2016 Archive : Qatar National Pavilion

Project Details

Fabric 1

Symmetry
Producer:

Design Company
LM Productions

Please describe the project specifications

We fabricated a custom projection mapping “screen” for the Qatar National Pavilion at Milan EXPO 2015, representative of Qatar's date palm trees and shaped via a helix-like twisted column with a wider burst of fronds at the top.

The column and its floral top together stretch to nearly 40 ft. tall, or 4 stories. At its widest point at the top, the structure nears 31 ft. in diameter. The unique column element starts at 13.5 ft. wide at its base, tapering to 5 ft. wide at its slimmest point.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

Our client’s design of the multimedia experience and the central projection structure needed to impactfully tell Qatar’s story about innovation, sustainability and heritage. The structure was surrounded by 12 high-powered WUXGA video projectors blended around the screen in a 360-degree format. The audience walks down a spiraling ramp that winds around the structure and the multisensory experience.

The show, at 4 minutes long, creates an immersive experience, also including a special surround sound audio system, intelligent lighting, lasers, haze machines, high-powered aroma machines and other special effects.

What is unique or complex about the project?

With the central focus on the massive tree structure, the show was a dynamic, active journey for the audience as they viewed and moved from multiple levels and vantage points – our client produced the multimedia experience this way to minimize any need for queuing, which was a requirement for the EXPO.

Constructed of 2 in. and 1.5 in. aluminum framing and Symmetry fabric, the structure’s unique column is based on a hexagonal shape. Six vertical frame members rise up from the large hexagonal base and then twist in a leftward pattern, joining the smaller hexagon shape at the top of the column. This is also where the frond fabric assembly attaches, shaped from flexible lightweight rods.

The Symmetry fabric used throughout provided an excellent projection canvas, optimized by our precise fit and finish.

What were the results of the project?

In articles and reviews, the Pavilion was lauded as “thrilling” and “excellent” and was highly photographed. Our client was pleased and proud of the stunning results, citing word-of-mouth exposure for Qatar and reporting daily traffic that topped 10,000 visitors during the EXPO.

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