Prestigious ceremonial events often require temporary environments that combine architectural scale, hospitality, cultural detailing and operational functionality. For the launch of The Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, Evolution designed and delivered two large-scale temporary majlis structures for VVIP male and female guests on the lawn of Emirates Palace.

The project combined 10-metre-high branded scaffolding walls, bespoke backlit mashrabiya cladding, a 50-metre entrance ramp, a 1,000-square-metre covered temporary structure, CNC-cut scenic panels, custom lighting effects and bespoke white furniture. Together, these elements created a refined hospitality environment designed to reflect the significance and prestige of the occasion.

The Challenge

The event required two substantial temporary structures capable of hosting VVIP guests while maintaining a high standard of visual finish and cultural relevance.

The majlis environments needed to feel refined and permanent despite being temporary installations. The structures also had to combine large-scale architectural elements with detailed interior finishes, furniture, lighting and imagery relating to Sheikh Zayed.

The outdoor location added another layer of consideration. The covered structure needed to provide a suitable event environment while also allowing for water drainage in the event of rain.

Guest arrival was equally important. A long elevated approach had to be incorporated into the design to create a smooth and appropriately formal entrance experience.

The Solution

Evolution delivered two custom-built majlis enclosures incorporating 10-metre-high branded scaffolding walls clad with bespoke wooden backlit mashrabiya panels. The mashrabiya treatment introduced a traditional architectural language while the backlighting added depth and visual presence to the large-scale façades.

A 50-metre-long custom entrance ramp was installed to provide an elevated and considered arrival sequence for guests.

The main covered area utilised an I-Novation temporary structure spanning approximately 1,000 square metres. A fabric roof was incorporated with provision for water drainage, helping protect the event environment in the event of rain.

Inside the majlis structures, 5.3-metre-high CNC-cut scenic panels were fabricated and finished in a custom white spray treatment. Rare photographs of Sheikh Zayed were incorporated into these panels, allowing them to function both as decorative scenic elements and as elegant spatial dividers.

A bespoke lighting treatment was developed to project detailed shadow patterns throughout the interior, adding another visual layer to the mashrabiya-inspired aesthetic.

Custom white furniture was also produced and installed to complete the interior environment and maintain consistency with the client’s visual direction.

Delivery Highlights

• Two large-scale temporary VVIP majlis structures.
• Male and female guest enclosures.
• Installation on the Emirates Palace lawn.
• 10m-high branded scaffolding walls.
• Bespoke wooden backlit mashrabiya panels.
• 50m-long custom entrance ramp.
• Approximately 1,000m² covered temporary structure.
• I-Novation temporary structure system.
• Fabric roof with water drainage provision.
• 5.3m-high CNC-cut scenic panels.
• Custom white spray finish.
• Rare Sheikh Zayed photographic displays.
• Scenic panels used as interior space dividers.
• Bespoke shadow-projection lighting effects.
• Custom white furniture.
• Large-scale scenic fabrication and installation.

Outcome

The completed Sheikhat Majlis environments provided a distinguished setting for VVIP guests attending the launch of The Founder’s Memorial.

Large-scale structural elements established the architectural presence of the event, while backlit mashrabiya panels, photographic scenic features, lighting effects and bespoke furniture created a more detailed and culturally informed interior experience.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to combine temporary structures with high-end scenic fabrication, architectural detailing and hospitality interiors, creating large-scale ceremonial environments that retain both functionality and visual refinement.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Temporary majlis structures, branded scaffolding treatment, bespoke mashrabiya panels, entrance ramp fabrication, CNC-cut scenic panels, interior scenic detailing, bespoke furniture, lighting integration, delivery and installation.

Ideas festivals need environments that encourage conversation, discovery and collaboration among audiences with different interests and backgrounds. For the 2019 Ideas Festival at NYU Abu Dhabi, Tamkeen commissioned Evolution Scenic to create an engaging event environment centred on culture, knowledge and innovation.

The festival welcomed adults, teenagers and young professionals while providing a platform for thinkers, innovators and influencers from the UAE, the GCC and beyond.

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated large-scale artistic installations combining geometric timber structures with vibrant graphics. Multi-functional scenic spaces were also created for discussions, workshops and networking activities.

The Challenge

The event environment needed to appeal to a broad audience while supporting several different forms of participation. Discussions, workshops, networking and informal interaction each required spaces suited to their specific purpose.

The scenic design also needed to communicate Abu Dhabi’s identity as a modern, knowledge-driven capital while celebrating UAE culture and the city’s growing role as a centre for creativity and innovation.

