NDP 08 Stage Set Design – To Bring The Stage Out of The Floating Platform
NDP 2008 @ Celebrating the Singapore Spirit
9 August 2008
Marina Bay Singapore

NDP 08 Stage Set Design – To Bring The Stage Out of The Floating Platform

The stage set draws inspiration from the NDP 08 theme- “Celebrating the Singapore Spirit” was designed by Zarch Collaboratives. The design attempts to capture the spirit of adventure and creativity with a more organic “look and feel”. The curvilinear design echoes the boldness of the Singapore spirit to transform the flat and rectangular floating platform into a dynamic and flowing performing stage. There are 7300 NDP participants consist of marching contingents, Pre-Parade and Show Segment performers in this year parade The aim is “To bring the Stage out of the Floating Platform” said COL Tay Boon Khai, Chairman Show.

This year’s stage set will comprise 3 tiers – A first in NDP stage set design. The first tier rests on the floating platform level while the third tier rises up to 6 meters above the Floating Platform. Besides the light towers, additional lights are also incorporated into the flooring and steps of the stage as part of the whole stage design. To complete the overall visual effect, LED mesh and high resolution screens will be provided the backdrop of the stage. The highest tower stands at 32 meters above the Floating Platform.
The side light towers are arrayed to ensure all spectators get an unobstructed view of the performances.

Safety is the key issue for the design and construction of this stage. The entire stage set weighs 500 tons. Careful planning and coordination was needed to ensure that the stage design was within the safe loading capacity of the floating platform. In addition, close coordination and cooperation was required to allow the construction of the stage set without damaging the artificial turf that has been laid on the floating platform. There are a total of 5 entry and exit points for the NDP performers.

Despite these challenges, MAJ Ronnie Yap, Chairman Infrastructure and Decoration Committee noted that,” I am confident that the stage set will be completed on time and will provide the perfect platform for a visual stunning parade on 9 August.”

While work is underway at Marina Bay, a mock-up stage has been built within 7 weeks using 141 Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) storage containers as well as materials such as plywood, lumber hardwood and steel to provide NDP participants with a realistic training ground before the actual stage is ready in June 08.

Please log on www.ndp.org.sg for more information.