Building Santa’s Sustainable House at Expo City Dubai

Santa’s Sustainable House was created for Winter City 2023 at Expo City Dubai as a complete festive environment built around sustainable materials and immersive scenic construction. The original attraction combined Christmas storytelling with sustainability education inside a visually detailed interactive house.

Evolution Scenic designed, fabricated and installed the entire freestanding temporary structure.

The delivery extended beyond the visible front elevation. It included the primary house construction, multiple roof profiles, artificial-snow finishes, entrance architecture, windows, doors, fencing, access ramps, interior walls and ceilings, a fireplace environment, decorative timber beams, custom furniture, storage joinery, workshop tables, Christmas trees, wrapped presents, detailed props, flooring, lighting and electrical systems.

The result needed to feel like one coherent house, even though it was constructed as a temporary modular scenic installation.

Fabricating the Festive Exterior

The external façade combined a varied roofline with shaped gables, painted wall sections, framed openings and strong red and green detailing. Artificial-snow treatments were applied across the roof profiles to create the winter appearance. The snow finish also visually connected roof sections that differed in height and shape.

The entrance was developed as a principal scenic feature. Candy-cane columns framed the doorway, while the Santa’s Sustainable House sign established a clear focal point above the opening. Windows and doors were treated as architectural components within the façade rather than simply applied graphics. Contrasting surrounds, painted trims and adjacent decorative details gave the elevation additional depth.

Picket fencing enclosed the exterior areas and helped define the footprint of the attraction. Access ramps were incorporated into the installation, connecting the surrounding area to the raised temporary house.

The exterior needed to work at two scales. From a distance, the roof silhouette, entrance sign and colour palette established the identity of the building. At closer range, the layered trims, artificial snow, windows, doors, candy-cane columns and scenic decorations provided the detail expected from an immersive attraction.

Using Materials as Part of the Visual Language

The material palette included timber-based construction, OSB-style panels, painted sheet materials and applied scenic finishes. The OSB-style surfaces were not treated only as concealed structural material. Their visible texture supported the workshop character and contributed to the sustainability-led appearance of the interior.

This allowed the material choice to become part of the storytelling. Areas that required a cleaner architectural finish received painted surfaces, while selected textured panels retained a more practical fabricated appearance. Timber-based construction also provided flexibility across the complete scope. Similar workshop methods could be used for structural modules, shaped roof components, façade profiles, shelves, worktables, storage units and other custom joinery.

The project incorporated reused or recycled materials. Exact material percentages and product specifications have not been supplied, so the case study does not assign recycled content to specific components. Energy-efficient LED lighting formed the second confirmed sustainability measure. The lighting was integrated into the temporary house to support both the exterior identity and the internal scenic environment.

Creating a Complete Interior Workshop

The interior was constructed as a sequence of detailed scenic settings. Walls and ceilings enclosed the environment, while exposed timber-style beams and OSB-style surfaces established the architectural character. Painted areas, red window treatments and carefully positioned decorative elements introduced contrast across the rooms.

One of the principal spaces resembled a working office or workshop. A substantial timber worktable occupied the centre of the setting, supported by storage units, shelves, display surfaces and small scenic props. The furniture and joinery were proportioned to the room and positioned as part of the complete visual composition.

Wall-mounted materials, shelving and decorative objects created depth around the central table. Rather than leaving large areas of undecorated wall, the interior used multiple fabricated and dressed surfaces to create the appearance of an active working environment.

Evolution Furniture supported the furniture package, while Evolution Prop Shop contributed to the decorative content and detailed dressing. These specialist elements were coordinated with the scenic build rather than added without reference to the architecture. Shelves, counters and tables were positioned according to the room layout, sightlines and circulation requirements.

Constructing the Fireplace Setting

A separate interior area was organised around a brick-effect feature wall and decorative fireplace.

The brick-effect scenic treatment established a warmer domestic setting distinct from the workshop-style surfaces elsewhere in the house.

The fireplace surround provided the main fabricated focal point. Hanging stockings, framed details, wrapped presents and a decorated Christmas tree completed the setting. The surrounding window, curtain treatments, furniture and prop placement created multiple layers within the room. This ensured the area remained visually complete when viewed from different directions rather than functioning only as a front-facing photographic backdrop.

The use of scenic construction, furniture and props as one coordinated system was essential to the finished result. The fireplace wall provided the architectural context. The custom and supplied furniture established the usable room arrangement. The trees, stockings, presents and detailed props then developed the festive narrative within that structure.

Integrating Lighting and Electrical Systems

Evolution Technical supported the lighting and electrical components of the house. Energy-efficient LED lighting was used as part of the sustainability approach. The fixtures helped establish the warmth of the interior spaces and supported the visibility of the exterior sign, façade details and decorative features.

The lighting needed to work with the selected scenic finishes. Warm internal illumination enhanced the timber and OSB-style surfaces, while the Christmas trees, fireplace environment and decorated shelving required more focused lighting to retain their detail.

Because the house was assembled from modular wall and ceiling sections, electrical routes had to remain compatible with the temporary construction. Services needed to pass through or alongside the fabricated architecture without interrupting visible surfaces.

The exact lighting fixture schedule and electrical control arrangement have not been provided. The confirmed scope is limited to Evolution Scenic’s supply of the lighting and electrical systems with support from Evolution Technical.

Engineering for Temporary Public Use

Structural stability and fire-rated materials were confirmed technical requirements. The house needed to remain stable as a freestanding temporary structure throughout its operating period. The wall modules, roof sections, entrance features and internal construction therefore had to work as one connected scenic assembly.

The external ramps and fencing were also part of the installed environment. Their connections and positioning needed to be coordinated with the house footprint rather than treated as unrelated temporary accessories. Fire-rated materials formed part of the project requirements. The supplied information does not identify the individual material classifications or certification documents, and these have not been inferred.

Temporary environments intended for interactive use normally require careful control of structural connections, projecting details, decorative fixings, electrical components and access routes. These considerations reflect Evolution Scenic’s standard methodology. Only structural stability and the requirement for fire-rated materials are presented as confirmed project facts.

A Complete Sustainable Scenic Environment

Santa’s Sustainable House demonstrated how a temporary attraction could combine structural scenic construction with detailed interior production. The exterior established a complete festive building through its roof profiles, artificial snow, shaped gables, entrance sign, candy-cane columns, windows, doors, fencing and ramps.

The interior extended the environment through scenic walls, ceilings, exposed beams, custom joinery, a brick-effect fireplace setting, furniture, trees, presents and workshop props. Reused or recycled materials and energy-efficient LED lighting supported the sustainable brief. Modular workshop construction supported the one-week programme and the later dismantling of the temporary house.

The completed project depended on more than decorative finishing. It required the coordination of temporary architecture, structural stability, scenic fabrication, interior construction, technical systems, furniture and prop dressing. That integrated approach allowed Evolution Scenic to deliver Santa’s Sustainable House as a complete immersive environment at Expo City Dubai.

