roof edges, candy-inspired forms and layered seasonal ornamentation. The result was a highly dimensional scenic structure designed to read as a complete themed environment rather than as a simple decorated façade.

The surrounding setting extended this visual language through oversized presents, decorative fencing, artificial snow treatments and supporting character elements. These components helped build depth around the main structure and created a stronger relationship between the architecture and the smaller scenic details positioned around it. Repeated colours, textures and decorative motifs ensured that the house remained visually connected to the wider XMAS @ EXPO 2020 environment.

Within the broader Santa setting, animated workshop scenes introduced movement and activity into the scenic environment. The architecture, oversized props, character figures and animated elements needed to work together so that the individual components appeared to belong to one coherent workshop world. This integration helped transform the area from a collection of separate scenic pieces into a complete themed environment with a clear visual identity.

Installing The 20-Metre Christmas Tree

The 20-metre Christmas tree established the principal vertical scale of the festive environment and became the dominant scenic feature within the wider installation. Evolution Scenic’s responsibility was focused on installation rather than fabrication, with the tree structure itself supplied by others. The task therefore centred on integrating the supplied structure safely and effectively into the Expo 2020 Dubai environment.

The installation process supported the progression from exposed structural framework to the completed festive centrepiece. Once the main tree structure was assembled in position, the installation incorporated the decorative treatment required to transform the framework into the finished scenic feature. This distinction between supplied structure and Evolution Scenic’s installation scope is important in accurately defining the company’s role within the project.

The project gallery records both stages of the process, showing the underlying framework before decoration and the fully dressed tree after completion. Together, these images demonstrate how a large supplied structure can be incorporated into a broader scenic environment through coordinated installation and decorative integration. The completed tree provided a strong visual anchor for the surrounding chalets, nutcracker figures and supporting festive scenery.

Extending The Scenic Environment

The wider scenic package used a series of supporting features to connect the principal installations and carry the festive identity across the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Visible elements included giant presents, decorative bauble clusters, reindeer and sleigh settings, a Letters to Santa postbox, tree-shaped sculptures, artificial snow-covered planting and gift-box seating. These smaller-scale elements helped fill the spaces between the larger architectural and character features, giving the environment a more continuous scenic presence.

Evolution Scenic also adapted the existing Opti-Robot by adding reindeer antlers, integrating a recognisable Expo feature into the wider Christmas treatment. This approach allowed the seasonal visual language to extend beyond purpose-built scenery and into existing site elements. The result was a broader layer of festive transformation that connected new scenic fabrication with the surrounding Expo environment.

Together, these supporting features helped distribute the scenic identity beyond Santa’s House and the central tree setting. Rather than concentrating all of the visual impact in one location, the project used repeated props, decorative forms and themed interventions to create continuity across multiple areas. This distributed approach strengthened the sense of one coordinated festive environment while allowing individual zones to retain their own character and function.

Integrating Lighting And Seasonal Decoration

Lighting formed an important part of the scenic presentation across the Expo 2020 Dubai site, helping the fabricated environments remain visually effective after dark. The central tree, snow-dressed tree groups, chalet settings and freestanding decorative features all needed to retain clear form and definition within the wider nighttime environment. Illumination therefore worked alongside the physical scenery rather than as a separate layer.

Integrated lighting picked out rooflines, edges, decorative details and surface treatments across the scenic structures. This helped preserve the depth and character of the fabricated elements once natural light had fallen, while allowing them to sit comfortably within the larger lighting environment of Expo 2020. The combination of structure, finish and illumination strengthened the legibility of the temporary architecture and sculptural features across the site.

Lighting also helped visually connect scenic elements positioned across different areas. Repeated warm illumination, decorated foliage and seasonal lighting treatments created continuity between the chalets, tree setting, Santa environments and smaller standalone installations. This consistency supported the wider objective of creating one coordinated festive scenic language across multiple parts of the Expo site.

Installing Within An Operational Venue

The installation programme was delivered while Expo 2020 Dubai remained operational, introducing an additional layer of coordination to the scenic build. Working hours and site activities had to be managed around the requirements of an active international venue, allowing fabrication elements to be delivered and installed without disrupting wider operations. This meant that installation planning needed to account for access, movement through the site and the sequencing of work across multiple scenic locations.

The live-site condition influenced more than the timing of the installation. Components had to be transported, unloaded, moved into position and assembled within an environment that continued to support other contractors, venue teams and ongoing public activity. Coordinated access and controlled work areas were therefore important to maintaining safe and efficient progress while the chalets, props, decorative structures and supporting scenic elements were installed across the site.

The project team has confirmed that all required HSSE procedures were followed throughout the delivery. Project-specific HSSE records have not been supplied, so individual procedures should not be presented as confirmed facts. For temporary scenic work of this scale within an operational venue, the normal delivery methodology would typically include controlled access, defined work zones, approved installation methods, electrical inspections and formal checks before final handover.

Delivering A Coordinated Temporary Environment

The completed XMAS @ EXPO 2020 environment brought together several different scenic disciplines within one coordinated site-wide installation. Repeated chalet fabrication established the temporary architectural framework, while oversized nutcracker figures, gift-box structures and other large scenic elements introduced scale and visual rhythm. Santa’s House and the workshop scenes added a more detailed layer of themed construction, combining architecture, props and animated elements within a single festive setting.

Lighting, decorative dressing and smaller scenic features connected these larger installations and helped maintain continuity across the wider Expo site. The 20-metre Christmas tree formed the principal centrepiece, while distributed scenic elements extended the festive identity into surrounding areas. This combination of large architectural features, oversized props, decorative interventions and illuminated elements allowed the environment to read as one complete scenic programme rather than a collection of unrelated installations.

The project demonstrates how Evolution Scenic approaches a large temporary environment as a coordinated manufacturing, installation and finishing exercise. Successful delivery depended on maintaining consistency across repeated components, controlling finish quality across different scenic forms and managing installation within a live operational venue. The result was a cohesive festive environment in which architecture, props, decoration and lighting worked together as one integrated scenic system.