Latest news with #NationalPavilion
The National
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Learning through Najdi architecture: The Um Slaim School's vision at the Venice Biennale
The exhibition at The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia is running at the Venice Biennale of Architecture until November 23
The National
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Inside Heatwave, Bahrain's Golden Lion-winning pavilion at Venice Biennale
The National Pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain has won the Golden Lion, the highest honour at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Before the prize was announced, the pavilion was one of the busiest at the event. Stepping inside offered an immediate shift – the air turned cooler – without using air conditioning, but a quieter and more deliberate cooling method. Heatwave, the presentation on show at the pavilion, explores how architecture can respond to rising temperatures, with technology guided by wisdoms of the past. The geothermal cooling system on display draws from the techniques used in vernacular architecture from Bahrain and the wider Gulf. However, there is a degree of contemporary innovation applied as well. It combines a geothermal well, which brings cool air from underground, as well as a solar chimney that expels the warm air out. These two forces are connected in what the designers call a 'thermo-hygrometric axis' that creates a gentle, controlled climate inside the space – all without machinery. Visitors to the space lounge on the sandbags arranged around the space, either idling on their phones, daydreaming to taking in the gridded steel ceiling. The rough, almost industrial nature of the scene is a soft contrast to the polished displays of nearby pavilions. And though it is full, a peacefulness permeates the space. It is, in every sense, a respite from the noise, the sun and the bustle outside. This atmosphere is primarily what the pavilion is presenting with Heatwave. The presentation at Bahrain's pavilion is subtle. It may even be underwhelming at first when you're greeted by only sandbags encircling a bundle of pipes in the centre of the space. The elegance of the pavilion quickly becomes apparent as you become conscious and appreciative of what is being presented. Heatwave is commissioned by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. It is curated by architect Andrea Faraguna. As digging wasn't allowed at the Venice site, the team had to incorporate mechanical ventilation to mimic the natural airflow. The contraption draws cool air from the windows that overlook Venetian canals and then guided through a network of hidden ducts to gently regulate the temperature inside. This element won't be necessary when Heatwave is built as intended. The ideas behind the pavilion hold particular implications for the Gulf, especially in outdoor workspaces such as construction sites, where rising temperatures bring technical and humanitarian challenges. Heatwave brings forth a solution with the modular, adaptable structures that offers shade and cooling. It is a case example of how thoughtful design can bring comfort and dignity to the people who build and maintain our cities. This connection is evoked in an abstract yet evocative way through the sandbags and soil. The scenography gestures towards the often-invisible labour behind construction, underscoring how climate, architecture and social equity are interlinked. There are plans to repurpose Heatwave once the biennale concludes in November. According to the exhibition's literature: 'One proposed site for its relocation is the Compagnia della Vela on the island of San Giorgio, where it could serve as a public cooling structure for visitors and residents, extending its impact beyond the temporal and spatial confines of the exhibition. 'During the summer, the water in Venice's canals maintains an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius, significantly cooler than the ambient air. By circulating air through a network of pipes submerged in the canal, the relocated pavilion could achieve a cooling effect similar to the Bahrain model, demonstrating the versatility of passive cooling strategies across different environments.'
Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Minister of Culture opens UAE Pavilion in Venice Biennale
8 May 2025 20:02 VENICE (WAM)Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, inaugurated the UAE National Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia on pavilion features an innovative exhibition titled 'Pressure Cooker', curated by Azza Aboualam, an architect and Assistant Professor at Zayed University, who also serves as Co-founder and Director of Research at Holesum exhibition poses a central research question, 'Using the United Arab Emirates as a case study, how can architecture contribute to enhancing food security?'. This inquiry emerges in the context of growing challenges facing traditional agricultural systems due to climate change, including soil degradation and rising on in-depth archival and contemporary research in the UAE, the exhibition explores how architecture can respond to these challenges by presenting architectural proposals for greenhouse structures. It places the UAE's agricultural landscape within a broader global context, examining how architectural thinking can support diverse and resilient food production practices at both individual and community through a three-dimensional research methodology that combines archival research, fieldwork, and practical experimentation in design and construction, the exhibition introduces design criteria for modular greenhouse structures specifically tailored to hot, arid climates. These modular structures can be reconfigured in various ways, providing adaptable solutions that respond to local climatic his opening remarks, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasised the importance of the event, stating, "Architecture shapes our interactions with the environment and has the potential to drive sustainable solutions for the future. The UAE National Pavilion's participation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale reaffirms our commitment to global dialogue on design innovation. The 'Pressure Cooker' exhibition highlights how local design solutions can contribute to new perspectives on sustainable urban living."He added, "Over the years, the UAE National Pavilion has become a vital platform for showcasing the depth and diversity of the UAE's creative and intellectual landscape. With each edition, it continues to support local talent, foster cultural exchange, and position the UAE as an active participant in global conversations on architecture, art, and design. Its growing recognition reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the UAE's cultural scene and its commitment to shaping a sustainable, interconnected future through creativity."Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, said, "Through our longstanding partnership with the UAE National Pavilion, we continue to provide a space for meaningful conversations that inspire new ideas and strengthen connections. Growth, understanding, and dialogue are essential to the continued evolution of the UAE's extraordinary architecture, art, and culture community. We are pleased to support 'Pressure Cooker' and its exploration of resilience and the role of design in shaping a more sustainable future."Laila Binbrek, Director of the UAE National Pavilion, commented, "The UAE National Pavilion continues to play a leading role in shaping the country's cultural landscape, enhancing its impact and legacy through initiatives that support architectural discourse in the UAE. This is exemplified by Azza Aboualam's journey—from joining the pavilion as an intern in 2024 to leading this year's exhibition. 'Pressure Cooker' presents a new critical perspective, proposing a future-oriented, multidisciplinary, and climate-responsive approach to architecture."Azza Aboualam, the exhibition's curator, explained, "As the agricultural world undergoes continuous transformation and the threats of climate change intensify, challenges related to food and water security become increasingly urgent, especially in the Gulf region. While prevailing global perspectives on food security often emphasize technological innovation, 'Pressure Cooker' proposes an alternative—creating a shared responsibility among local communities."Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "The collaboration between Zayed University and the UAE National Pavilion is an example of our commitment to advancing creativity through research, education, and collaboration. We are proud to support the groundbreaking work of Emirati architect Azza Aboualam, whose project explores the evolving relationship between architecture and food production in the UAE. This initiative provides our students and faculty with direct engagement with innovative architectural research, demonstrating how bold ideas and academic innovation can lead to meaningful local and global impact." Accompanying the exhibition is a publication titled 'All Things Delicious: Architectural Recipes from Pressure Cooker,' edited by Azza Aboualam and published by Kaph Books. This publication blends research, essays, and creative contributions, exploring the intersection between architecture and food production over time. It adopts a cookbook format divided into five main chapters, with texts and illustrations highlighting agricultural practices in arid climates and beyond. It offers new perspectives on the relationship between food production, climate-adaptive design, and urban infrastructure.
Arab News
30-03-2025
- General
- Arab News
Bricks, mortar and the ambition of a nation
The recent launch of the Saudi Architecture Characters Map by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman marks a significant milestone in the Kingdom's cultural and urban landscape development. It highlights the progress of Saudi Arabia's architectural identity. This growing recognition of architecture's role in shaping national identity naturally raises the question of how best to preserve and protect significant structures. The UK offers a long-established model with its system of 'listing' buildings, a practice dating back to the Second World War. The National Heritage List for England was officially established in 2011 as a unified database bringing together various heritage designations and is maintained by Historic England. In essence, it is a list of all buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Similarly, in 2021, Saudi Arabia took steps to safeguard its built heritage by implementing a system for registering and protecting culturally significant sites. The Heritage Commission, established under the Ministry of Culture, oversees this initiative through the National Urban Heritage Register. This register aims to identify and preserve urban heritage sites across the Kingdom. Recent efforts have significantly expanded the number of registered heritage sites. For instance, in December 2024, the Heritage Commission announced the registration of 13,040 new urban heritage sites, bringing the total to 17,495 at that time. While this system might appear to share similarities with the UK's listed building framework, it is uniquely tailored to Saudi Arabia's cultural and historical context. Such significant efforts have shifted the global narrative surrounding Saudi culture beyond traditional perceptions. The country has formed partnerships with various international institutions, including French Architects for Export, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the US Green Building Council. These institutions have actively engaged in discussions to advance the architecture and design sector in Saudi Arabia, recognizing this transformation. This growing international engagement is further reflected in Saudi Arabia's active presence on the global architectural stage. In a region where history runs deep, these new projects are shaping a new way of living — one where progress and heritage walk hand in hand In February, Saudi Arabia announced its participation in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia, with the National Pavilion presenting The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection. Commissioned by the Architecture and Design Commission under the Ministry of Culture, the National Pavilion continues to support architectural and design practitioners in developing new frameworks for understanding and shaping the built environment. Since the introduction of Vision 2030 urban construction has surged, with the total value of real estate and infrastructure projects exceeding $1.1 trillion by 2024. This positions Saudi Arabia as the largest construction market in the Middle East. This unprecedented rapid development has driven job creation, particularly within the cultural and creative industries, where architecture plays a key role in shaping sustainable cities. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia's architectural landscape has embraced innovation. A key driver of this transformation is smart city development, where AI-driven urban planning is shaping intelligent, adaptive spaces. NEOM, the Kingdom's flagship smart city, exemplifies this approach. Within this futuristic city, cutting-edge technologies such as predictive infrastructure management and AI-powered energy efficiency models are being integrated. These advancements are creating innovative ways of urban living by optimizing resource use, reducing congestion, and ensuring sustainable growth. Across the country, AI is being embedded into architectural design, enabling real-time climate responsiveness and enhanced public services that prioritize human well-being. This can be seen in the new metro station in Riyadh and the recent partial opening of the Sports Boulevard, a key milestone in Riyadh's urban transformation. The boulevard is one of the world's largest urban regeneration projects, designed to promote active lifestyles and sustainable mobility. This initiative reflects a commitment to human-centric urbanism, where architecture fosters a healthier, more connected society. In a region where history runs deep, these new projects are shaping a new way of living — one where progress and heritage walk hand in hand. • Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @ GhadahWA
