In October 2024, together with Simtec and Project Syntropy, Endurescreens contributed to the launch of Odyssey Malta, a new flying theatre attraction located within the Mercury Towers in St. Julian's, Malta. The company provided a custom-designed projection dome that serves as the visual centerpiece of the ride, delivering an immersive experience that explores Malta's history and heritage. This project highlights Endurescreens' expertise in creating tailored solutions for complex architectural spaces.
Mercury Towers is a striking new development crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects. It was one of Hadid’s final creations before she died in 2016. At 121 meters (397 feet), it is Malta’s tallest building. It features 32 stories and is home to both residential areas and the luxurious ME Hotel by Meliá. Opened in 2023, the initial phase included a three-level shopping mall and a square. Meanwhile, Odyssey Malta soft-opened on 16 October 2024.
The flying theatre was not part of the original plan for this mixed-use development. Adding the attraction to a space between the Grade 2 listed Mercury House and the new, modern tower created significant challenges. The design ensured that these limitations were addressed without sacrificing the quality of the guest experience. By working together, the teams integrated the various technical elements into a cohesive whole. This shows that creative problem-solving is key to success in complex projects.
The projection dome, provided by Endurescreens, creates the visual centrepiece of the flying theatre. Riders are surrounded by a high-resolution screen that fills their field of vision, creating an unforgettable sense of immersion.
“Our role was to create a custom-designed screen that matched the space’s unique requirements,” says Ronald Potgieter, project and quality control manager at Endurescreens. “We paid special attention to brightness, contrast, and colour fidelity to maintain a sharp and vibrant picture.” Endurescreens also innovated with a segmenting system that allowed for efficient assembly and future maintenance. This was a key consideration given the tight installation window and the high expected visitor traffic.
“We spent a lot of time designing it, using our expertise to create this attraction, and we were grateful for our partners, Simtec and project: syntropy, as they gave us a lot of freedom in designing and engineering,” adds Lei Yin, director of sales at Endurescreens.
The Odyssey Malta project is a testament to the power of collaboration. This project exemplifies the heights achievable through the fusion of experiential design and technical mastery. With a collaborative approach that includes the skills of Endurescreens, Simtec Systems, and project: syntropy, the new attraction provides riders with an immersive and unforgettable experience that unfolds seamlessly. For more information, please click here