CREATING A COMPLETE VISIT SAUDI HOSPITALITY ENVIRONMENT

For the 2024 Rugby 7s event in Dubai, Evolution Scenic delivered a complete temporary hospitality environment for Visit Saudi. The project extended well beyond fitting out a single tent. It combined a 15-metre by 10-metre external entrance and seating area, a 15-metre by 15-metre main hospitality space and a separate five-metre by five-metre back-of-house catering tent.

Each zone had a different purpose. The outdoor area needed to establish the arrival experience and provide shaded seating. The main tent had to accommodate hospitality, catering, reception, displays, furniture and technical equipment. The rear tent needed to support food preparation and service without interrupting the principal space.

Evolution Scenic handled the design, technical development, fabrication, installation and de-rig. This allowed the scenic walls, ceiling treatment, custom joinery, furniture, graphics, lighting and operational requirements to be considered as one connected environment rather than a tent filled with unrelated rental elements.

That distinction is important in hospitality fabrication. Temporary spaces still need the organisation, finish and practical planning expected of a permanent interior, but they have to be manufactured, installed and removed within a much shorter period. The structure may only exist for a few days, yet it still needs to work properly from the moment it is handed over.

PLANNING THREE CONNECTED OPERATIONAL ZONES

The three spaces were linked visually and operationally, but they could not all be treated in the same way. The external area was open and exposed, the main tent was a controlled interior, and the catering tent functioned primarily as a working support space.

The outdoor zone contained ten six-seater high tables with Arrow barstools, creating the principal standing and seated hospitality arrangement before guests entered the main tent. Four cantilever umbrellas provided shade, while six branded flagpoles and six planted elements helped define the perimeter and strengthen the arrival composition.

Inside the main tent, twelve natural-finished solid-wood round tables created four-seat settings, supported by sofa seating and selected carpeted areas. Four buffet counters, a reception counter and a display plinth organised the principal service and presentation functions. Television screens, four wall-mounted timber shelves, four freestanding air-conditioning units and six fire extinguishers also had to be accommodated within the design.

The back-of-house tent sat behind the principal space and provided the operational catering area. Although less visible, its position affected the main layout. Buffet counters and service routes needed to relate sensibly to the catering support behind them, allowing staff to move between the two areas without disrupting the guest-facing environment.

One of the questions we often ask during hospitality planning is where the operational pressure will occur once the space is in use. A plan may appear balanced when viewed empty, but catering queues, staff movement, furniture and service equipment can change how it performs. Counters, seating and circulation therefore need to be considered in relation to actual use rather than simply arranged to fill the available floor area.

The three-zone layout allowed the project to separate arrival, hospitality and catering while maintaining a clear visual connection between them. The outdoor area introduced the Visit Saudi identity, the main tent developed it into a complete interior and the rear tent supported the practical activity required to keep the hospitality operation running.

BUILDING AN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE INSIDE THE TENT

The main tent provided the weather enclosure, but the scenic construction established the interior architecture. MDF-clad walls, textured paint, graphics, timber details and a custom ceiling treatment transformed the temporary shell into a defined hospitality environment.

The internal wall system created a controlled backdrop around the space. MDF provided a stable surface for textured paint and selected vinyl graphics, while shaped panels and fitted details allowed the walls to accommodate branding, screens, shelving and operational equipment.

A temporary tent rarely offers the same straight and consistent surfaces as a permanent building. The scenic walling therefore needed to create its own finished geometry rather than relying on the fabric enclosure behind it. This gave the interior a more architectural quality and provided reliable fixing positions for the elements mounted onto it.

At selected locations, wall-mounted acrylic branding panels were installed against barasti backdrops. The contrast between the clean acrylic surfaces and the irregular natural texture gave the branding greater depth than a flat graphic applied directly to the wall.

This layering also allowed the Visit Saudi identity to appear as part of the material composition. The acrylic carried the precise graphic form, while the barasti created a warmer and more tactile background. Neither material had to imitate the other.

Television screens and timber floating shelves were incorporated into the wall arrangement. Their positions needed to be resolved during technical development because the internal support, cable routes and access requirements all affected the construction behind the finished surface.

It is easy to treat a screen as a rectangular object that can be mounted once the wall is complete. In practice, its position influences framing, power access, viewing height and the alignment of the surrounding graphics and joinery. The timber shelves created similar demands. They needed sufficient concealed support while maintaining the appearance of clean floating elements.

Overhead, an aluminium frame carried a barasti-pole timber ceiling finish. This ceiling treatment gave the tent a strong internal identity and created a direct relationship with the natural timber furniture and barasti wall details.

The visible ceiling also changed the perceived proportions of the space. Rather than looking upward into the standard tent roof, guests saw a designed overhead surface with its own rhythm, texture and lighting. That helped the main tent feel more like a temporary hospitality venue and less like a fitted marquee.

An overhead scenic treatment introduces practical considerations that do not apply to wall finishes. The aluminium frame had to support the barasti poles while maintaining clear relationships with lighting, air movement and the usable height of the interior. The finish also needed to remain consistent across a broad ceiling area, where irregular spacing would have been easy to see.

INTEGRATING JOINERY, LIGHTING AND OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS

The main tent required a collection of custom-fabricated joinery with different operational roles. Four buffet counters created the principal catering interface, a separate reception counter established the arrival and information point, and a display plinth provided a dedicated location for branded presentation.

These elements needed to function properly before their scenic finish was considered. Buffet counters require usable working heights, adequate depth and practical service access. Reception counters need to support staff and equipment without appearing overbuilt. Display plinths may be visually simple, but clean geometry makes surface accuracy and edge quality particularly noticeable.

The joinery was developed in relation to the surrounding walls, flooring, graphics and furniture. Counter dimensions and positions affected circulation, while their surfaces and finishes needed to sit comfortably alongside the textured paint, acrylic branding and natural timber elements.

Four wooden floating shelves were mounted directly to the scenic walls. These introduced additional display capacity without adding more freestanding units to the room, helping the interior remain open and organised.

Custom scenic lighting features were incorporated into the walls and ceiling. Rather than treating light as an independent technical layer applied after fabrication, the fixtures were coordinated with the scenic surfaces and overhead framework.

This allowed the lighting to reveal the material character of the interior. Textured walls, barasti poles, acrylic panels and timber joinery respond differently to light, and those differences added depth to the space.

Integrated lighting also helped distinguish focal areas from circulation and service zones. The counters, branding and principal wall features could be visually emphasised without relying on one general level of illumination across the complete tent.

Operational equipment presented a different challenge. The space required four freestanding air-conditioning units and six fire extinguishers, all of which needed to remain available and correctly positioned while sitting within a carefully designed interior.

Evolution Scenic fabricated scenic covers to reduce the visual impact of this equipment and help it relate to the surrounding walling and joinery. This is a common requirement in hospitality environments, where essential systems can otherwise become the most visually prominent objects in the room.

Concealment must never prevent equipment from functioning. Air-conditioning units still require airflow and access, while fire extinguishers must remain visible and reachable. The detailed ventilation and maintenance provisions for the covers have not been recorded, but the principle remains important: operational systems can be visually integrated, but they cannot be treated as decoration.

