Latest news with #SaudiPavilion
CairoScene
4 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Pavilion in Osaka Wins Top Prize for Cultural Design
The Saudi Pavilion was designed by Foster + Partners to reflect the Kingdom's cultural wealth. May 29, 2025 Saudi Arabia's pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 has received the Gold Prize in the Cultural Architecture – Interactive and Experiential Spaces category at the New York Architectural Design Awards. The award recognised the pavilion for its architectural excellence and its ability to deliver an immersive experience that reflects the cultural wealth of Saudi Arabia. Designed by Foster + Partners, the pavilion was developed under the supervision of the Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, with leadership from CEO Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman and Project Manager Fatima Al-Doukhi. The pavilion's layout guides visitors through an outer courtyard into a central inner courtyard, creating a contemplative journey influenced by the geographical and cultural diversity of Saudi cities and regions. It serves not only as a showcase of architectural design but also as a venue for cultural performances and programming during the six-month duration of the Expo. A key theme of the design is the exploration of cultural parallels between Saudi Arabia and Japan, inviting visitors into a spirit of cross-cultural discovery. In terms of sustainability, the structure integrates passive cooling techniques and strategically arranged structural blocks to promote natural airflow. It uses low-carbon construction materials, solar technologies, and energy-efficient lighting, all in line with Japanese and international environmental standards. Accessibility was a core principle in the design, with features such as Braille signage, inclusive pathways, and interactive elements tailored to diverse user needs. Visually, the pavilion is marked by a modular façade inspired by Voronoi diagrams, offering both aesthetic impact and functional flexibility. This element contributes to the pavilion's adaptability and environmental harmony. Since opening, the Saudi Pavilion has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors.
Arab News
6 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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.
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Kingdom's ambassador welcomes US counterpart to Saudi Pavilion at Osaka Expo
OSAKA: The Kingdom's Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr welcomed his US counterpart George Glass to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Friday. Binzagr said it was a pleasure to host Glass and his delegation from the US at the VIP reception. 'Saudi Arabia's pavilion is not only an important cultural asset where we share our story with the world but also serves as a meeting place where global leaders can come together to deepen understanding of each other, while addressing some of our greatest challenges,' Binzagr said. The visit between the representatives of Saudi Arabia and the US in Japan comes 10 days after US President Donald Trump's historic state visit to Riyadh. The visit reinforces the strategic long-term relationship between the Kingdom and the US and is important for potential future partnerships aimed at mutual growth. Binzagr and Glass toured the pavilion which showcases Saudi Arabia's rich cultural history, its transformation as a nation, and global influence on sustainability and innovation. The US delegation enjoyed the Kingdom's hospitality over a discussion on shared goals for the expo and the future before exchanging gifts in the Saudi Majlis. Binzagr, the commissioner general of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said it was a productive and collaborative first meeting between the two ambassadors based in Japan. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion hosts VIP delegations and business events that focus on the Kingdom's impact on the world. In addition to hosting over 700 events across the expo program which includes business and investment forums, visitors to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion will see daily dance and fashion shows. In addition, they can explore seven immersive rooms and galleries, featuring evolving cities, sustainable seas, the potential of human capital and innovation.
Trade Arabia
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka welcomes 500,000 visitors
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has welcomed over half a million visitors in the first 35 days of the expo. Since April 13, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion has hosted over 175 events, including cultural performances, business events, media and VIP delegations. Visitors had a chance to 'Meet Saudi' through a first-hand journey of epic discovery - learning about the kingdom's heritage, transformation and impact on the global community. Dr Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said it was a proud moment to see so many people from both Japan and around the world sharing in the kingdom's Expo story. 'The Saudi Arabia Pavilion shares our rich cultural identity, our national transformation driven by Vision 2030 initiatives, and the impact we are having in the world. To ensure we make a positive and lasting impact on our visitors, it is crucial to connect deeply at a personal level. We have received overwhelmingly positive reactions, particularly through our authentic Saudi hospitality offerings and positive feedback about our interactive pavilion spaces.' Dr Binzagr said. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka experienced a surge in popularity and visitor numbers during the Golden Week holidays. On May 4, the pavilion welcomed 17,363 visitors. Visitors to the pavilion experienced a wide range of Saudi culture, heritage and art through programs such as Ahlan Wa Sahlan, We Are Saudi Arabia, The Botanist Augmented Reality experience, and musical and artistic performances at the Cultural Studios. In addition to hosting over 700 events across the Expo programme, including daily dance and fashion performances, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion offers an exciting visitor journey across seven immersive rooms and galleries, from evolving cities, sustainable seas, unlimited human potential, and the pinnacle of innovation, every visitor can see up close the kingdom's global impact. -- TradeArabia News Service