These ideas had to be translated into visually distinctive structures without limiting the flexibility required by the festival programme.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated large-scale art installations using geometric timber structures and vibrant applied graphics.

The combination of three-dimensional forms and bold graphic treatments created a recognisable visual identity for the festival while expressing themes of culture, knowledge and innovation.

Versatile scenic elements were produced to support discussions, workshops and networking activities. These multi-functional environments enabled the event programme to accommodate different formats and audience groups within a coordinated setting.

Thematic features inspired by UAE culture and Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for knowledge and creativity were incorporated throughout the scenic approach.

Detailed fabrication and high-quality finishing ensured the individual installations formed a polished and immersive environment across the festival.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for the Ideas Festival
• Installation at NYU Abu Dhabi
• Large-scale artistic installations
• Geometric timber structures
• Vibrant applied graphics
• Multi-functional festival spaces
• Discussion environments
• Workshop areas
• Networking spaces
• Design for adults and younger audiences
• Integration of UAE cultural themes
• Visual storytelling around knowledge and innovation
• Detailed scenic fabrication
• High-quality finishes
• Venue installation

Outcome

The completed environment supported a varied programme of discussions, workshops and networking while giving the festival a strong visual identity.

Large-scale geometric installations and colourful graphics created distinctive focal points throughout the venue. Flexible scenic spaces allowed different audience groups to participate in the festival’s activities and connect with one another.

Through considered design, specialist timber fabrication and detailed finishing, Evolution Scenic created an environment that reflected the festival’s focus on culture, creativity and knowledge sharing.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic design, large-scale art installations, geometric timber fabrication, graphic integration, multi-functional event spaces, cultural features, finishing and venue installation.

Producing scenic elements for a Cirque du Soleil performance demands an exact balance of artistic interpretation, structural integrity and specialist craftsmanship. For Saudi National Day 2022, Evolution Scenic was entrusted with transforming stage designs by Stéphane Roy into fabricated scenic elements for a live performance in Riyadh.

The project combined metalwork, fibreglass, carpentry, three-dimensional production, scenic painting and specialist finishing. Every component needed to reflect the artistic direction of the show while meeting the practical demands of transportation, installation and live performance.

Evolution Scenic managed the process from technical development and fabrication through to transportation from Jebel Ali in Dubai and installation in Riyadh.

The Challenge

Stéphane Roy’s designs needed to be translated into physical scenic elements without losing their intended scale, character or visual detail. The completed components also had to meet the production standards associated with Cirque du Soleil.

Different fabrication disciplines were required across the project. Metal, fibreglass, carpentry and three-dimensional production techniques needed to be coordinated to deliver bespoke props and structural elements with the necessary strength and visual impact.

The entire scenic package then had to be transported from Evolution Scenic’s facility in Jebel Ali to Riyadh. This required careful logistical coordination to protect the fabricated elements and support an efficient installation upon arrival.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic developed the technical and fabrication requirements needed to transform the supplied stage designs into buildable scenic elements.

Metal fabrication provided strength and structural support, while carpentry and fibreglass production enabled the creation of bespoke forms, surfaces and detailed features. Three-dimensional production techniques were used where complex sculptural components were required.

Custom stage props and structural elements were fabricated to align with the artistic language of the performance. Detailed scenic painting and specialist finishing techniques were then applied to create the required visual character and strengthen the immersive quality of the stage environment.

Once fabrication was complete, Evolution Scenic coordinated the transportation of the scenic package from Jebel Ali, Dubai, to Riyadh. The team also supported the on-site setup and installation, ensuring that the individual elements came together as intended within the finished performance environment.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic production for Saudi National Day 2022
• Interpretation of stage designs by Stéphane Roy
• Technical development and fabrication planning
• Bespoke scenic elements
• Custom performance props
• Structural scenic components
• Specialist metal fabrication
• Fibreglass production
• Scenic carpentry
• Three-dimensional production techniques
• Detailed scenic painting
• Specialist surface finishes
• Transportation from Jebel Ali to Riyadh
• On-site setup and installation
• Delivery for a Cirque du Soleil performance

Outcome

The completed scenic package transformed the original stage designs into a physical performance environment suited to Cirque du Soleil’s Saudi National Day production.

The combination of structural fabrication, sculptural production, scenic painting and detailed finishing gave each element the strength and visual presence required for the show. Coordinated transportation and installation ensured the scenic components travelled successfully from Dubai to Riyadh and were assembled on site.

The project demonstrated Evolution Scenic’s ability to interpret ambitious creative designs and deliver technically developed scenic elements across multiple fabrication disciplines for a major international live performance.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Technical development, metal fabrication, fibreglass production, carpentry, three-dimensional production, bespoke props, structural scenic elements, scenic painting, finishing, transportation and installation.

