Architecture of Connection: Saudi Arabia Showcases The Um Slaim School at the 19th Venice Biennale
By Malak Khaled
Saudi Arabia will participate in the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale from May 10 to November 23, 2025, marking its eighth appearance at the event.
The Kingdom’s National Pavilion will present The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection, an exhibition exploring Riyadh’s architectural heritage, environmental concerns, and urban transformation.
Who Is Behind the Exhibition?
The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection is led by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi of Syn Architects and curated by Beatrice Leanza. They will offer a living archive through images, models, films, experimental methodologies, and oral histories.
What is the Focus of The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection?
The focus is on the transformation of Najdi architecture, a traditional style native to the Najd region in Saudi Arabia.
It is characterized by mudbrick structures, intricate woodwork, and a focus on passive cooling in the harsh desert climate. They will be delving into its relationship with modern urban growth and how cultural identity intersects with sustainability.
How Did The Um Slaim School Come to Be?
The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection is an extension of the Um Slaim Collective, a platform founded by Syn Architects in 2021.
It is a collaborative platform that examines the effects of urban expansion on Najdi architecture in Riyadh. It functions as a research space, hosting exhibitions, screenings, and discussions focused on the city’s evolving identity.
The Um Slaim School marks the next phase of the collective’s research, bringing its studies of urban growth, sustainability, and cultural identity into a new initiative aimed at reimagining architectural education.
What Is the Aim of The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection?
The project aims to foster a transnational dialogue and create a participatory space for discussions on urban change and sustainability. Public and laboratory sessions will lead to collaboration and introduce new ways of thinking about architectural education and practice.
Shaping the Future of Architecture in Saudi Arabia
The Um Slaim School represents a generational shift in Saudi architecture, combining local knowledge with global conversations about climate change, urban challenges, and resilience. It aims to inspire sustainable solutions and promote the next wave of architectural innovation.
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