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Studio Drift creates dramatic shifting Ego sculpture for Dutch opera L'Orfeo

Dezeen's Pinterest roundup features eleven dramatic set and stage designs

Over the past month, the number of Pinterest users searching for set design has increased by 80 per cent. We've rounded up 11 remarkable examples from our set design board.

In this roundup, artists and designers utilized lightinginstallations and sculptures to create set designs that give audiences an immersive experience.

Studios like Studio Drift and Tawbox crafted custom pieces to serve as the backdrop, enhancing the creation of a vibrant atmosphere.

Scroll down to see 11 projects from our set design board on Pinterest.


Pierre Yovanovitch staircase set design Basel opera

Rigoletto, Theatre Basel, by Pierre Yovanovitch

Interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch designed the set for Theatre Basel's production of Verdi's Rigoletto in Switzerland. Yovanovitch created a curvilinear staircase enclosed by moving, curved walls which provide performers with different spaces.

Furniture pieces created by the designer and used in the production include a red circular table, stools, a bed, a curved sectional sofa and a chandelier.

Find out more about Pierre Yovanovitch's design for Theatre Basel ›


The Sphere U2

U2, MSG Sphere Las Vegas, by Es Devlin and John Gerrad

Works by designer Es Devlin and artist John Gerrad were among the artwork displayed during a U2 concert at the Populous-designed MSG Sphere Las Vegas.

The screen inside the venue measures 76 metres tall and wraps more than 180 degrees creating an immersive experience.

Find out more about the first show at MSG Sphere Las Vegas


Studio Drift creates dramatic shifting Ego sculpture for Dutch opera L'Orfeo

L'Orfeo, Dutch National Touring Opera, by Studio Drift

Studio Drift created a kinetic sculpture named Ego for the Dutch National Touring Opera's production of L'Orfeo.

The installation, which was made of 10 miles of ultra-fine nylon, was hung above the performers and was designed to change shape during the show.

Find out more about Studio Drift's design for L'Orfeo › 


Bjork Cornucopia Chiara Stephenson set design

Björk, Cornucopia tour, by Chiara Stephenson

Designer Chiara Stephenson created the set for Icelandic singer Björk's Cornucopia tour in 2019. The stage design featured four glowing, mushroom-like platforms which were raised to different levels and partially concealed by a threaded fabric curtain.

Stephenson's background in theatre design influenced her to create a complex set for the show similar to the ones that you might find on a theatre stage.

Find out more about Chiara Stephenson's design ›


Slowthai performing at O2 Brixton

Slowthai, London show, by Lewis James

Stage designer Lewis James created a home to symbolise the mind of British rapper Slowthai for his gig at the O2 Academy in Brixton, London. The rapper performed on top of the house's roof while a series of videos played in the background.

The set, which was inspired by the rapper's self-titled album, Tyron, was designed to convey themes of mental health, class, relationships and partying.

Find out more about Lewis James's set design ›


Peter Bilak Swedish Royal Ballet

Totality in Parts, Royal Swedish Ballet, by Peter Bilak

A six-metre wide light installation was the focus of Peter Bilak's set design for the Royal Swedish Ballet production of Totality in Parts.

The structure was comprised of 512 lights along 32 curved arms that together form a circular form.

Find out more about Peter Bilak's design the for Royal Swedish Ballet ›


Tim Routledge's set design for Dave

Dave, Psychodrama tour, by Tim Routledge and Tawbox

Lighting designer Tim Routledge and creative studio Tawbox worked together to create the stage design for rapper Dave's 2019 live show in London.

After taking into account the way audiences light up the stage and record gigs with their phones, the pair settled upon a background which showcased a skull and a bank of immersive digital panels.

Find out more about Tim Routledge's set design ›


Tawbox set design

Dave, Reading and Leeds festivals, by Tawbox

An aluminium shattered heart that was meant to represent our fractured world was featured in Tawbox's set design for British rapper Dave.

The installation was lit up in various colours throughout the show and accompanied by large LED screens.

Find out more about Tawbox's set design ›


Marcus Lyall and Adam Smith have designed live shows for electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers for over 25 years

The Chemical Brothers, London show, by Marcus Lyall and Adam Smith

The focal point of Marcus Lyall and Adam Smith's set design for The Chemical Brothers was a huge screen, measuring 20 by eight metres. Lyall created films from real-world action footage which were displayed on the screen to accompany each song the band performed.

The show also included hundreds of huge, lightweight bouncy balls which fell on the audience from the ceiling.

Find out more about Marcus Lyall and Adam Smith's set design ›


Es Devlin set design for Coachella

The Weeknd, Coachella set, by Es Devlin

Afrofuturism influenced British designer Es Devlin's stage design for the Weeknd's set at the 2018 Coachella music festival.

A large, cracked sculpture, created from a 3D scan of the singer's face, was displayed behind the artist during the show and was animated using projection-mapped lighting.

Find out more about Es Devlin's Coachella set design ›

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