khalid-shafar-structure-red-green-laser-show-2024

As part of the Expo Festival of Light at Expo City Dubai, AGB Events appointed Evolution Technical to deliver a fully immersive lighting and laser installation surrounding artist Khalid Shafar's sculpture.


Designed to enhance the artwork without overshadowing it, the installation combined lighting, lasers, media playback and timecoded control to create a captivating five-minute visual experience that transformed the temporary structure into an immersive environment.

The Challenge


The installation required the sculpture to remain the visual focal point while surrounding audiences with synchronised lighting and laser effects. Every technical element needed to operate with frame-accurate timing, integrating lighting, lasers and audio playback into a single programmed show. The enclosed structure also demanded careful fixture placement and custom optical solutions to maximise visual impact within a compact space.

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The Solution


Evolution designed and programmed a fully timecoded lighting show using a ChamSys lighting console integrated with QLab playback and an external sound interface for precise synchronisation. The proposed method was mocked-up at our warehouse for testing and approval by the client, before final signoff and deployment to site.


Clay Paky XTYLOS laser fixtures were arranged around the installation and directed through custom-built reflectors, creating striking laser beams focused toward the centrepiece sculpture. Additional 5W laser systems enhanced the visual depth, while wireless Astera AX5 fixtures provided battery powered architectural colour washes across both the structure and sculpture base, where hard power was unavailable.


Throughout the five-minute sequence, carefully programmed lighting transitions, colour palettes and laser choreography evolved through multiple visual scenes, creating an immersive experience that highlighted the sculpture while complementing the artistic narrative of the wider festival.

Delivery Highlights 


  • Complete lighting and laser design.
  • Fully timecoded lighting and playback control.
  • ChamSys lighting console programming.
  • QLab playback and synchronisation.
  • Robe XTYLOS laser fixtures with custom reflectors.
  • 5W laser systems for enhanced beam effects.
  • Astera AX5 wireless architectural lighting.
  • Technical programming, installation and commissioning.
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Outcome


The completed installation successfully combined creative lighting, laser technology and precise show control to create an immersive visual experience centred around Khalid Shafar's sculpture. Through carefully synchronised programming and innovative technical design, Evolution delivered a seamless multi-sensory installation that enhanced both the artwork and the visitor experience, contributing to the creative vision of the Expo Festival of Light.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

AGB Events


Venue

Expo City Dubai


Evolution Technical:

Technical Management • Lighting Design • Laser Systems • Show Programming • Timecode Synchronisation • Scenic Lighting • Installation & Commissioning