This balance between appearance and function runs through the entire project. Screens needed cables. Counters needed service access. Air-conditioning required clear operation. Fire-safety equipment needed accessibility. Scenic fabrication provided the visual control, but the technical and operational requirements continued to shape the finished environment.

EXTENDING THE MATERIAL AND BRAND LANGUAGE OUTDOORS

The external 15-metre by 10-metre hospitality area extended the Visit Saudi environment beyond the main tent. AstroTurf created a consistent finished surface across the zone, replacing the visual character of the event ground with a more deliberate hospitality setting.

Ten high tables, each arranged with six Arrow barstools, provided the principal seating and standing layout. Four cantilever umbrellas introduced shade while allowing the tables to remain flexible and open around their bases.

The outdoor arrangement needed to work as both an entrance and a usable hospitality space. Guests could gather before entering the main tent, but the furniture, flags and planting also needed to guide movement rather than block the approach.

Six branded flagpoles created height and visibility across the area. Because the seating and AstroTurf remained comparatively low, the flags helped identify the space from a distance and established the Visit Saudi presence before the internal architecture became visible.

Six planted elements softened the edges of the area and provided a transition between the event surroundings, the furniture and the tent entrance. Planting can be particularly useful in temporary environments because it introduces irregular natural form against repeated furniture and fabricated structures.

The use of timber, barasti and planting created a material connection between the exterior and interior. The outside area did not repeat the scenic wall system or ceiling construction, but it still felt related through natural textures, branded elements and a controlled floor treatment.

Branding was carried through the complete project using several methods. The external entrance and flagpoles established the identity outdoors. Inside, vinyl graphics, printed banners and acrylic panels extended it across the walls, counters and display features.

Using more than one branding technique prevented the environment from feeling overly repetitive. Printed graphics were appropriate for larger surfaces and information, while acrylic panels provided a more dimensional treatment at focal positions. Barasti backdrops gave those acrylic elements a distinctive material setting, and the custom joinery allowed branding to be incorporated into physical objects rather than applied only to walls.

In practice, a hospitality space feels more resolved when branding follows the hierarchy of the architecture. The entrance needs clear recognition, focal walls can carry stronger identity treatments and smaller joinery elements can use more restrained details. Repeating the same logo at the same scale throughout the space would not have produced the same result.

INSTALLATION, HANDOVER AND DE-RIG

Evolution Scenic delivered the complete on-site build-up of the environment. The wall systems, aluminium ceiling frame, barasti finish, flooring, counters, shelves, acrylic panels, television screens, scenic lighting, equipment covers, furniture and external elements all needed to be assembled in their final positions.

The three zones required different installation sequences. The main tent fit-out depended on establishing walls, overhead construction and floor finishes before much of the fitted joinery and furniture could be completed. The outdoor area required AstroTurf, furniture, umbrellas, planting and flagpoles, while the rear catering tent needed to be prepared around the operational requirements of the service team.

The overhead frame and wall systems would naturally influence much of the main installation programme. Once those elements were in place, graphics, lighting and fitted details could be completed without major structural work continuing around finished surfaces.

Flooring also needed to be coordinated with the scenic footprints. Carpet had to finish cleanly around walls, counters and furniture positions, while AstroTurf needed controlled edges across the external area.

A complete hospitality environment is not ready for handover simply because the scenic fabrication is finished. Television screens, lighting and cooling equipment need to be checked, furniture must be positioned, and catering and reception teams require access to prepare their areas.

This is one reason early coordination with the operational teams matters. The scenic installation defines the physical space, but the people using it need sufficient time to stock counters, test equipment and understand how the environment works before guests arrive.

Following the event, Evolution Scenic completed the full de-rig. The walling, ceiling treatment, counters, shelves, graphics, lighting features, furniture and outdoor elements were removed after the installation had served its operational period.

De-rig is not simply installation in reverse. Some connections become less accessible once finishes and operational equipment have been added, and the sequence must prevent partially dismantled overhead or wall structures from becoming unstable.

The temporary nature of the project therefore affected the construction from the beginning. Elements needed to be strong enough for use, refined enough for a hospitality environment and practical enough to remove once the event had finished.

WHEN A TENT BECOMES A COMPLETE HOSPITALITY ENVIRONMENT

The completed Visit Saudi installation brought together temporary architecture, scenic fabrication and operational fit-out within one coordinated project.

The barasti ceiling, textured walls, acrylic branding, natural timber furniture and custom lighting established the interior character. Buffet counters, reception joinery, screens, cooling equipment and fire-safety positions were integrated into the same environment rather than treated as unavoidable additions.

Outside, AstroTurf, umbrellas, high tables, flags and planting extended the project beyond the main tent and created a clear arrival space. Behind the hospitality environment, the separate catering tent provided the practical support required to keep the principal areas operating.

Evolution Scenic’s role covered design, technical development, fabrication, installation and de-rig, allowing the architectural, scenic and operational decisions to remain connected throughout the project.

The result demonstrates an important point about temporary hospitality construction. A tent provides shelter, but it does not create an environment on its own. The quality of the finished space comes from the way walls, ceilings, materials, furniture, branding, lighting and practical systems are developed together.

When those elements are coordinated properly, the temporary structure stops feeling like an enclosure filled for an event. It begins to operate as a purpose-built hospitality space.

Creating a Complete Visit Saudi Hospitality Environment

The Visit Saudi Hospitality Tent was developed as a welcoming hub for guests attending Dubai 7s on 2–3 December 2023. Evolution Scenic handled the complete design, technical development, fabrication, installation and de-rig, creating a temporary hospitality environment that extended beyond the main tent into dedicated outdoor and back-of-house areas.

The project combined scenic construction, branded architecture, furniture, catering infrastructure, digital media and operational equipment within one coordinated environment. The outdoor entrance zone provided branded seating, shade and visibility before guests entered the main hospitality space, helping establish the Visit Saudi identity from the point of arrival.

Inside, the main tent combined reception, dining, buffet service, informal seating, displays and wall-mounted media within a custom-fabricated scenic interior. These different functions were planned as part of one overall spatial arrangement, allowing guest circulation, seating and catering activity to operate without visually fragmenting the environment.

A separate catering tent positioned behind the main structure supported the operational requirements of the hospitality environment without occupying the principal guest-facing space. This allowed catering support to remain closely connected to the main tent while keeping service activity separate from the primary hospitality areas.

Across the project, Evolution Scenic used aluminium framing, MDF scenic construction, textured finishes, barasti pole treatments, vinyl graphics, acrylic branding, custom counters, selected carpet and integrated scenic lighting to establish a consistent visual language. Natural textures and neutral scenic finishes provided a controlled architectural base for the stronger Visit Saudi graphics and branded elements.

The completed installation demonstrated how a temporary event footprint could be developed into a complete hospitality environment through coordinated scenic fabrication, technical development and site delivery. Outdoor seating, interior architecture, branding and operational support were brought together as one integrated temporary environment rather than treated as separate elements.

