30 September 2021
Titled “Density Weaves Opportunity”
The National Pavilion of Bahrain opens tomorrow Friday at Expo 2020 Dubai
The Kingdom of Bahrain will inaugurate its national pavilion, “Density Weaves Opportunity”, at Expo 2020 Dubai beginning a six-month journey to highlight the cultural, historical and economic elements that Bahrain revels in from the perspective of density.
Expo 2020 Dubai kicks off under the slogan, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, hosting pavilions from different countries across the world and attracting millions of visitors over its duration of six months until March.
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai is organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in collaboration with the Economic Development Board as a business partner in addition to Gulf Air, the National Bank of Bahrain, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (Danat), the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (the nation’s sovereign wealth fund), Tamkeen, Export Bahrain, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority and Batelco as the expo is an ideal opportunity to stimulate economic growth and provide job opportunities for years to come.
The National Pavilion of Bahrain is located in the Opportunity District – one of three themed areas in this international forum – and features a unique architectural design that reflects the concept of density and its role in creating promising opportunities.
The immersive experience was designed by architect Christian Kerez in collaboration with the Wanders Werner Falasi Consulting Architects in the UAE.
The pavilion is an open and slightly submerged space accessed by a ramp that forms the bridge from the exterior to the interior. The structure of this central space consists of 126 columns – each 11 centimeters thick and 24 meters high – connected to each other at several various points.
In addition to functioning as a support mechanism to one another and the ceiling, the columns elegantly reference the principles of communication and density in exploring three-dimensional possibilities inspired by the traditional geometric plaster ornamentations of traditional Bahraini architecture. This central space includes the main exhibition space, gift shop and café – all of which have been arranged in a free-flowing manner between the columns as a physical spatial representation of the pavilion’s density-centered theme.
Tomorrow, Friday October 1, the world will bear witness to the inauguration of the first exhibition of the National Pavilion of Bahrain titled “Sea” which has been organized in collaboration with the Bahrain Institution of Pearls and Gemstones (Danat).
Through the exhibition, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities displays the “What She Sees” installation created by Bahrain-based textile designer Mhairi Boyle reflecting the nobility of the weaving craft in Bahrain and the beauty of the sails of the Banoosh – a traditional fishing and pearling dhow used in the past.
The Danat Institute will also offer a diversified program which allows international visitors to explore its most important services while also providing an educational opportunity for guests to learn about Danat’s latest tools and techniques in examining natural pearls.
Bahrain’s participation in this global event includes a diverse and multi-faceted program aimed at promoting elements that distinguish the kingdom in which musicians, artists, craftsmen and volunteers will carry Bahrain’s message to the world.