Seasonal activations at major public destinations require scenic environments that are immediately recognisable, highly immersive and capable of engaging visitors across a wide range of ages. For XMAS @ EXPO in December 2021, Evolution Scenic helped transform Expo 2020 Dubai into a large-scale festive destination through themed scenic fabrication, interactive family experiences and illuminated installations.

The scope included a 20-metre Christmas tree, custom marketplace chalets, giant nutcracker figures, a festive transformation of the Opti-Robot, Santa’s House, an Elf Workshop, activity zones and atmospheric lighting. Because installation took place while Expo 2020 was open to the public, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team also worked in custom elf uniforms, turning the build process itself into part of the visitor experience.

The Challenge

XMAS @ EXPO required a major festive transformation to be delivered within an operational Expo environment.

The scenic package needed to create a strong Christmas identity across multiple installations while supporting both visual spectacle and interactive family activity. Large-scale decorative elements, themed architecture, workshop spaces and activity zones all had to contribute to one consistent festive environment.

A further challenge was that installation took place during the live operating period of Expo 2020. The scenic team therefore needed to work within a public-facing environment where visitors could see the build progressing.

Rather than allowing the installation process to feel separate from the activation, the team adopted custom Santa’s elf uniforms, helping integrate the on-site build into the wider festive experience.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic delivered a coordinated package of themed scenic fabrication and immersive installations across the festive environment.

A major focal point was the 20-metre Christmas tree, establishing a strong visual landmark within the activation.

A festive boulevard and marketplace were created using custom-built chalets designed to house seasonal treats and merchandise. These structures helped establish the character of a traditional Christmas market while providing practical spaces for vendors and visitors.

Large decorative scenic features included giant nutcracker figures positioned at the entrance, creating a clear arrival moment. The existing Opti-Robot was also transformed for the season through the addition of reindeer antlers, bringing a familiar Expo feature into the Christmas theme.

Santa’s House and the Elf Workshop were developed as immersive environments with animated workshop scenes and themed characters, creating a more narrative-driven visitor experience.

Additional activity areas supported family participation through features including a climbing wall, festive crafts and seasonal storytelling sessions.

Warm lighting was integrated across the installations to strengthen the atmosphere and visually connect the different scenic environments after dark.

During installation, Evolution Scenic’s scenic team worked in custom elf uniforms. Visitors regularly stopped to photograph and film the team at work, turning the build process into an unexpected element of the activation and generating strong social media engagement.

Delivery Highlights

• Festive scenic production for XMAS @ EXPO.
• Installation at Expo 2020 Dubai.
• 20m-high Christmas tree.
• Custom-built festive marketplace chalets.
• Christmas boulevard environment.
• Giant nutcracker entrance figures.
• Festive transformation of the Opti-Robot.
• Custom reindeer antlers.
• Immersive Santa’s House.
• Themed Elf Workshop.
• Animated workshop scenes.
• Interactive family activity areas.
• Climbing wall.
• Festive craft activities.
• Seasonal storytelling areas.
• Integrated warm scenic lighting.
• Installation undertaken while Expo 2020 remained operational.
• Custom elf uniforms for the Evolution Scenic installation team.
• Strong visitor and social media engagement during the build.

Outcome

XMAS @ EXPO transformed the wider Expo environment into a recognisable festive destination combining large-scale scenic landmarks, themed architecture and interactive family experiences.

The Christmas tree, marketplace, nutcrackers, Santa’s House and Elf Workshop created the primary visual and narrative elements, while activity zones and lighting extended the experience beyond static decoration.

The live installation process also became part of the activation itself. With the scenic team dressed as elves while working in front of visitors, the build attracted significant attention, with guests stopping to take photographs and videos that were widely shared on social media.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to deliver immersive seasonal environments within live public venues, where fabrication, installation, visitor interaction and operational constraints all need to be considered as part of the overall experience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Themed scenic fabrication, festive structures, marketplace chalets, large-scale scenic features, Santa’s House, Elf Workshop, family activity environments, lighting integration, live-site installation and delivery.

Landmark national celebrations often demand scenic solutions that combine symbolism, spectacle and complex engineering. For the UAE’s 50th National Day at Hatta Dam, Evolution Scenic delivered one of the production’s most technically ambitious features: 100 telescopic replicas of iconic UAE buildings designed to rise from the stage in synchronised formation during the climax of the performance.