Planning Three Connected Operational Zones

The project was organised across three distinct but connected areas. A 15-by-10-metre outdoor seating zone formed the entrance and first point of engagement. A 15-by-15-metre main hospitality tent contained the reception, seating, catering, display and branded-engagement functions. A separate 5-by-5-metre tent positioned behind the main structure provided back-of-house catering support.

Each area required a different operational approach. The outdoor zone needed to accommodate informal hospitality while maintaining a clear route towards the main entrance. Evolution Scenic supplied ten branded high tables, each configured for six guests and paired with Arrow barstools.

Four cantilever umbrellas provided shade across the seating area, while six branded flagpoles strengthened visibility within the wider event environment. Six plants were incorporated into the layout to soften the relationship between the freestanding furniture, branding and temporary surroundings. Inside the main tent, the spatial plan needed to coordinate dining, lounge seating, reception, buffet service, display areas, screens and operational equipment within one 15-by-15-metre footprint.

The separate back-of-house tent supported catering requirements connected to the three buffet counters without placing these functions within the principal guest environment. This three-zone approach allowed arrival, hospitality and operational support to work together while retaining clear functional separation.

Building an Interior Architecture Inside the Tent

The main hospitality tent was transformed from a standard temporary enclosure into a more defined scenic interior through custom walling, ceiling construction, floor finishes and integrated architectural features. One of the principal elements was the aluminium-framed ceiling finished with barasti poles. This overhead treatment helped establish a stronger architectural character within the tent and visually separated the guest environment from the temporary structure above.

The aluminium framework provided the supporting structure for the repeated timber treatment, creating a warmer architectural plane beneath the tent roof. The regular spacing of the barasti poles introduced texture and rhythm across the ceiling while reinforcing the natural material language used throughout the interior. The linear barasti finish also helped visually control the scale of the 15-by-15-metre space, giving the large tent a more contained and considered interior character.

Custom scenic lighting features were incorporated across the ceiling and walls, strengthening the relationship between the overhead treatment, wall features and branded focal points. The lighting became part of the scenic composition rather than functioning only as general illumination. The scenic walls were clad in MDF and finished with textured paint. This created a consistent architectural surface while allowing selected branding, digital displays and decorative features to remain visually prominent.

Barasti was also incorporated into selected wall features, particularly behind branded acrylic panels. Repeating the same material across both vertical and overhead surfaces helped connect the different parts of the interior and maintain a consistent visual language. Together, the ceiling, scenic walling, textured finishes, lighting and branded features gave the temporary tent a more complete interior architecture, allowing the hospitality space to function as a purpose-designed environment rather than a standard event enclosure.

Fabricating Functional Scenic and Branded Features

Evolution Scenic fabricated a series of functional scenic elements that supported reception, catering, display and brand communication within the main tent. Three buffet counters provided the principal guest-facing catering service points.

A separate reception counter established a clear welcome position within the interior and formed part of the wider scenic composition rather than operating as a standalone furniture item. One custom display plinth provided a dedicated presentation feature, while four timber floating shelves were mounted onto the scenic walls to introduce additional display surfaces without taking up floor space.

Branding was integrated throughout the scenic architecture. Selected vinyl graphics were applied across designated wall surfaces, while branded acrylic panels were mounted against barasti backdrops to create a layered combination of dimensional branding and natural texture. Wall-mounted television screens introduced digital content into the environment and were coordinated with the surrounding scenic walls and guest areas.

The project also incorporated logo branding, printed banner graphics, flags and a branded entrance. Outside, the branding continued across the ten high tables and six flagpoles, extending the visual identity beyond the main tent. Using a combination of dimensional acrylic elements, vinyl graphics, printed banners, screens and freestanding branding allowed Visit Saudi’s identity to appear at different scales throughout the complete hospitality environment.

Coordinating Furniture, Finishes and Guest Areas

Selected carpet was installed across the floor of the main hospitality tent, establishing a continuous finished surface beneath the seating, counters and display features. The carpet also visually separated the main guest interior from the outdoor entrance area. Eight natural-finished solid-wood round tables were arranged as four-seat hospitality settings.

Their repeated layout created structured dining areas while retaining smaller group configurations throughout the tent. Sofa seating introduced lower and more informal hospitality settings alongside the dining arrangements. The natural timber furniture complemented the barasti ceiling and wall treatments, creating a connection between the loose furniture and the fabricated scenic architecture.

Furniture positioning was coordinated with the three buffet counters, reception point, display plinth, wall-mounted television screens and floating shelves. This meant the furniture layout formed part of the overall spatial planning rather than being introduced only as final dressing.

Clear relationships between fixed scenic elements and movable furniture allowed the different hospitality functions to remain identifiable without visually fragmenting the main tent. The combination of textured scenic surfaces, natural timber finishes and selected carpet created a restrained background for the stronger Visit Saudi graphics and branding.

 Integrating Operational Equipment and Catering Support

The main hospitality tent required four freestanding air-conditioning units and six fire extinguishers. Rather than allowing this equipment to remain visually disconnected from the scenic interior, Evolution Scenic produced custom covers to integrate it into the wider environment. The air-conditioning covers were fabricated from MDF and finished with paint.

CNC-cut openings were incorporated into the front fascias to provide ventilation while maintaining a controlled scenic appearance. The backs of the covers remained open, providing access to cables and operational connections. This approach allowed the units to remain functional while reducing their visual impact within the finished interior. Six fire extinguishers were also incorporated using custom scenic covers.

The detailed construction, opening arrangement and identification treatment of these covers have not been supplied and should therefore not be described beyond the confirmed project information. Catering operations were supported by the dedicated 5-by-5-metre back-of-house tent positioned behind the main hospitality space.

This separate area supported the three buffet counters while keeping operational catering activity outside the principal guest environment. Together, the equipment covers and dedicated catering zone demonstrate how operational requirements were considered as part of the scenic planning rather than treated as separate elements after the interior had been developed.

Installing, Delivering and De-Rigging the Complete Environment

Evolution Scenic managed the complete site installation and de-rig across the outdoor seating zone, main hospitality tent and back-of-house catering area. Installation required coordination between scenic walling, ceiling construction, flooring, furniture, branding, lighting, digital screens, counters and operational equipment.

Within the main tent, the aluminium-framed barasti ceiling and MDF-clad scenic walls formed the principal architectural elements. The selected carpet, reception counter, three buffet counters, display plinth, timber floating shelves and furniture then needed to be positioned around the established guest circulation and service requirements. Wall-mounted acrylic branding panels, television screens, vinyl graphics and custom scenic lighting features required coordinated positions across the completed wall and ceiling surfaces.

The outdoor area required the installation and positioning of ten branded high tables with Arrow barstools, four cantilever umbrellas, six branding flagpoles and six plants. Behind the main tent, the separate catering structure supported the operational delivery of the hospitality environment.

Following the event, Evolution Scenic also managed the de-rig of the complete temporary installation. The exact fabrication programme, installation duration, crew size, transport arrangements and de-rig schedule have not been supplied.

