Latest news with #KuwaitPavilion
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
18-06-2025
- Business
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Expo 2025 Osaka Places The Middle East At The Heart Of The Design Dialogue
Blending millennia-old civilisations with cutting-edge visions, the Middle Eastern pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka reimagine what the future can look like At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Middle Eastern pavilions are presenting a rich tapestry of innovation and tradition, curating immersive insights that blend ancient heritage with futuristic ambition. From sustainable architecture to digital storytelling and cultural showcases, countries across the region are showcasing their pioneering identities while embracing global dialogue. These pavilions stand as vibrant beacons of a region in transformation – rooted in history, yet boldly looking forward. KUWAIT Kuwait's pavilion represents a dream for the country's future – a 'new Kuwait' that aims to transform it into a global powerhouse. The architectural masterpiece stands out in the Expo's Empowering Lives section, with its base and roof connected by a central dome, and design inspired by Kuwait's picturesque seas and deserts. The experience, curated with all five senses in mind, showcases the country's innovative spirit and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can expect an immersive journey into the heart of Kuwait with the pearl show, a lighting ceremony that symbolises the country's impressive revival and connection to its maritime legacy. QATAR Recalling Qatar's traditional dhow boat construction techniques and Japan's wood joinery heritage, Qatar's pavilion has married cultural references to highlight relations between the two countries. Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the space sheds light on Qatar and Japan's connection to the sea. 'Nature, quietness, and openness are key to the pavilion, reflecting Qatar's position between different powers in the world,' says Kengo Kuma, one of the most renowned Japanese architects and founder of Kengo Kuma & Associates. 'Every element of this pavilion is coming from the experience in Qatar, including the limestone floors, which mirror the sand of Qatar's coast.' UAE One of the Expo's largest, the UAE pavilion combines tradition and innovation with 90 wooden columns. Evoking the date palm, the design models sustainability, conservation and collaboration. Built using agricultural waste such as palm tree stems and a sustainable alternative to concrete, datecrete, the structures bring Emirati heritage together with Japanese wooden construction techniques to showcase a more resourceful and flourishing future. Designed by the Earth to Ether Design Collective, an interdisciplinary network of Emirati and Japanese creatives, the pavilion is dedicated to a world where all life forms thrive. Inside, visitors are taken on a multisensory journey that pays homage to the UAE's changemakers – the explorers of space, pioneers in healthcare and advocates of sustainability. SAUDI ARABIA Designed by Foster + Partners and located on the Yumeshima waterfront, the Saudi Arabia pavilion is a spatial experience that explores the culturally rich towns and cities of the Kingdom and its charming streetscapes, inviting visitors to discover the wonders of the country. 'The project is a celebration of Saudi Arabian culture, evoking the captivating natural landscapes that define the Kingdom,' says Luke Fox, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners. 'Every element has been carefully considered to create a one-of-a-kind experience that is highly sustainable and accessible to everyone.' The pavilion has been designed with sustainability at the forefront; the project has achieved the Japanese green building rating system's highest level (CASBEE) with net zero operational carbon. Planted with native Saudi Arabian flora, the forecourt leads to the Saudi Courtyard, which envelops guests in moments of quiet reflection during the day and transforms for vibrant performances by night. YEMEN A sensorial journey through Yemen's heritage and aspirations, visitors are welcomed by traditional Sana'a-style columns and Hadrami arches, leading to displays of Yemeni artifacts such as pottery, palm-frond baskets, and illuminated models of archaeological landmarks. The pavilion is home to a reflective floor that interacts with ambient lighting and scents of aromatic plants like Mashqar, creating an immersive atmosphere. Multimedia presentations showcase Yemen's natural beauty and cultural narratives, while monthly photographic exhibitions provide evolving perspectives. With this marriage of tradition and innovation, a global audience is invited to experience the country's enduring legacy and future potential. OMAN A poetic interplay of land, sea and sky, the Oman pavilion is an architectural tribute to the nation's enduring connection with nature. Inspired by the gentle rhythm of water and the curves of Oman's landscapes, the design evokes both ancient maritime heritage and future possibility. A central virtual experience, crafted by Omani innovators, envelops guests in a fluid, dreamlike journey through time. With each step, the pavilion reflects Oman's vision of harmony – between tradition and technology, environment and progress – offering a serene yet striking portal into the soul of a nation shaped by its visual richness. Expo 2025 Osaka runs from 13 April until 13 October 2025
