Saudi Pavilion Concludes Venice Biennale 2025 Participation with Um Slaim School Exhibition

The Saudi Pavilion concluded its participation in La Biennale di Venezia 2025 with its architectural exhibition “Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection,” which ran for six months from May 10 to November 23 and was presented by Syn Architects, led by architects Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi under the curatorship of Beatrice Leanza with support from assistant curator Sara Almutlaq.

 The pavilion offered a rich experience highlighting research and practical efforts to document Najdi architecture in Riyadh, supported by the Um Slaim Lab research initiative launched in 2021, which focuses on studying local architectural methods and the transformations shaping Najdi architecture. The exhibition functioned as an open, interactive archive that allowed visitors to explore traditional and contemporary building materials, archival and recent photographs, models, films, and audio recordings.

 At the conclusion of its cultural program, the pavilion organized a panel discussion titled “Building Participatory Infrastructures – Hyperlocal Practices and Connective Organizations.” The session featured the project team alongside key figures from the regional cultural scene, including Syn Architects, architect Noura Al-Sayeh Holtrop, and writer and curator Shumon Basar.