HOLY SHIT:
The META CUBE STAGE

For the Oslo shows of the truly unique Norwegian hip hop group KARPE, the artists wanted a Meta cube as a main element for the show. This time, it was not about a simple flown stage area like in 2017. This time, the flying stage got a moveable hood in the sizes of approximately 12 x 12 x 3.5 metres: the Meta Cube.

The complete flown construction was covered with plexiglass plates and a diffusion film which causes the cube to become transparent or in a frosted glass look. This allowed the group to make changes on the stage during the show without anyone noticing.
Inside the cube was a 2.5 x 2.5m lifting platform, which could be moved up, and which enabled the artists to perform not only inside the cube, but also on the upper platform of the cube above the band.
The Meta Cube was an integral part of the light and sound design.

The static challenge was to lift the hood with as few motor hoists as possible, as these do not necessarily improve the design of the construction. But it was not only a matter of lifting the cube, but also the complete technology inside, consisting of moving lights, LED bars, special effects etc. The construction weighs approx. 14 tons including technology, which is why 16 x C1 hoists of 2 tons each were used, as the weights were of course not 100% evenly distributed in the construction.
To save weight, we used 10mm plexi panels on the sides and 20mm plexiglass for the horizontal podium surface.

As substructure we used the popular MLT TWO pre rig truss, the 200-2 Grid Truss and a special version of the HOFFORK 350-4 with lateral outlets to the MLT TWO pre rig truss and integrated hanging points. This means that almost only standard components were used, enabling our Norwegian partner Spectre to re-use the material after the KARPE shows for other productions.

For the assembly of the structure, we took advantage of the function of the MLT TWO dollies. The complete 12 x 12 metre platform was assembled in parallel with the rigging work, but at a completely different location in the venue. This allowed the "hood team" to work in parallel to the riggers, who set the hanging points and rigs directly above the final position of the stage area and hood. The complete platform was then pushed and flown to its destination upon completion, so that the 3m side walls could then be assembled.

We designed and installed the Meta Cube with our Norwegian partner Spectre.

Click here for the video about the construction of the Meta Cube at the Spektrum venue in Oslo. Click here to see the video from Event Elevator to see the video report of the entire show build up.