Saudi Arabia to present 'The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection' at Biennale Architettura 2025
RIYADH — The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will feature The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection, curated by Beatrice Leanza and assisted by Sara Almutlaq.The exhibition, presented by Syn Architects (Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi), will launch an alternative pedagogical platform aimed at reimagining architectural education in Saudi Arabia while fostering international dialogue on urban transformation. Established in 2021, the Um Slaim Collective is a collaborative initiative by Riyadh-based Syn Architects that explores the displacement of Najdi architecture in central Riyadh.The exhibition will showcase a living archive integrating oral histories, visual documentation, and experimental methodologies to articulate new ways of reading and shaping the built environment.It aims to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, resource management, and the socio-urban dimension of cities. The pavilion will highlight the role of local pedagogical institutions in shaping sustainable urban futures by examining Riyadh's architectural heritage through the lens of ecology, identity, and urban-making.A series of workshops and public sessions, led by curator Beatrice Leanza and supported by Maryam Al Noaimi, will contribute to spatial and urban discourse in the region while encouraging transnational collaboration. A publication will accompany the program, documenting the project's findings for continued application beyond the Biennale. Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, Chief Executive Officer of the Architecture and Design Commission at the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the significance of Saudi Arabia's fourth participation at the International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. "This year, with The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection, we reaffirm our commitment to contemporary architectural approaches that honor our heritage while addressing global challenges. By showcasing emerging designers on a prestigious international stage, we seek to inspire solutions for sustainable urban development locally and worldwide," she said.Syn Architects' partners Sara Al Issa and Nojoud Al Sudairi described the project as a foundation for reimagining architecture through spatial narratives and materiality, stating: "This pavilion invites a collective retelling of our impact on the environments we inhabit and our urban histories. Our interest lies in the symbiosis between our values and landscapes, exploring how our ideas shape the world and how the parameters of our built environments influence that shaping." Curator Beatrice Leanza highlighted the pavilion's role in showcasing Saudi Arabia's evolving architectural discourse, adding: "Our participation at the Biennale Architettura 2025 embraces the emergence of generational voices in Saudi Arabia that are reshaping spatial practices. The Um Slaim School reflects a critical shift towards participatory frameworks for urban futures and eco-social resilience while remaining rooted in vernacular knowledge." The Saudi Pavilion, located in the Arsenale, will be open from May 10 (pre-opening May 8-9) to November 23, 2025. This marks Saudi Arabia's eighth participation in the International Architecture and Art Exhibitions at La Biennale di Venezia.
The pavilion serves as a platform for cultural practitioners, facilitating research, collaboration, and innovation in architecture and urban studies. — SG
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
The young Saudis bridging language barriers during Hajj
RIYADH: Each year, millions of Muslims from all over the world arrive in Makkah for Hajj — united in faith, but sometimes divided by language. From Turkish and Urdu to Swahili and Bahasa, the diversity of languages in the holy cities is vast. For many, overcoming language barriers while navigating the logistics of Hajj can be overwhelming. That is where young Saudi volunteers step in to translate and ease some of the challenges pilgrims face. 'We speak different languages, but we're all here for the same reason,' said Deema Ibrahim, 21. Ibrahim's experience volunteering as a translator began with a change of plans. 'I initially joined a team for emergency medical services,' she said. 'But when we arrived, we found that the ambulance units were already full. So we were redirected to work in the road guidance division.' Her unit was based near a hotel that housed non-Arabic-speaking pilgrims. As one of the few bilingual members of her team, Ibrahim's role became essential. 'I also assisted deaf and mute pilgrims through remote video calls,' she said. 'That allowed me to support a wider group of people who would otherwise be left struggling.' One of the most emotional moments she experienced was helping an elderly woman who had become separated from her family. 'She didn't remember much and couldn't communicate clearly. 'We eventually found a card with her camp name, called them, and her daughters came running. They didn't expect to find her again. It was a moment I'll never forget. 'I did it for the reward — and for the duas.' Saad Al-Harbi, 23, was encouraged by a friend to volunteer. 'He said, 'You speak good English, you live in Makkah, and you're available — why not help as a group guide and translator?'' he recalled. Most of the questions from pilgrims were about directions. 'They'd ask how to get to Arafat, or where to perform the stoning, or how to navigate from one site to another.' But what stayed with him most was the gratitude. 