Arab Times
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait Pavilion at Expo Osaka attracts large crowds
OSAKA, Japan, May 31: Since its opening last month, the Kuwait Pavilion at the 2025 Expo Osaka has attracted large numbers of visitors, many of whom have had to wait in long queues to enter the site. Named the "Future Lighthouse," the pavilion showcases a rich cultural display that blends Kuwait's authentic heritage with modern elements, reflecting a nation that honors tradition while embracing progress. It also highlights culture's role in fostering dialogue and understanding between countries. Two women in their twenties, waiting in line at the pavilion, told KUNA they were drawn by a social media video showing visitors touching sand inside the pavilion. "It looked fun, so we decided to come today to experience it ourselves," they said. A visiting family described their experience as "wonderful," especially enjoying the planetarium exhibit that simulated lying in the desert. "We hope to come again," they added. The Kuwait Pavilion spans two floors: one dedicated to the country's heritage and traditions, and the other illustrating its aspirations for the future. Visitors embark on a journey through Kuwait's past, present, and future across four exhibition halls that combine traditional themes with advanced technology. The intersection between the two floors is called "The Pearl," a tribute to Kuwait's historical pearl diving industry and maritime heritage. Each section tells a unique story through interactive displays and artificial intelligence. On Friday evening, the pavilion's stage was enlivened by a performance from the Kuwaiti folklore troupe, coinciding with a visit from His Highness Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The performance drew great enthusiasm from visitors. A group of five women told KUNA they greatly enjoyed the show. One said, "Kuwaiti music sounds rhythmic and beautiful." Another added, "We didn't know much about Kuwait, but this music made us feel connected to the country." Minister of Information, Culture, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi previously told KUNA that the Kuwait Pavilion features rich, multidimensional content reflecting both Kuwait's heritage and its future ambitions. The pavilion's design emphasizes creativity and innovation while highlighting Kuwait's cultural openness and core values. The 2025 Expo Osaka is being held on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Kansai, Japan, from April 13 to October 13. The expo's theme is "Designing a Future Society for Our Lives," with sub-themes including "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives." The event aims to tackle global challenges through innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange, showcasing new scientific and technological achievements. More than 160 countries and nine international organizations are participating, with over 28 million visitors expected. Kuwait was among only four Arab countries to participate in the 1970 Osaka Expo — the first expo hosted by Japan — which attracted over 64 million visitors.
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab Times
Kuwait showcases cultural vision at Venice Architecture Biennale
PARIS, May 10: Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), highlighted Kuwait's participation in the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale as a reflection of the nation's contemporary cultural vision. He emphasized the importance of reinterpreting Kuwait's architectural identity as an artistic and cultural medium that mirrors societal transformations. The Kuwait Pavilion, inaugurated on Friday under the patronage of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), presents the 'Kaynouna' project. This exhibition, which runs until November 23, showcases the innovative work of young Kuwaiti creators. Their contributions offer a distinctive artistic perspective that transcends traditional styles, enhancing Kuwait's presence in international forums across various disciplines. The pavilion's opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Al-Jassar, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Antiquities and Museums Mohammed bin Redha, Consul General of the State of Kuwait in Milan and Northern Italy Sheikh Jaber Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Executive Director of Kuwait Petroleum International in Italy Bashar Al-Awadhi, and representatives from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Through 'Kaynouna,' the Kuwait Pavilion reimagines architecture as a field of research and exploration. The project employs architecture as a tool to raise questions about identity, history, and material culture. It utilizes experimental drawings, architectural installations, and critical research to move beyond conventional narratives, presenting architecture as a dynamic medium that reflects Kuwait's evolving relationship with its past, present, and future. The pavilion's success is attributed to the efforts of a dedicated Kuwaiti youth team, including Commissioner Abdulaziz Al-Mazidi and Deputy Commissioner Hamad Al-Khulaifi, who played pivotal roles in bringing this distinguished artistic and cultural project to fruition.