Designed by Es Devlin and produced by LarMac Live, the wider production used the dramatic mountain landscape and a floating stage within an artificial pool as part of the visual narrative. Evolution Scenic’s contribution focused on transforming architectural references into compact, illuminated scenic structures capable of concealed storage, controlled vertical movement and precise repeatability under challenging outdoor conditions.

The Challenge

The project required 100 individual building replicas to rise from the stage as part of a tightly choreographed performance sequence.

The scenic elements needed to represent different architectural forms and heights while remaining compact enough to disappear within the stage when not in use. Some structures exceeded 6 metres in their fully extended position but had to fit into concealed spaces as small as approximately 1.2 metres by 20 centimetres.

Movement also had to remain reliable in an exposed mountain environment affected by wind and humidity. With all 100 elements forming part of a single performance moment, consistency and synchronisation were critical.

The structures also had to integrate lighting without adding unnecessary visual or mechanical complexity, while maintaining enough structural integrity to operate repeatedly throughout rehearsals and live performance.

The Solution

Evolution Scenic designed and fabricated 100 telescopic lightbox buildings based on iconic UAE architecture.

Each structure was developed as a self-illuminated scenic element with individually controlled LED lighting, allowing the building forms to remain visually legible as three-dimensional objects when viewed from the audience.

The buildings were engineered with up to four telescopic tiers, allowing different overall heights to be achieved while preserving the compact storage requirements beneath the stage.

Telescopic tower machines and heavy-duty industrial tracks were used to create the required vertical movement. The mechanisms were selected and integrated to support repeated operation within the environmental conditions at Hatta Dam.

The internal lighting systems were coordinated so that all 100 scenic structures could be controlled as part of the wider performance sequence. This allowed lighting changes and movement to work together during the final reveal.

A major part of the engineering challenge was packaging. Structures extending beyond 6 metres in height had to retract into extremely limited concealed volumes without compromising alignment, movement or the final scenic appearance.

The resulting system combined scenic fabrication, mechanical movement, structural planning and integrated illumination within a highly compact footprint.

Delivery Highlights

• Scenic engineering for the UAE’s 50th National Day celebration.

• Event staged at Hatta Dam.

• Design by Es Devlin.

• Production by LarMac Live.

• 100 telescopic replicas of iconic UAE buildings.

• Fully illuminated scenic lightbox structures.

• Individually controlled LED lighting.

• Up to four telescopic tiers per structure.

• Building heights exceeding 6m when fully extended.

• Compact concealed storage conditions.

• Telescopic tower mechanisms.

• Heavy-duty industrial tracks.

• Synchronised vertical movement.

• Integrated lighting control across all 100 structures.

• Scenic fabrication developed for exposed outdoor conditions.

• Operation within high wind and humid conditions.

• Precision integration into the stage environment.

• Large-scale scenic engineering and installation.

Outcome

The telescopic buildings formed one of the defining visual moments of the 50th UAE National Day production.

As the 100 illuminated structures rose from the stage in synchronisation, they created a symbolic representation of the country’s architectural development, achievements and progress over five decades.

The project demonstrates Evolution Scenic’s ability to engineer large quantities of moving scenic elements where compact packaging, structural integrity, repeatable motion, integrated lighting and outdoor environmental conditions must all be resolved together.

It also highlights the role of scenic engineering in major live ceremonies, where complex mechanical systems must ultimately disappear behind a clear and powerful visual moment for the audience.

Project Ecosystem

Evolution Scenic – Scenic engineering, telescopic building fabrication, mechanical integration, lightbox construction, LED integration, compact scenic packaging, structural coordination, delivery and installation.

Es Devlin – Production design.

LarMac Live – Production.

Why We Build Mock-Ups Before We Build The Real Thing

A mock-up is not an unnecessary duplicate of the final build. It is a controlled test that allows materials, finishes, connections and installation methods to be checked before small issues become expensive site problems.

Clients sometimes see a mock-up in the workshop and ask a reasonable question: “Why are we building this twice?”

The straightforward answer is that a small mistake discovered early is almost always less expensive and less disruptive than a large mistake found once full production is underway. It is even more valuable when the alternative is discovering the problem during installation.

Scenic projects bring together materials, finishes, structures, lighting, graphics, technical systems and installation requirements. Drawings and renders are essential, but they cannot always show exactly how these elements will behave once they are physically combined.

A finish may appear correct on screen but look different when applied across a large surface.

A connection may look simple in a drawing but become difficult to access during assembly. Two materials may work individually but create an awkward junction when placed together.

A mock-up moves these questions into the controlled environment of the workshop, where they can be reviewed and resolved before they affect the wider build.

