Nassal Unveils Themed Construction Trends for 2025
Nassal, a leading global speciality theming fabricator and program manager, is proactively preparing to meet the expected growth in the hospitality, gaming, and entertainment construction sectors, which are being driven by substantial investments and a rising demand for immersive experiences.
The industry’s positive outlook is highlighted by Walt Disney’s plans to invest over $17 billion in its parks over the next decade. Although current economic challenges, such as increasing interest rates, have temporarily slowed down large-scale projects, the global hospitality sector is anticipated to expand from £4.7 trillion in 2023 to £5.8 trillion by 2027.
In anticipation of future opportunities, Nassal’s new facility, innovative technologies, and enhanced capabilities position the company as a leader in this dynamic and growing sector.
Matt Brown, vice president of Nassal, states: “By optimising budgets, leveraging advanced technology, and adopting cutting-edge fabrication methods, we can remain agile and deliver innovative solutions for our clients. By being proactive and preparing now, we’re positioning ourselves to handle the uptick in activity when the market turns, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.”
Nassal is also addressing the skills gap ahead of this construction boom, ensuring that skilled personnel are available to meet future demand through mentorship programmes, internships, and long-term career development initiatives.
Five Key Trends for 2025
Brown has identified the top five trends for the upcoming year and shared insights into how the construction sector is ready to assist.
Rise of Movie-Based Attractions
As amusement parks across the United States look to refresh outdated attractions, many are turning to movie-based experiences to draw in new visitors and enhance the overall guest experience. This strategy leverages the popularity of blockbuster franchises and beloved characters.
For instance, in late 2023, Disney introduced several new movie-themed attractions, including the Zootopia Show, the Moana-inspired Journey of Water, and experiences based on both Indiana Jones and Encanto. Construction will transform these rides into immersive storytelling experiences.
Immersive Experiences Beyond the Screen
The entertainment industry is continually evolving with the incorporation of immersive environments and gaming. Venues are now providing mobile experiences that extend beyond the visit, such as behind-the-scenes content, gamified challenges, and exclusive previews, aiming to entice consumers away from in-home entertainment options.
On-site technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, are frequently employed in the construction of these immersive experiences. These technologies turn static attractions into dynamic, interactive adventures, allowing guests to enter worlds they have only previously explored digitally.
Fabrication Innovations
Technological integration in fabrication is redefining construction processes, particularly in amusement parks. In one project, Nassal’s fabrication incorporated technology to merge real-time data collection, sophisticated sensors, and the physical building. This allowed guests to use wristbands to track their progress as they earned points or unlocked digital prizes by interacting with the attraction’s physical components.
Revitalised Public Spaces
In the United States, museum, zoo, and aquarium projects are being propelled by public and private funding from COVID-era initiatives. These grants are now being utilised by institutions to create innovative projects that engage and educate diverse audiences.
Nassal has contributed to several notable zoos, aquariums, and museum exhibits, including the Mission Everglades exhibit at Zoo Miami, the African forest exhibit at Jacksonville Zoo, the Georgia Aquarium Ocean Voyager, and a project to convert the Old Idaho Penitentiary into a museum.
Rise of Indoor Water Parks
Indoor water parks are rapidly gaining traction due to their ability to provide year-round enjoyment, especially in colder climates. The US water park sector was valued at £5.5 billion in 2023, reflecting a 14.4% increase, thanks to the addition of 16 new indoor parks covering a total of 480,000 square feet.
Indoor water parks require less space than outdoor parks, making them ideal for urban and suburban locations, thus bringing these attractions closer to densely populated areas. Additionally, resort-style hotels with attached water parks are becoming increasingly popular among holidaymakers. Constructing these integrated amenities offers a seamless, all-in-one experience, allowing guests to enjoy entertainment, dining, and lodging without leaving the resort.
Brown remarks: “These growing trends align perfectly with Nassal’s expertise in creating immersive, themed environments that captivate guests. As an industry leader for over 40 years, we’ve built a strong foundation of financial stability and high bonding capacity, enabling us to tackle large-scale, complex projects with precision and reliability. At the heart of our success is our talented team of artists and designers, whose creativity and craftsmanship bring immersive environments to life.”
Nassal has been a leading specialist in rockwork and fabrication for theme parks, cultural experiences, hotels, zoos, aquariums, and other culturally relevant immersive environments since 1984. With facilities in Orlando and Los Angeles, its specialists, craftsmen, and artisans create award-winning destinations worldwide.
Last year, Nassal participated in the AZA Conference in Calgary, where the company hosted a networking event at NATIONAL 10th Avenue.
