ProLab Digital appointed Evolution Scenic & Evolution Technical to create a signature attraction for its store in Viva Riyadh Mall, a large-scale automated installation designed to capture shoppers' attention and showcase the brand's creativity.

The concept centered around a fully automated blooming flower that would open its petals to reveal a mannequin before closing again in a continuous, synchronized sequence. The installation combined scenic fabrication, mechanical engineering and custom automation to create an engaging visual centerpiece within the retail environment.

The Challenge

The installation needed to deliver smooth, reliable operation throughout daily retail hours while maintaining a visually elegant movement that enhanced the customer experience.

The mechanical system had to support large moving petals with precise, repeatable motion while remaining robust enough for continuous operation. Ease of transportation, installation and maintenance were also key project requirements, alongside intuitive controls that allowed store staff to operate the display with minimal training.

Achieving reliable automation without compromising the aesthetic design required extensive  research and development.

The Solution

Evolution Technical designed and engineered a bespoke automated flower system powered by a Linak DK-6430 medical-grade actuator, delivering 1200N of force to provide smooth, controlled petal movement.

A custom electronic control system built around an Atmega328P microcontroller automated the complete opening and closing sequence. A wired remote control with integrated LED indicators enabled operators to start, stop and pause the display, while a miniature OLED screen provided real-time actuator status and system diagnostics.

To simplify transportation and installation, the system incorporated aviation connectors that allowed modular assembly while reducing installation time and eliminating connection errors.

Extensive research and development refined the mechanical performance of the installation. Counterweights were engineered to balance the petals, limit switches ensured accurate movement, and the operating sequence was programmed to remain open for approximately 2.5 minutes before closing for 30 seconds, repeating continuously until manually stopped. A dedicated pause function also allowed performers and technicians to safely adjust the installation during setup and rehearsals.

Delivery Highlights 

• Custom automation design and engineering
• Large-scale automated blooming flower fabrication
• Linak DK-6430 medical-grade actuator
• 1200N automated drive system
• Atmega328P microcontroller programming
• Custom electronic control circuit
• Wired remote control with LED status indicators
• OLED diagnostics and monitoring display
• Modular aviation connector system
• Counterweight balancing mechanism
• Integrated limit switch positioning
• Research, development, testing and commissioning

Outcome

The completed installation became a striking visual centrepiece within the ProLab Digital store, attracting visitors and creating an engaging retail experience through seamless automated movement.

By combining scenic fabrication with custom mechanical engineering and intelligent automation, Evolution delivered a reliable, visually impressive installation that transformed a creative concept into an operational reality. The project highlights Evolution Technical's expertise in developing bespoke automated scenic solutions for retail, exhibitions and experiential environments.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

ProLab Digital

Venue

Viva Riyadh Mall

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Evolution Technical:

Control Systems • Electronics Programming • Automation Integration • Mechanical Engineering •Testing & Commissioning • Custom Automation • Research & Development

Evolution Scenic:

Scenic Fabrication • Prototype Fabrication • Metal Fabrication • Scenic Finishing • Installation

As Expo 2020 Dubai drew to a close, the grand finale unfolded beneath the iconic Al Wasl Dome, combining spectacular lighting, water effects and live performance in one of the world's most watched ceremonies.

Working in collaboration with Aquatique Show, Evolution Technical and Evolution Scenic were appointed to design, engineer and integrate a bespoke LED lighting system for the suspended Expo Ring—a signature scenic element that combined synchronised lighting with choreographed water effects. In addition to the Expo Ring, Evolution delivered several custom-fabricated show props, including an automated Oud burner and an illuminated spacesuit, adding further theatrical moments to the ceremony.

The Challenge

The production required multiple bespoke technical solutions that combined scenic fabrication, electronics, automation and show integration within a live broadcast environment.

The suspended Expo Ring needed to operate reliably above the performance area while remaining lightweight, waterproof and fully controllable through wireless DMX. Every lighting effect had to synchronise seamlessly with the surrounding water choreography and live production.

Alongside the main installation, custom scenic props required integrated lighting, smoke effects and reliable control systems while remaining practical for performers during the live show.

The Solution

Working alongside Aquatique Show, Evolution designed and fabricated a modular Expo Ring consisting of ten individual segments, each engineered with integrated LED panels positioned above and below the structure. Four different-sized RGBW LED rings were incorporated into the design, creating layered lighting effects that complemented the surrounding fountain choreography.

The complete system operated using wireless DMX control powered by high-capacity 24V battery systems, eliminating the need for visible cabling while maintaining complete lighting flexibility. Each segment incorporated a bespoke control box containing DMX-controllable LED decoders, with RDM technology providing real-time fixture verification and reliable system monitoring.

To ensure durability within the water environment, flexible silicone LED profiles protected the lighting elements from moisture, while custom 24-pin military-grade connectors enabled rapid assembly and dependable transmission of power and DMX data. Structural integrity was maintained using engineered hook clamps and secondary safety systems throughout the suspended installation.

Evolution also designed and fabricated a series of bespoke performance props for the ceremony. A custom automated Oud burner incorporated a compact handheld micro-fogger controlled via a bespoke electronic circuit, delivering programmable smoke effects at predetermined intervals. Internal steel scrubbers were integrated to prolong smoke retention and enhance the visual effect, while RGB status indicators provided simple operational feedback.

An illuminated performance spacesuit was also produced, incorporating integrated LED strips and an onboard power supply to create dynamic lighting effects during the live performance.

Together, these custom scenic and technical elements formed an integral part of the closing ceremony's visual storytelling, combining engineering, automation and fabrication into one seamless production.

Delivery Highlights 

• Custom LED integration for the Expo Ring
• Bespoke scenic fabrication
• Wireless DMX lighting control
• Modular ten-segment suspended LED structure
• RGBW LED ring system
• 24V battery-powered lighting system
• Custom electronic control systems
• RDM fixture monitoring
• Military-grade connector integration
• Waterproof LED protection system
• Automated Oud burner with programmable smoke effects
• Custom LED performance spacesuit
• Technical engineering, fabrication and commissioning

Outcome

The completed Expo Ring became one of the defining visual features of the Expo 2020 Dubai Closing Ceremony, seamlessly integrating synchronised LED lighting with the spectacular water show beneath Al Wasl Dome.

The bespoke scenic props—including the automated Oud burner and illuminated spacesuit—added further theatrical impact, demonstrating Evolution's ability to merge engineering, automation and creative fabrication into technically sophisticated live event solutions.

By combining custom electronics, scenic fabrication and specialist show technology, Evolution Technical and Evolution Scenic delivered innovative production elements that contributed to one of the world's most significant live event ceremonies.

Project Ecosystem

Client:

Five Currents LLC

Venue

Al Wasl Dome, Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai, UAE

Evolution Technical:

LED Systems • Show Control • Wireless DMX • Electronics Engineering • Automation • Technical Integration • Installation & Commissioning

Evolution Scenic:

Giant Gold Ring Fabrication • Integrated Rain Curtain Structure • Water Tank Integration • Gold Finish • Aerial Scenic Installation • Structural Testing • Al Wasl Dome Rigging Coordination