The completed project brought together outdoor hospitality, custom scenic interiors, branded fabrication, furniture, catering support and operational equipment within one coordinated temporary environment. It demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s capability across complete design, technical development, scenic fabrication, temporary architecture, installation and de-rig.

Fabricating A Compact UAE Food Bank Campaign Stand

The UAE Food Bank partnered with Madinat Jumeirah LLC to develop a campaign stand in Dubai during 2023. The project required a compact but visually defined environment that could combine campaign branding, digital content, interactive technology and integrated lighting within a restricted stand footprint.

Evolution Scenic was responsible for the complete scope of work, covering design, technical development, scenic fabrication, graphics production, installation and de-rig. Managing the full package allowed the structural, scenic and branded elements to be developed together rather than introduced as separate components during installation.

The completed stand measured 4.6 metres by 4.6 metres. Within this footprint, Evolution Scenic fabricated steel-framed walls with MDF scenic cladding and textured wallpaper finishes, together with a sloped polycarbonate roof structure. Integrated screens, LED lighting, illuminated flooring and custom branding elements were incorporated throughout the stand.

The interior also included a purpose-built MDF iPad unit for touch-enabled interaction, while the central wall housed a large LED screen. Additional built-in screens were integrated into the triangular feature wall, allowing digital content to become part of the scenic architecture rather than relying on freestanding display equipment.

The completed environment brought structural metalwork, scenic carpentry, graphics, lighting and digital integration into one coordinated system. By developing the roof, walls, screens, illuminated flooring and interactive elements as part of the same fabrication approach, Evolution Scenic created a compact campaign stand with a consistent physical and visual language.

Organising The Environment Within A Restricted Footprint

The 4.6-by-4.6-metre stand required careful use of the available wall and floor area. Within this compact footprint, Evolution Scenic needed to integrate structural walling, digital displays, interactive technology, lighting and campaign branding without making the space feel visually fragmented.

A large central LED screen formed the principal digital focal point, while additional built-in screens were incorporated into the triangular feature wall. These display elements had to be coordinated with the surrounding scenic construction so that the screens appeared as part of the fabricated wall system rather than as separate technical installations.

The walls therefore performed several functions at the same time. Steel-framed structures established the stand footprint, MDF cladding created the finished scenic surfaces, and the wall elevations provided dedicated locations for screens, LED lighting and branded features. This allowed the available vertical surfaces to work efficiently within the restricted plan.

At floor level, the vinyl finish incorporated integrated lighting effects. The illuminated lines extended the geometric language of the feature walls across the horizontal surface, helping visually connect the central screen, interactive iPad unit and surrounding branded elements.

The resulting arrangement allowed several different functions to operate within a relatively small stand. Digital content, interaction, branding and lighting were distributed across the environment while the overall scenic construction remained clear, coordinated and visually consistent.

Engineering The Sloped Steel-Framed Roof

The stand was constructed with a controlled change in height, measuring 3.3 metres at the rear and 3.2 metres at the front. This 100-millimetre difference created the sloped roof profile and gave the upper structure a more defined architectural form.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the roof around a steel structural frame. The steelwork established the perimeter of the overhead structure, connected with the supporting scenic walls and provided the rigidity required for the roof assembly within the compact 4.6-by-4.6-metre footprint.

Polycarbonate panels were installed across the steel frame to complete the roof surface.

Compared with a fully solid scenic ceiling, the polycarbonate treatment kept the overhead element visually lighter while still creating a clearly defined roof plane above the stand.

The roof also had an important functional role in supporting the suspended central logo. A custom MDF logo with a paint finish was hung beneath the structure using steel rope supports, making the roof part of both the architectural and branding system rather than simply an overhead covering.

Accurate coordination between the front and rear wall heights, steel frame, polycarbonate panels and suspended feature was essential to maintain the intended slope. The completed assembly created a clean upper profile while providing a secure structural framework for one of the stand’s principal scenic elements.

Suspending The Central Scenic Logo

A custom scenic logo was suspended beneath the centre of the sloped roof, creating one of the stand’s most prominent overhead features. Its position allowed the branding to remain clearly visible within the compact 4.6-by-4.6-metre environment without using any additional floor space.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the logo as a custom MDF structure and completed it with a paint finish. Rather than applying the branding directly to a wall or fascia, the logo was developed as a separate three-dimensional scenic element with its own physical depth and presence.

The finished logo was suspended from the steel roof structure using steel rope supports. These connections needed to be coordinated with the roof frame so that the logo could be positioned centrally beneath the polycarbonate panels while remaining visually balanced within the stand.

Dimensional accuracy was important during both fabrication and installation. The location of the suspension points, the size of the MDF structure and the relationship between the logo and the sloped roof all needed to align correctly so the feature remained centred and visually consistent.

The completed suspended element reinforced the campaign identity at high level and added another layer to the stand’s scenic construction. By integrating the logo into the roof structure, Evolution Scenic created a strong branded focal point while preserving the limited floor area for screens, interaction and circulation.

Constructing The Triangular Feature Walls

The stand’s visual language was developed around a series of triangular wall forms that gave the environment a distinctive geometric character. These shapes helped define the main display areas while creating a consistent relationship between the scenic construction, integrated technology and campaign branding.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the feature walls using steel-framed structures clad with MDF. The steelwork provided the underlying support, while the MDF created the finished scenic surfaces required for the integrated screens, lighting details and applied branding. Textured wallpaper was then used across the visible front faces to complete the wall treatment.

The triangular-themed wall incorporated LED lighting, built-in screens and prominent branding elements within the same fabricated assembly. Openings for the screens, illuminated details and finished wall surfaces therefore needed to be coordinated during fabrication rather than introduced as separate elements after installation.

The triangular geometry was also carried through the illuminated detailing. Accurate setting-out was required so the LED lines followed the intended angles and remained visually consistent around the screen openings and surrounding scenic surfaces. This helped reinforce the geometric character of the stand across both the physical wall construction and the lighting treatment.

The completed feature walls combined structural support, scenic cladding, digital displays, lighting and branding within one coordinated elevation. Rather than treating the screens as standalone technical equipment, Evolution Scenic integrated them directly into the fabricated wall system, allowing the digital content to become part of the overall scenic architecture.

Integrating The Central LED Screen Wall

A separate central feature wall was developed to house the stand’s principal LED screen and create the main digital focal point within the environment. Its position gave the screen a strong visual presence while keeping it integrated with the surrounding scenic architecture.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the wall using a steel-framed structure clad with MDF. The LED screen was incorporated directly into the wall assembly rather than positioned as freestanding technical equipment, allowing the display to sit within a controlled architectural frame.

Textured wallpaper continued across the visible wall surfaces around the screen. This finish connected the central display wall with the rest of the stand and helped maintain a consistent scenic treatment across the different fabricated elements.

The screen opening, MDF cladding and surrounding finishes were coordinated during fabrication so that the digital equipment could be integrated cleanly into the completed wall. This reduced the visual separation between the technical display and the scenic structure, allowing both to read as part of one designed environment.

