A two-week climate hub transformed through scenic design, furniture, signage and communication materials into a platform for international dialogue.

Launched in late November 2023, the Heriot-Watt University Climate Hub operated for two weeks alongside COP28 in Dubai. The initiative was created as a platform for international dialogue, new partnerships and practical discussion around the global climate challenge.


The attendance of His Majesty King Charles III underlined the profile of the programme, but the environment also needed to work across many days for a wider community of speakers, partners and attendees.


Evolution approached the hub as a temporary climate commons: a setting that could feel credible for high-level participation while remaining open, legible and welcoming enough for repeated conversation and collaboration.

The Challenge


A two-week event has different demands from a single conference day. Scenic elements, furniture, signage and collateral need to remain durable and consistent, while the environment must support changing programme content and a steady flow of stakeholders.


The COP28 context also placed the hub among a dense field of climate initiatives. It needed a distinct and professional identity capable of communicating Heriot-Watt University's role without relying on excessive visual treatment.


High-profile attendance increased the requirement for a polished setup, clear wayfinding and dependable venue operations.

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The Solution


Evolution developed a cohesive creative treatment across furniture, backdrops, signage and decorative components. These elements transformed the venue into a recognisable hub while preserving the flexibility required for different discussions and partnership activity over the two-week programme.


The visual approach focused on clear communication and an inviting atmosphere. Backdrops and branding established identity at key viewpoints, while furniture supported both formal discussion and less structured conversation between sessions.


Brochures, banners and supporting collateral carried the same language beyond the principal spaces, helping attendees understand the initiative and navigate its content. Media coverage documented the programme and extended its visibility within the wider COP28 conversation.

Evolution coordinated the setup and ongoing operations around the programme's high standards, allowing the environment to remain consistent as participants, activities and daily requirements changed.

Delivery Highlights


  • Two-week Climate Hub delivered alongside COP28 in Dubai.
  • Event environment supporting international climate dialogue and partnership building.
  • Scenic backdrops, signage, decorative components and branded features.
  • Furniture for formal and informal discussion settings.
  • Brochures, banners and collateral supporting communication and visibility.
  • Media coverage across the initiative.
  • Venue setup and operational support for a high-profile programme.

Outcome


The Climate Hub provided Heriot-Watt University with a clear and adaptable physical presence during COP28. Its environment could host prominent visitors and formal discussions while continuing to support everyday exchange across the full two-week period.


The result was a platform that felt established rather than temporary, giving climate dialogue, partnership and university-led expertise a consistent place within a crowded international programme.

Project Ecosystem


Client:

Heriot-Watt University


Evolution Events: Led creative development, project management, collateral, media coordination, venue setup and ongoing event operations.


Evolution Scenic: Designed and installed backdrops, signage, branded features and decorative environmental elements.


Evolution Furniture: Provided furniture supporting formal meetings, partnership discussions and informal conversation areas.