How Omani Architecture Blends Heritage with Sustainability

The Sultanate of Oman will make its first appearance at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, presenting its debut national pavilion titled Traces. Curated by Omani architect Majeda Alhinai and commissioned by Sayyid Saeed bin Sultan bin Yarub Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, the pavilion is part of the exhibition's central theme, "Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective." It will be on view from 10 May to 23 November 2025 at the Arsenale in Venice, Italy.

Traces centers on the "Sablah," a traditional Omani communal space typically found in villages and neighborhoods, as a case study in architectural resilience and cultural continuity. The pavilion investigates the Sablah's spatial and social logic, exploring its potential to inform the design of contemporary shared environments. Positioned at the intersection of heritage and adaptability, the installation reflects on how architecture can platform hospitality, dialogue, and social cohesion across generations.

The pavilion's structure is conceived as a modular and reconfigurable system, measuring 10 by 10 meters, with no defined interior or exterior. It invites open circulation and user participation, enabling visitors to shape their own spatial experiences. Natural, palm-woven materials are used to produce movable seating elements, supporting a flexible and inclusive environment where public talks and gatherings will take place throughout the Biennale's duration. The use of earthy tones echoes the color of Omani sand and pottery, reinforcing the connection to local material culture.