Excerpt: Bahrain National Pavilion, designed by Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, showcases the Kingdom’s maritime heritage and traditional dhow construction, incorporating Japanese joinery techniques. Made from wood and cooled by coastal winds, the structure embodies sustainability, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship. The pavilion offers a sensory exhibition to visitors, with galleries exhibiting trade, crafts, manufacturing, pearling, and ecology.
Project Description
[Text as submitted by architects] The Kingdom of Bahrain inaugurated its national pavilion, “Connecting Seas,” at Expo 2025 Osaka. This marks the Kingdom’s fourth national participation in the World Expo, which is held in the Kansai region of Japan and runs until October 13, 2025, under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
Bahrain’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is commissioned and organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. The pavilion reflects Bahrain’s historical connection to the sea, drawing inspiration from the Kingdom’s seafaring heritage and traditional dhow construction, integrating Japanese joinery techniques. “The Kingdom of Bahrain’s national participation ‘Connecting Seas,’ explores Bahrain’s longstanding position as a port at the intersection of cultures and commerce, linking international trade routes across the chapters of history” noted Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed, Commissioner General of the Bahrain Pavilion.
Situated in the “Empowering Lives” zone, the pavilion spans 995 square meters and rises from 13 to 17 meters in height across four levels, overlooking the seafront. Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, the structure is made from wood and cooled by coastal winds, making it one of the most sustainable buildings in the Expo. “The Bahrain Pavilion embodies sustainability, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship. Built from around 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood using intricate joinery, it minimizes waste,” says Ghotmeh, “Minimal foundations avoid concrete, nearly all materials are reusable, and passive cooling reduces energy use—making it a testament to sustainable innovation.”
Visitors are invited to experience the pavilion through a sensory exhibition experience that engages the five senses. Curated by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the exhibition features collaborations with artists Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi, and La Méduse to narrate the theme of connectivity through trade, crafts, manufacture, pearling, and ecology in a series of galleries. “The Kingdom of Bahrain national participation explores the resilience and adaptability of sea cultures. The sea is a central component of the Islands of Bahrain, a significance that is shared in Japanese culture and expressed through art, photography, music, and film.” shares Noura Al Sayeh Holtrop, the Deputy Commissioner General of the Pavilion.
The pavilion’s café delivers a unique culinary experience with seasonal menus that blend local Bahraini flavors with Japanese ingredients and is crafted by award-winning chef Tala Bashmi. A dedicated business floor developed by Bahrain’s Economic Development Board showcases the Kingdom’s strategic location and position as an open, global economic hub for investment.
Pavilion staff and volunteers wear exclusive designs by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Amin. The collection features artistic prints and embroidered coastal motifs, referencing the pavilion’s theme.
Complementing the experience is a gift store featuring design products inspired by local heritage for adults and children. Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from 160 countries.
Drawings
Images
