Bahrain's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has attracted widespread international plaudits from leading architects and designers praising its sustainable design and cultural vision that blends heritage and innovation.
Specialist platforms including ArchDaily, Architectural Record, Azure, Wallpaper and Designboom have published features that highlight the pavilion’s environmental measures and narrative.
ArchDaily’s extensive piece ‘Anatomy of a Dhow’ placed the pavilion in its list of the top 10 must-visit pavilions at the expo in Japan, while Canada’s Azure named it among 10 key highlights.
MaterialDistrict and Uni.xyz singled out the use of timber and natural ventilation as defining sustainability features.
“The architectural design of the pavilion celebrates the deep relationship between the Bahraini community and the sea,” the deputy commissioner-general of the pavilion Noura Al Sayeh-Holtrop explained previously.
“It draws inspiration from the maritime heritage of the kingdom and the traditional ships that form a vital part of its rich history.”
Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh and her studio, the pavilion draws on Bahrain’s maritime heritage and Japanese woodworking techniques.
Built mainly of wood, the 995-square-metre structure is 13.7 metres tall over four floors in the ‘Empowering Lives’ zone and relies on sea breezes and passive ventilation to sustainably maintain temperatures.
Print titles have also featured the project, including France’s AW Magazine, Japan’s AXIS and Casa Brutus and Italy’s ARKETIPO.
Reports have appeared across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, with some pieces focusing on structural and architectural detail and others on cultural or environmental themes.
“Greece’s OIKODOMIN featured an in-depth interview with architect Ms Ghotmeh, placing her on the cover of its main issue – a clear indication of the pavilion’s status within global architectural discourse,” a Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) statement added.
“This international recognition reflects the pavilion’s unique architectural identity, with critics praising its design that fuses the spirit of Bahrain’s maritime heritage with Japanese woodworking techniques.”
Last weekend, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, attended the National Day celebrations, held under his patronage, at the pavilion.
He outlined the exhibition’s role in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering international co-operation to work towards achieving them.
He reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to promoting its investment and economic assets in support of desired sustainable goals and aspirations.
Organised by Baca, the National Day celebrations were staged across several expo venues and featured Bahraini musical and folk bands, alongside artists and creatives who presented a diverse programme that showcased the richness of Bahrain’s cultural identity and heritage.
Until October 13, the pavilion will continue to invite visitors to embark on a journey through the senses.
It has brought together collaborations with institutions and creatives including Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Quby Creative Consultants, Hassan Hujairi and La Méduse.
Their contributions explore themes of trade, crafts, manufacturing, pearling and ecology.
Visitors can also experience Bahraini culture through food.
The pavilion café has been seasonal menus that blend Bahraini flavours with Japanese ingredients, curated by award winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi.
The staff and volunteers at the pavilion have been donning uniforms created by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Ameen, incorporating maritime inspired prints and embroidery.
Expo 2025 Osaka started on April 13 and runs until October 13. It is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from approximately 150 countries.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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