Latest news with #CulturalArchitecture
Arab News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo wins architectural design award
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai has won gold in the Cultural Architecture — Interactive and Experiential Spaces category of the New York Architectural Design Awards. The pavilion, which offers visitors an immersive experience and insight into the Kingdom's heritage, was spearheaded by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission and led by CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and project manager Fatima Al-Doukhi. Also involved in the design were the renowned Foster + Partners. The design highlights the cultural similarities between Saudi Arabia and Japan while focusing on sustainability, employing passive cooling strategies enhanced by strategically placed blocks to facilitate air flow. The pavilion features low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting and solar energy technologies. It also includes Braille signage and pathways for visitors with disabilities, making the building accessible for all. Saudi Arabia's pavilion has already attracted over half a million visitors since its launch on April 13. It has also hosted over 175 events, including cultural performances, business events, media and over 400 VIP delegations.
Arab News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo wins New York Architectural Design Awards
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai was awarded the Gold Prize in the Cultural Architecture – Interactive and Experiential Spaces category by the New York Architectural Design Awards. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The prize recognizes the pavilion's design and architecture, which offers visitors an immersive experience and insight into Saudi Arabia's heritage. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the pavilion was spearheaded by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission and was led by CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Project Manager Fatima Al-Doukhi. It was also designed by the renowned global firm Foster + Partners. The design highlights the cultural similarities between the kingdom and Japan, while focusing on sustainability, employing passive cooling strategies enhanced by the strategic placement of structural blocks to facilitate wind movement. The pavilion features low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting and solar energy technologies, SPA reported. It also features Braille signage and pathways for visitors with disabilities, making the building accessible and inclusive. Saudi Arabia's pavilion has already attracted over half a million visitors since its launch on April 13. It has also hosted over 175 events, including cultural performances, business events, media and over 400 VIP delegations.
Asharq Al-Awsat
26-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 Wins New York Architectural Design Award
Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan has been awarded the Gold Prize in the Cultural Architecture – Interactive and Experiential Spaces category by the prestigious New York Architectural Design Awards. The accolade recognizes the pavilion's architectural excellence and its innovative design that embodies the spirit of Saudi culture through a rich, immersive visitor experience. Spearheaded by the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, the pavilion was led by CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Project Manager Fatima Al-Doukhi, and designed by the renowned global firm Foster + Partners. The structure offers a sensory journey that begins with an outer courtyard leading into a central inner courtyard. It serves as a contemplative space inspired by the cultural and urban diversity of Saudi Arabia's cities and regions. Throughout the six-month duration of the Expo, the pavilion will also function as a dynamic venue for performances and cultural programming. Reflecting the architectural essence of Saudi villages and cities, the design fosters a spirit of discovery while highlighting cultural parallels between Saudi Arabia and Japan. It also prioritizes sustainability, employing passive cooling strategies enhanced by the strategic placement of structural blocks to facilitate wind movement. The building incorporates low-carbon materials, energy-efficient lighting, and solar energy technologies, aligning with both international and Japanese sustainability standards. Accessibility and inclusivity are central to the pavilion's mission. It features Braille signage, accessible pathways for visitors with disabilities, and interactive elements designed to accommodate a wide range of needs. A standout feature of the design is its modular façade, which uses Voronoi diagrams to create striking visual patterns. The façade is fully reconfigurable, enhancing the structure's architectural adaptability and impact while maintaining harmony with the environment. The pavilion has attracted over half a million visitors, engaging audiences with a vibrant representation of Saudi culture and innovation. The Kingdom's participation in Expo Osaka 2025 reflects its growing global cultural presence and its commitment to fostering creative exchanges that bridge tradition and modernity on the world stage.
