King Fahad Cultural Center
Complete stagecraft system
Projects /
The King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia‘s main cultural hubs, known for hosting theatre, music and film events, as well as international exhibitions.
The centre is a point of reference for the promotion of art and culture, with an imposing architectural structure and state-of-the-art spaces that can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators.
In 2024, the centre underwent a major restyling, and Decima oversaw the creation and installation of a complete, technologically advanced stagecraft system.
The work involved the complete replacement of the stage grid, all flybars and point hoists, as well as the installation of the new CURIO control system also for the lower machinery. The delivery also included all stage drapes, including the main curtain with customised decorations.
Motorised flybar
Control system
Main characteristics:
- Upper stage machinery: 40 Liftech electric winches were supplied and installed for standard stage movements, 36 Liftech Live and Lift ONE point hoists for flexible suspension solutions (divided into two groups of 16 and 20 units), as well as 4 stage hoists dedicated to the management of LEDwall structures. The system allows for multiple and dynamic configurations based on stage, show or event requirements. All flybars have variable speeds and can be synchronised with one another.
- Lower stage machinery: Revamping of two hydraulic decks in the orchestra pit and four hydraulic decks on the stage to ensure configuration versatility and full mechanical operation. The elements have been updated with new components and control systems for smooth and safe management.
- Control system: All motorised elements are managed by a centralised CURIO control system with over 100 control axes with Safety Level SIL 3, designed to ensure an intuitive interface, operational safety and precision in the individual or synchronised movement of the various stage components. All flybars can be managed individually or in groups, with synchronised or independent movements. Movements are controlled automatically through the console, even with predefined settings, ensuring flexibility and speed in scene changes. The control system manages all movements of the stage machinery through a distributed network of fixed and mobile stations. Local stations, equipped with mobile control panels, allow direct control of individual units for specific operations or maintenance. The four main control consoles, which can be installed in five strategic points of the fly tower, allow for individual or synchronised management of groups of flybars, decks and LEDwalls. They are equipped with touch screens, joysticks and key selectors, and allow access by means of personalised user logins. The system is completed by a mini portable console, ideal for quick operations in any position within the structure.
- Main curtain and stage drapes: The stage opening is equipped with a Greek-opening main curtain, made of fireproof lined velvet, with a richness of 90%, divided in two halves with a central overlap. The upper border is reinforced for attachment to the motorised system, while the lower border is turned up with a velvet skirt to prevent light leakage. The decoration is completed by gold-red yarn passementerie, with a custom-made decorative braids and Solomon knots. The stage masking, made of blackout fabric, includes wings, valance, sky drop and taut backdrops, all with reinforced upper borders and lower borders turned up with blackout skirting.
