Saudi team set sights on Venice architecture biennale

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia’s Architecture and Design Commission on Friday announced a curatorial team to represent the Kingdom at the 18th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice.

Co-curators Basma Bouzo, Noura Bouzo, Joharah Lou Pabalate and Cyril Zammit, along with architect AlBara Saimaldahar, will showcase the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, architectural highlights and future aspirations at the global platform.

“The Saudi pavilion will shine a light on the Kingdom’s unique cultural heritage and iconic architectural landscape,” said the commission.

In line with this year’s theme “The Laboratory of the Future,” the pavilion will highlight how architects are inspired by global challenges to come up with innovative solutions that contribute to improving societies.

The pavilion team will also take part in a special panel session where they will discuss the objectives of the Saudi pavilion and share insights into presenting architectural work on a global scale.

Architecture and Design Commission CEO Sumayah Al-Solaiman, said: “We are proud to be participating at the Venice Architecture Biennale for the second time. Taking part in such events provides us with a global platform to showcase the Kingdom’s architectural vision with the world. We look forward to engaging with architects and designers from all around the globe to share thoughts, exchange ideas, and learn from different experiences.”

The commission’s participation at the exhibition reflects its growing role in advancing the Kingdom’s architecture and design sector, building its infrastructure, developing frameworks and supporting local talent.

Details for the exhibition, which will be curated by Ghanaian-Scottish architect and academic Lesley Lokko, were announced by the Venice Architecture Biennale recently.

The exhibition will be staged from May 20 to Nov. 26, 2023 at the Giardini, the Arsenale and Forte Marghera in Venice.