FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park offering more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides, shows and attractions.

The 200,000 sqm multi-sensory theme park was a result of a close relationship between Ferrari and Alder Properties. The dream was to create an attraction which reflected the brand values of passion, technical innovation and excellence.

Ferrari World was hosting an intense, fast paced show within a Formula 1 pit lane to demonstrate the skill, artistry and excitement of a live race. The pit lane was full size and therefore required a solution to focus the audience's eyes on the show's performers.

Oddpost Entertainment and Cestrian recognised that stage area was vast and needed to be minimised to create a focal point for the display. It was essential that the final result was lightweight and manoeuvrable so that the dancers could move them in and out of view during the show. Ferrari would utilise the solution up to 20 times a week so durability was also a necessity, whilst the finish was to be of high quality to complement the rest of the Ferrari environment.

With the considerations taken into account, a range of 2 metre by 2 metre fabric screens in varying designs was presented to Ferrari World. Cestrian designed and created a double-sided bespoke free-standing aluminium frame system which encompassed skeleton style feet with rubber castor wheels to enable performers to wheel and rotate the frames. Fitted to the frames were fabric graphics, printed with a chequered flag design to the rear and images of the Ferrari pit team to the front. The fabric was customised with a rubber seam sewn into its perimeter allowing it to be easily changed.

The solution provided the following benefits:

• The structure was lightweight so the performers could manoeuvre the screens easily
• The high visibility designs used textile printing on high-quality fabric for durability and maximum impact
• The graphics were interchangeable so that the aluminium frames could be used for other events

The designs were printed on a Mimaki 320 textile printer which has a maximum size of 3.2m x 50m, a resolution of up to 1080dpi and is capable of printing 60sqm per hour. The substrate used was an Environflex polyester stretched fabric finished with silicone beading around the edge for easy installation and removal.

“The screens look fantastic and did exactly as requested; the finished article far exceeded our expectations and has subsequently been used for other events within Ferrari World. Five months on they are still in excellent order and are holding up to the rigors of 3 shows a day 6 days a week...a very elegant solution to our very specific request.”