'On the last day of Hajj, almost everyone in our group came up to thank me. They told me my help made a difference. That meant everything.' Maha Al-Ahmari, 24, who speaks fluent Turkish, assisted several elderly Turkish origin or Turkish-speaking pilgrims who were part of a group of North African pilgrims in Muzdalifah. 'Many of them were completely disoriented and couldn't communicate with security or their own groups,' she said. 'Just being able to speak their language calmed them instantly. One woman kissed my hand in thanks — I'll never forget that.' The Kingdom's efforts to enhance services for pilgrims include multilingual signage, smart apps with translation features, and trained staff in key areas. Still, human contact is at the heart of everything guides do — especially when emotions run high. Ibrahim said that some of the most difficult cases involved older pilgrims who were confused, hard of hearing, or dealing with memory loss. 'The pressure increases during the days of Nafr,' she said. 'People get lost easily. And when they can't speak Arabic or English, the stress becomes dangerous.' She credits the government's organization — from surveillance centers to camp identification systems — for helping volunteers like her stay effective. 'We had support, but the human side of it — calming someone, assuring them — that was on us.' Faris Al-Turki, 28, who volunteered in Mina, said he used Google Translate in real time to assist a pilgrim from Central Asia. 'It wasn't perfect, but it helped. He was trying to find his medication and explain a health condition. We figured it out.' For many volunteers, the act of translation is an act of worship. It's a way to serve the guests of Allah — a role that holds deep spiritual meaning in Saudi culture. 'You're not just translating words,' Al-Harbi said. 'You're translating emotion. You're showing them that they're not alone.' Ibrahim agreed. 'It was exhausting, physically and mentally, but it was the most fulfilling thing I've ever done. Despite our different languages, we were all in the same sacred space, for the same reason. That unity — you feel it.' In the end, most volunteers do not seek recognition. They often work behind the scenes, in the heat, in the chaos, among strangers. But for the pilgrims who meet them — the ones who are lost, confused, scared — their presence is unforgettable. A calm voice. A familiar phrase. A gesture of patience. And when the pilgrims return home, they may not remember every building or landmark, but they will remember that young Saudi who stepped forward, understood their words, and made them feel seen.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Arab News
The women empowered through service during Hajj
RIYADH: The role played by women during Hajj has evolved considerably in recent years, highlighting their contributions to one of the world's largest gatherings of humanity. One inspiring woman involved in the pilgrimage is Alyaa Malibari, a professor at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. She has dedicated her career to enhancing pilgrims' experiences while also empowering other women and works with several operators to run courses for members of the public interested in volunteering during Hajj. She devised the Qaidat program, a leadership initiative for women that introduces them to various roles and responsibilities. Another, Hunna, is a female-led project that aligns with Vision 2030 and focuses on applying innovative practices during Hajj. Meanwhile, the Aguadyat program empowers women in food safety, enhancing the quality of meals provided to pilgrims. Women have been integral to Hajj ever since its inception, offering hospitality, preparing meals and sharing religious knowledge. Today, their roles have expanded to reflect their educational and professional advancements. Malibari has been a pivotal figure. With a background in leadership training and communication, she began her journey at a young age, inspired by her family's commitment to serving pilgrims. 'My earliest memories of Hajj are filled with admiration for my father and the work he did. I always knew I wanted to contribute in some way,' she said, adding that empowering women was a lifelong commitment: 'I want to ensure that women have the tools and knowledge to thrive during Hajj.' Malibari's earliest memories of Hajj are of when she was five years old and accompanied her father. Her formal involvement began in 2005 when she volunteered with the Women's Assembly at Umm Al-Qura to assist female pilgrims. She later studied abroad, which allowed her to bring international attention to Saudi efforts in serving pilgrims. 'It was important for me to share our story with the world and highlight the dedication of those who serve,' she said. In 2019, Malibari led a translation project for the Ministry of Media, producing multilingual content to enhance communication. Beyond her contributions during Hajj, Malibari is a dedicated doctor and academic. She is keen to emphasize the importance of education and aims to inspire the next generation of leaders. 'Education is the key to unlocking potential. I want my students to understand that they can make a difference,' she said.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi, Islamic leaders exchange Eid Al-Adha greetings
RIYADH: The leadership of Saudi Arabia on Thursday received telegrams from the heads of several Islamic countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent their own goodwill messages, wishing Islamic leaders progress and prosperity for the festival. The crown prince on Thursday also received a telephone call from Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Muslims worldwide will begin the four-day celebration of Eid Al-Adha on Friday. The holiday occurs in the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, where 1.4 million pilgrims this week began their rituals.