A Mock-Up Is A Targeted Test

A mock-up does not always mean manufacturing a complete second version of the project.

It should be designed to answer a specific question. Sometimes it is a small wall section used to approve colour, texture and sheen.

Sometimes it is a full-size connection detail that needs to be assembled and dismantled several times. It may be a scenic paint sample prepared on the intended substrate, using the proposed primer, texture system, paint layers and protective coating. For more complex projects, it may be a representative corner or section combining several disciplines, such as timber framing, metalwork, cladding, graphics, lighting and scenic finishing.

The scale and complexity of the mock-up should reflect the risk being tested. There is little value in building an elaborate sample if a simple material board will answer the question. Equally, a small colour swatch may not provide enough information where the finish depends on scale, lighting, texture or the relationship between several materials.

The objective is not to create additional work.

It is to test the part of the project where uncertainty remains.

Material Approvals Need Proper Samples

Material approvals are one of the clearest reasons for producing mock-ups. A material can look very different when viewed as a small sample, applied over a large area or placed under the final lighting conditions. Scenic paint finishes are particularly sensitive to this.

Colour, texture and sheen are affected by:

• The underlying substrate
• Surface preparation
• Primer and base coats
• Application technique
• Number of layers
• Protective coatings
• Lighting temperature and direction
• Viewing distance

A small printed colour reference cannot communicate all of these variables. A proper finish sample should, where possible, use the same substrate and process intended for the final work. This gives the client, designer and production team a shared reference point. They can see and feel the actual surface rather than approving a description or an unrepresentative swatch.

The same approach applies to specialist cladding, metal finishes, timber effects, laminates, coatings and graphic transitions. Approving the real build-up reduces ambiguity and creates a clearer standard for the production team to follow.

Mock-Ups Improve Joinery & Connections

Connections are another area where physical testing can prevent significant problems. Scenic structures may need to be divided into transportable sections and then reassembled within restricted site conditions.

The connections must be strong, accurately aligned and accessible to the installation team.

They may also need to remain hidden once the scenic finish is complete. 

A full-size connection mock-up allows the team to test:

• Alignment between sections
• Fixing access
• Assembly sequence
• Tolerance between components
• Strength and stability
• Visibility of joints
• Dismantling requirements
• Repair access
• Installation time

A detail that works well on the workshop floor may still need to be assessed against the actual installation method. Can the fixing be reached when the structure is upright?

Can the sections be aligned while suspended or positioned close to a wall?

Will the joint remain concealed after repeated assembly?

Can damaged parts be replaced without dismantling the entire structure?

Testing these questions early is particularly important where the site programme is restricted. An adjustment that takes an hour in the workshop may take significantly longer once the structure is installed around other contractors and technical systems.

Installation Sequences Can Be Rehearsed

Some mock-ups are built to test not only the final detail but the order in which the work must happen. Scenic installation often involves several interdependent steps. A structural frame may need to be fixed before lighting equipment is installed.

Cladding may need to remain open until cabling has been tested. A decorative finish may need to be completed only after two transport sections have been joined. If the sequence is wrong, access can be lost and finished work may need to be removed.

A representative mock-up allows the team to rehearse the sequence and identify where tools, lifting equipment or temporary supports will be needed. This can also improve communication between departments.

Carpenters, metalworkers, technicians, scenic painters and installers can review the same physical detail and understand how their work affects the next stage. The resulting method can then be reflected in drawings, section numbering, packing and site instructions.

Mock-Ups Create Clearer Approvals

Physical samples also support better client and design approvals. It is easier to make an informed decision when the proposed finish, material or detail can be viewed and handled directly.

The client can understand the texture.

The designer can assess whether the appearance matches the creative intent. The technical team can confirm the buildability of the detail. The workshop can establish the approved production method.

This creates a clearer record of what has been accepted. It also reduces the risk of different people interpreting a colour, texture or description in different ways. The approved mock-up can remain in the workshop as a benchmark for quality control during production.

Building Less To Avoid Rebuilding More

Mock-ups require time, material and workshop effort. That cost should be considered against the risk they are intended to control. 

The right question is not simply: “How much does the mock-up cost?”

It is: “What could it prevent?”

A controlled sample may avoid widespread repainting, remanufacturing, delayed approvals or difficult site modifications. It may also protect the installation programme by confirming the method before the team reaches site.

Not every project needs a large mock-up. The strongest approach is to identify the areas of genuine uncertainty and test them at the appropriate scale.

In scenic fabrication, mock-ups are not built because the team expects the design to fail. They are built because testing a critical detail early is one of the most practical ways to protect the design, programme, budget and finished result.