The Brief
To build a 14-metre diameter wide raked spiral catwalk with a hydraulic tilting motorised projection roof and a removable segment of rolling treads. The set was to be pre-built with the opportunity for a test build in the Diagon workshop, then installed in The Royal Horticultural Halls.
The Process
Working with designer Stuart Nunn for Inca Productions, the brief was finalised only a month before the show date so Diagon’s engineering team had to work quickly to find a solution for the ambitious spiral design and motorised components.
To achieve the full 16-metre diameter width of the catwalk with a gentle slope that was easily walkable for the models, the venue floor level had to be built up by 2.5 metres, creating an inward spiral with a central cavity at the original floor level.
Each segment could not exceed 3 metres as access into the venue was limited. Each piece was to be slotted together seamlessly and a section of the spiral was to be built on a rolling riser so that it could be removed to allow for model access.
The entire spiral structure was to have a flat roof that would be raised and tilted by motorised hoists at the start of the show. This would then become a projection surface for show lighting effects before being lowered back into place, completely concealing the spiral set. Following Anya’s show, the set was then adapted for Alice Temperley’s show the following day.
Thank you so much for a beautiful job on this season's Anya Hindmarch show. Two front covers this morning I think is testament to a great show which I hope you take great pride in because I don't think anyone else could have made it happen. Liam, every one of your boys (and girl) did you proud!
Stuart Nunn, Inca Productions