The completed central wall acted as the primary digital presentation surface, while the additional built-in screens within the triangular feature wall extended screen-based content across the wider stand. Together, these elements created a coordinated display system integrated directly into the scenic construction.

Fabricating The Ribbed Branding Wall

A further scenic wall treatment introduced painted rib panels with a backlit logo positioned above them. This created a more dimensional surface within the stand and provided a clear visual contrast to the flatter textured-wallpaper finishes used across the other fabricated walls.

Evolution Scenic fabricated the ribbed wall elements as part of the wider scenic package and completed them with a paint finish. The repeated vertical detailing added depth to the wall surface while creating a structured backdrop for the illuminated branding.

The backlit logo was then fixed above the ribbed section in its designated position. Integrating the logo directly into the wall composition allowed the illumination to reinforce the campaign identity without relying on a separate freestanding sign or additional display structure.

This wall-mounted branding feature worked differently from the suspended MDF logo beneath the roof. Together, the two elements created branding at different levels within the stand, with one integrated into the scenic wall elevation and the other suspended overhead as a three-dimensional focal point.

Additional illuminated signage was also incorporated elsewhere within the stand. By combining ribbed scenic detailing, painted finishes and backlit branding, Evolution Scenic created a more layered wall treatment while maintaining consistency with the wider fabricated environment.

Creating The Interactive iPad Stand

Evolution Scenic fabricated a custom MDF stand to hold an iPad, creating a dedicated interactive element within the stand rather than relying on a standard technology pedestal. The upper section of the unit incorporated a purpose-made provision for the device, allowing the iPad to sit securely within the fabricated structure and operate as a touch-enabled interaction point.

Developing the unit as a bespoke scenic element helped it relate visually to the surrounding walls, digital displays and branded features. Its form could therefore be coordinated with the wider stand rather than appearing as a separate technical addition.

The iPad stand supported both guest interaction and ceremonial use, giving the stand a functional digital touchpoint within the compact 4.6-by-4.6-metre footprint.

Positioning the unit close to the main display area allowed the interactive and screen-based elements to work together as one coordinated zone. The finished piece combined practical device integration with the same MDF fabrication approach used across the wider scenic environment.

Coordinating Flooring, Lighting And Glass Branding

Durable vinyl flooring was installed throughout the stand, providing a practical finished surface across the compact 4.6-by-4.6-metre footprint while also contributing to the overall scenic treatment.

Integrated lighting effects were incorporated into the floor finish, creating illuminated linear details that extended the stand’s geometric language from the walls into the horizontal plane. This helped connect the central screen wall, triangular feature walls and interactive iPad unit through one consistent visual approach.

The floor lighting also added definition without introducing additional freestanding scenic elements. By integrating the illuminated details directly into the flooring, Evolution Scenic was able to reinforce the stand’s visual identity while keeping the circulation area clear and uncluttered.

Glass panels etched with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum logo introduced a contrasting material treatment within the environment. Their transparent appearance provided a lighter visual counterpoint to the solid MDF-clad walls, textured wallpaper and painted rib-panel surfaces.

Together with the illuminated signage, backlit wall logo and suspended roof feature, the etched glass panels formed part of a layered branding system. Different materials, lighting methods and mounting positions were used to reinforce the campaign identity while maintaining consistency across the complete scenic installation.

Installing And Completing The Stand

Evolution Scenic handled the complete installation and subsequent de-rig, bringing together the structural, scenic, digital and branding packages within the compact 4.6-by-4.6-metre footprint.

The installation sequence coordinated the steel-framed walls, MDF cladding, textured wallpaper finishes, sloped polycarbonate roof, integrated screens, lighting, glass branding and custom scenic elements. Each component needed to be positioned accurately so the finished stand maintained the intended geometry and visual consistency.

The roof structure and suspended MDF logo required careful alignment above the completed walls, while the central LED screen, built-in displays and interactive iPad stand needed to correspond precisely with their fabricated openings and provisions. The illuminated floor lines also had to align with the wall geometry and feature details.

These interfaces were important to the overall result. Misalignment between the screen wall, triangular feature elements, illuminated flooring or suspended logo would have disrupted the clarity of the design and weakened the relationship between the different scenic components.

The stand was completed in accordance with the client schedule and instructions. The finished environment demonstrated Evolution Scenic’s ability to coordinate structural metalwork, scenic fabrication, finishes, digital integration, lighting and custom branding within a compact temporary installation.

Developing the 10 × 8 Metre Reusable Retail Architecture

Evolution Scenic developed the Tropicfeel Pop-Up as a complete temporary retail environment within a 10 × 8 metre footprint at Flat12 Café in Dubai. The scenic architecture needed to support the functions of a working retail space while reflecting Tropicfeel’s focus on durable, adaptable and reusable products.

The layout accommodated footwear, garments, bags, bottles and packaged accessories through a combination of full-height display structures, angled shelving, hanging areas, open compartments and lower pallet-style display plinths. An information desk, concealed storage and fitting rooms were also integrated into the overall plan.

Rather than creating a continuous site-built interior, the scheme was developed around independent fabricated components that could be repositioned and retained for future activations. This modular approach also supported efficient adjustments during installation.

The 1.2-ton classic Range Rover formed the principal feature within the space. Its position, together with the custom steel ramps and freestanding branded logo, was coordinated with the surrounding merchandising and circulation areas.

By combining product displays, operational joinery, fitting-room architecture, storage, branding and the vehicle feature within one defined footprint, Evolution Scenic created a cohesive temporary retail environment based on reusable scenic construction.

Fabricating the Mobile Merchandising Display System

Evolution Scenic fabricated the principal merchandising structures from a combination of white wood and PSB board, creating a coordinated system of freestanding scenic display units. Each structure was developed to support different merchandise categories while maintaining a consistent architectural language across the Tropicfeel retail environment.

The internal configurations varied according to product requirements. Selected bays incorporated angled footwear shelves alongside garment hanging areas, while other units featured open compartments for bottles, bags and packaged accessories, allowing multiple merchandising functions to be integrated within the same scenic framework.

Every display stand was fitted with castor wheels incorporating brakes, allowing complete units to be repositioned during installation without dismantling the main structure. This also provided flexibility for future activations, where the displays could be rearranged to suit different spatial layouts and merchandising requirements.

Once positioned, the integrated brakes secured each unit within the completed retail layout. This mobile scenic construction combined operational flexibility, efficient installation and long-term reuse, supporting Tropicfeel’s requirement for an adaptable temporary retail system.

Integrating Product Display and Branded Merchandising Features

The internal architecture of the display bays was developed around the presentation requirements of different Tropicfeel product categories. Each unit needed to support a clear merchandising function while remaining visually consistent with the wider scenic and architectural language of the retail environment.

Angled shelving provided dedicated display surfaces for footwear, improving product visibility within the freestanding units. Integrated hanging areas accommodated garments within the same structural framework, allowing footwear and apparel to be presented as part of one coordinated display system.

