The Saudi Pavilion is all set to announce its third participation at the 18th International Venice Architecture Biennale with its captivating project titled “IRTH,” which translates to “legacy” in Arabic.
Architect AlBara Saimaldahar, the Founder and Creative Director of Jeddah-based design studio Dahr, will represent the Saudi Pavilion at the 18th International Venice Architecture Biennale. Joining him as curators are Basma and Noura Bouzo, the Co-founders of & Bouqu, a creative and cultural consultancy located in Riyadh.
IRTH is an expansive and immersive project that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the curatorial vision from various perspectives. It invites them to engage with the rich tradition of Saudi architecture and comprehend its fundamental elements. The project’s objective is to present empirical design as a gateway to the essentials, enabling visitors to embark on a raw sensory journey that encourages them to form introspective conclusions independently, free from preconceived notions or biases.
For this project, curators Basma and Noura Bouzo, in collaboration with architect Saim Al-Dahr, have crafted a distinct and captivating vision for the Biennale. Having gained inspiration from the theme of the Biennal, i.e. “Future Laboratory”, they went on to display a three dimensional and dynamic form of architecture that involves the material, the architect and the inhabitants of the idea or visitors of the pavilion.
Showing appreciation, the CEO of the Arcitecture and Design Commission, Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman said, “The National Pavilion of Saudi Arabia continues to support and celebrate the Kingdom’s thriving talents who will be showcasing unique architectural concepts and ideas at the International Architecture Exhibition this year. The Pavilion will provide a place for research and exploration, which will allow us to build new partnerships, engage in dialogue, and exchange thoughts and ideas. We are proud of this year’s exhibitors and we’re delighted to be able to share their work with wider audiences.”
Saudi’s pavilion is a thought-provoking reflection of the past and the future. It instils a mindful revisit to the age old architecture, its unwavering elements and their role in a sustainable future.
