A Sculptural Tribute to Traditional Dhow Boats
Standing tall at 17 meters, the Bahrain Pavilion, designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, takes center stage at Expo 2025 Osaka with an architectural language rooted in Bahrain’s coastal legacy. Aptly named Connecting Seas, the pavilion reimagines the anatomy of the traditional Bahraini dhow—wooden sailing vessels once essential for transporting heavy goods—through a sweeping, timber-framed structure.
“The Bahrain Pavilion is conceived as an anatomy of a dhow,” Ghotmeh explains, “not a direct replica, but an evocation of its essence—its rhythm, timber construction, and sense of voyage.”
A Curved Timber Structure Inspired by the Sea
Constructed from 3,000 pieces of Japanese cedar, the pavilion spans 995 square meters, with a striking curved roof that dips in the center and lifts at both ends, mimicking the hull of a boat in motion. The exposed wooden joinery—resembling the rafters of a traditional dhow—protrudes from the side elevations, forming a rhythmic wave-like pattern meant to capture the motion of the sea.
In a poetic contrast to the timber, a translucent membrane façade wraps the front elevation, a modern homage to the sails that once powered these vessels. The fabric not only evokes the softness of canvas but also gently diffuses daylight into the space.
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An Ethereal Atrium Anchors the Pavilion
At the heart of the structure lies a four-story atrium, visible through the pavilion’s gridded exterior and topped with a central roof opening. This vertical void serves as the core exhibition space, surrounded by membrane walls that create a glowing, atmospheric interior.
“These materials give the structure a soft, sail-like appearance,” says Ghotmeh, “enhancing lightness, permeability, and supporting passive climate control.”
A Journey Through Bahraini Culture and Economy
The pavilion is more than an architectural marvel—it is also a cultural narrative. The ground floor houses a cafe and gift shop, with large openings that allow natural ventilation and lighting. A broad central staircase leads to the upper levels, where exhibitions explore Bahrain’s heritage of trade, crafts, manufacture, pearling, and ecology.
The third floor transitions into a business hub, featuring meeting areas and lounge spaces. Support services such as elevators and a secondary staircase are discreetly placed at the rear.
Sustainability at the Core
Designed with circular principles, the Bahrain Pavilion incorporates reusable materials, minimal foundations, and passive cooling techniques to minimize its environmental impact.
“The Bahrain Pavilion integrates sustainability holistically,” Ghotmeh affirms, “serving as a model of circular, low-impact architecture.”
A Stand-Out Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Joining other notable national pavilions like the Saudi Arabia Pavilion by Foster + Partners and the UK Pavilion by Woo Architects, the Bahrain Pavilion has earned recognition as one of the 10 stand-out structures at Expo 2025 Osaka. Through its innovative fusion of tradition, sustainability, and sculptural form, it offers visitors a journey through Bahrain’s maritime soul and architectural ingenuity.