Open compartments were incorporated for bottles, bags and packaged accessories, creating additional merchandising zones without introducing separate standalone furniture. This helped maintain a controlled layout and allowed multiple product types to be organised within the same fabricated display architecture.

Branding was integrated directly into the scenic construction through selected fascia surfaces finished with vinyl stickers. This allowed graphic communication to become part of the display system itself, reinforcing brand identity without relying on additional freestanding signage.

The combination of angled shelving, hanging systems, open compartments and branded fascia treatments created flexible merchandising zones while maintaining a consistent and reusable scenic construction language throughout the Tropicfeel retail environment.

Coordinating White Wood, PSB Board and Mixed Scenic Finishes

The principal product display structures were fabricated using a combination of white wood and PSB board, creating a material palette that balanced natural visual character with practical scenic construction. This combination established a consistent architectural language across the merchandising system while supporting the project’s requirement for reusable components.

White wood formed many of the exposed frames and visible scenic surfaces, giving the display units a warmer and more natural appearance. Selected white wood elements received a clear coat finish, helping protect the material during handling and repeated use while retaining its original surface character.

PSB board was incorporated into display panels, storage assemblies and branded components where more solid scenic surfaces were required. Used alongside the white wood framing, it allowed the units to combine open structures, shelving, compartments and fascia sections within the same coordinated display system.

Paint finishes and vinyl graphics were introduced selectively where individual elements required a more controlled branded treatment. This created visual variation across the displays without disrupting the overall material consistency of the retail environment.

The mixed-material approach supported both the scenic appearance and the longer-term reuse strategy. Durable fabricated components could be handled, repositioned and repurposed for future Tropicfeel activations while maintaining a consistent architectural and merchandising language.

Constructing the Bespoke Information Desk with Concealed Storage

Evolution Scenic fabricated a bespoke information desk as the principal customer-facing joinery element within the Tropicfeel pop-up. The desk was developed to provide a clear reception point while remaining visually consistent with the material language established across the wider retail environment.

The external structure was constructed from white wood and finished with a clear coat, preserving the natural appearance of the material while providing additional protection for repeated handling and future reuse. This finish also helped connect the desk visually with the surrounding display units and pallet-style merchandising elements.

A three-dimensional Tropicfeel cut-out logo was integrated directly into the front fascia and completed with a painted finish. Incorporating the branding into the joinery gave the counter a defined identity without requiring an additional freestanding graphic or secondary signage element.

Internally, the desk incorporated a dedicated storage structure fabricated from PSB board and finished with paint. This concealed compartment provided practical space for operational materials while keeping the customer-facing surfaces controlled, organised and free from visible storage items.

By combining reception functionality, integrated branding, durable finishes and concealed storage within one custom-built structure, the information desk operated as both a functional retail counter and a coordinated piece of scenic joinery within the temporary Tropicfeel environment.

Fabricating the Low-Level Pallet Display Plinths

Evolution Scenic fabricated custom pallet-style display plinths from white wood to create lower-level merchandising surfaces throughout the Tropicfeel retail environment. The units introduced a secondary display height beneath the full-height merchandising bays, helping establish a more layered composition within the 10 × 8 metre footprint.

The plinths used a repeated slatted construction with open-framed side elevations and a timber deck across the upper surface. This pallet-inspired architectural treatment reduced the visual mass of the units while creating depth and texture through the repeated horizontal and vertical timber members.

Their low-profile form provided flexible presentation surfaces for footwear, accessories and other featured products without interrupting sightlines across the wider retail space. The open construction also allowed the plinths to sit comfortably alongside larger display structures while retaining their own distinct scenic character.

Each unit received a clear coat finish, protecting the exposed white wood while preserving its natural grain, tone and material texture. This treatment maintained continuity with the white wood used across the information desk and principal merchandising structures.

As freestanding scenic components, the pallet displays supported the project’s wider reuse strategy and could be repositioned within different retail configurations. Their combination of slatted joinery, natural material treatment and adaptable low-level presentation made them functional pieces of reusable scenic retail architecture.

Constructing the Storage and Fitting-Room Architecture

Evolution Scenic integrated dedicated storage and fitting-room facilities into the temporary retail environment, ensuring that operational functions were incorporated within the same architectural language as the public-facing merchandising areas.

The enclosure walls were fabricated from MDF and completed with a paint finish, creating clean scenic surfaces that aligned with the surrounding display structures and information desk. This allowed the fitting-room and storage zones to read as part of the wider retail architecture rather than as separate temporary additions.

Within the fitting rooms, curtains provided privacy while mirrors supported the practical requirements of the changing areas. These elements were coordinated within the fabricated wall system so the customer facilities remained visually consistent with the overall Tropicfeel environment.

The adjacent storage areas provided concealed operational space for stock and supporting materials, helping keep the principal retail zones clear and focused on product presentation. Integrating storage into the scenic construction also reduced the need for exposed back-of-house items within the public-facing layout.

By incorporating fitting rooms, mirrors, curtains and concealed storage into the overall scenic build, Evolution Scenic created a more complete temporary retail environment within the 10 × 8 metre footprint, combining customer functionality with coordinated architectural fabrication.

Engineering the Range Rover Feature and Branded Foreground

A 1.2-ton classic Range Rover formed the principal feature within the Tropicfeel retail environment, creating a strong focal point within the 10 × 8 metre layout. Its position was coordinated with the surrounding merchandising structures so the vehicle became part of the wider scenic composition rather than an isolated display element.

Evolution Scenic fabricated dedicated steel ramps to support and elevate the vehicle within the space. Finished in black paint, the structural steelwork was visually controlled and integrated with the overall feature while providing the load-bearing capacity required for the confirmed vehicle weight.

The ramps functioned as engineered scenic structures rather than decorative platforms, combining structural performance with a clean architectural finish. Their placement established the vehicle at a defined display height while maintaining a clear relationship with the adjacent product displays and customer circulation areas.

A freestanding three-dimensional Tropicfeel logo was positioned across the foreground of the vehicle feature. The letters were fabricated from PSB board and finished with white paint, while the supporting base received a contrasting black paint finish to coordinate with the steel ramp system.

Together, the raised Range Rover, black-painted steel ramps and contrasting branded foreground created a defined scenic focal point within the pop-up. The feature combined structural metalwork, custom branding and retail spatial planning as one coordinated architectural installation.

Installation, Delivery and Completion of the Reusable Scenic Environment

Evolution Scenic completed the full Tropicfeel installation within an eight-hour programme, coordinating the scenic, joinery, branding and structural elements within the 10 × 8 metre retail footprint. The compressed installation period required the prefabricated components to be positioned efficiently while maintaining the intended spatial arrangement and circulation.

The castor-mounted merchandising units supported an efficient site sequence by allowing complete display structures to be moved directly into position and adjusted within the finished layout. Once aligned, the integrated brakes secured each unit, reducing the need for additional on-site fixing while preserving the flexibility of the reusable display system.

Installation of the wider scenic package included the pallet display plinths, bespoke information desk, storage structures, painted MDF fitting-room walls, curtains, mirrors, vinyl-branded fascias and freestanding three-dimensional logo. These elements were coordinated as one temporary retail architecture rather than installed as unrelated individual components.

The black-painted steel vehicle ramps formed a separate structural element within the installation sequence and were positioned before the 1.2-ton Range Rover was placed into its final display location. The vehicle, ramps and contrasting branded foreground were then aligned with the surrounding merchandising structures to complete the principal scenic focal point.

Because the product displays were fabricated as independent castor-mounted units, the completed system also supported future handling, transportation and reconfiguration. The finished installation demonstrated how mobile scenic joinery, temporary retail architecture, branded finishes and structural metalwork could be delivered within a compact footprint while retaining the adaptability required for future Tropicfeel activations.

Engineering the Nano Robot for Mansour Festival

The 2024 Mansour Festival at Zayed Sports Complex required a large-scale scenic interpretation of the Nano Robot character. Evolution Scenic was responsible for designing, fabricating and installing the freestanding structure in Abu Dhabi. The completed robot measured approximately 8 metres wide, 6.3 metres deep and 3 metres high. Its wide overall dimensions were created by four projecting wing structures arranged around a more compact central body. The complete structure had an approximate weight of 100–150 kilograms.

Although visually read as one object, the Nano Robot was not manufactured as one continuous component. Its construction was divided between a single central assembly and four separately fabricated wings. This division allowed the workshop team to preserve the scale of the final design while making the widest elements easier to transport and install.

The central structure incorporated the main robot body and all four support legs. This section was fabricated as one piece, measuring approximately 3 metres in diameter and 3 metres high. Keeping the central body and legs together maintained their dimensional relationship throughout production and installation. The four wing structures extended from this central form to create the complete 8-metre width.

Their projecting geometry gave the robot its distinctive silhouette, but also introduced practical constraints. Permanently fixing all four wings during workshop production would have created a component that was unnecessarily wide and difficult to transport. Evolution Scenic therefore treated the robot as a modular scenic system. The central section provided the principal freestanding structure, while the wings were developed as detachable assemblies.

Constructing the Central Steel Assembly

Mild-steel square tube formed the structural framework within the robot’s central body and legs. The steel structure established the main geometry, supported the shaped exterior and transferred the completed assembly onto four individual leg positions. Each leg incorporated a metal base plate at floor level. These plates provided defined contact points beneath the structure and supported the freestanding installation.

Steel flat bars were incorporated at the top of the leg structures. These created attachment points for the main fiberglass body and helped connect the visible sculptural form to the internal framework below. The combination of square-tube framing, upper flat-bar connections and lower base plates created a continuous supporting arrangement from the main body to the venue surface.

The visible bodywork was produced using shaped styrofoam with polyurea and fiberglass finishes. Styrofoam allowed the workshop team to develop the curved volume of the character around the internal metal structure. The material could be shaped into rounded transitions that would have been more difficult to achieve using flat sheet materials alone.

Polyurea and fiberglass finishes were applied to protect and strengthen the shaped scenic surfaces. The bodywork concealed the internal square-tube construction while retaining the smooth, simplified geometry required by the character design. The four legs followed the same overall fabrication language. Their visible surfaces enclosed the structural metalwork, while the circular metal base plates remained positioned beneath them.

Fabricating Four Modular Wing Assemblies & Acrylic Mirror Features

The Nano Robot incorporated four wing structures, each fabricated as an individual component. This was a deliberate transport and installation decision. Separating the wings reduced the dimensions of the principal body assembly and protected the projecting elements during handling. Each wing was constructed around a metal supporting arm. Shaped styrofoam and fiberglass scenic elements were fixed to the arm to create the circular outer profiles and internal blade-like forms visible in the completed installation.

The metal arm performed both a structural and logistical role. It supported the shaped wing components while also creating the connection through which each wing could be attached to the central body. The wings were completed using paint and applied vinyl graphics. Their black and yellow surfaces continued the visual language of the central robot body and defined the perimeter of the structure.

Acrylic elements formed the dark mirror-like panels within the robot body. These components were manufactured from 6mm acrylic sheet and completed with a vinyl-applied finish. The existing project record identifies sourcing and shaping the transparent acrylic components as one of the production challenges.

The acrylic needed to fit accurately within the surrounding shaped styrofoam while maintaining the intended visual relationship with the curved body surface. Metal strips were used to retain the acrylic panels within the styrofoam construction. This provided a physical fixing method rather than relying only on the applied finish or adhesive bond. The resulting detail combined three distinct materials: the structural metalwork behind the body, the shaped scenic surround and the finished acrylic feature panel.

Coordinating Scenic Finishes, Transportation & Installation

Paint and vinyl graphics were used across the central body and wing structures. The painted finish established the strong yellow and black colour treatment visible across the robot, while vinyl provided the branded lettering and additional surface graphics. The acrylic features also used applied vinyl to create their mirror-like visual finish. Coordinating these treatments required the visible surfaces to align across several material types, including fiberglass, acrylic and the wing components.

The finish therefore depended on more than colour matching. Graphic positions, panel boundaries, curved surfaces and component junctions all needed to work together once the four wings were installed around the central body.

The structure’s modular breakdown was established around transportation requirements. The central body and four legs were retained as one assembly. This reduced the number of major structural connections required at the venue and kept the main supporting geometry intact.

The four wings travelled as separate components.

Their metal supporting arms allowed the shaped scenic assemblies to remain complete while being handled independently from the robot body. This approach moved a substantial amount of detailed finishing into the workshop. The styrofoam shaping, fiberglass work, paint and vinyl graphics could be completed before the parts reached the venue. On site, the installation team could concentrate on positioning the central body, connecting the completed wing components and checking the relationship between all four assemblies.

A rubber mat platform was installed beneath the completed robot. This formed a protective layer between the scenic structure and the existing venue surface. The four metal base plates rested within the defined installation footprint created by the mat. The mat also visually separated the robot from the surrounding ground without introducing a raised scenic deck. Because the central body and legs formed one assembly, their position needed to be established before the four projecting wings were installed. The modular wings could then be attached around the body without requiring the full 8-metre-wide structure to be transported as one piece.

Delivering Within a One-Month Production Programme

Evolution Scenic completed the production within one month. The programme included structural metal fabrication, styrofoam shaping, polyurea and fiberglass finishing, acrylic preparation, paintwork, vinyl graphics and the manufacture of four separate wing assemblies. This work was delivered while the project was also affected by extended approval periods, resource constraints and other concurrent workshop commitments.

The completed components were transported to Zayed Sports Complex and assembled as an 8-metre-wide freestanding scenic structure. The finished Nano Robot demonstrates how a visually complex character can be resolved through a clear fabrication hierarchy: a rigid central steel structure, lightweight sculptural bodywork, separately manufactured projecting components and detailed acrylic and graphic finishes. Evolution Scenic’s delivery brought metalwork, three-dimensional scenic production, fiberglass construction, paintwork, graphics and installation together within one coordinated character build.