Rethinking Water Use: Saudi Arabia's Pavilion at Design Biennale
Saudi National Pavilion at London Design Biennale 2025
The Saudi National Pavilion is gearing up to showcase an intriguing exhibition titled Good Water at the upcoming London Design Biennale 2025. This unique event, taking place at Somerset House, invites visitors to reflect on our relationship with water. It aims to challenge prevailing notions about water accessibility and distribution, fostering a greater awareness of these critical issues.
Showcasing Cultural Significance
The exhibition is spearheaded by a talented multidisciplinary design collective, which includes notable figures like Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan, and Fahad bin Naif. Through their work, this collective aims to explore and question the intricate systems behind water access and distribution. The pavilion will feature a sabeel, a traditional free water fountain that symbolizes hospitality in Saudi culture.
Shifting Perspectives on Water
While the sabeel traditionally embodies generosity, the pavilion challenges this notion by asking poignant questions: Who truly bears the cost of this ‘free’ water? This endeavor shines a spotlight on the hidden economies surrounding water supply, urging attendees to recognize that the cost of water extends beyond immediate transactions.
Understanding Water’s Hidden Costs
Visitors will engage with the complexities behind water provision—the labour, energy, and economic implications are often overlooked. For instance, potable water is not simply collected; it involves significant resources in extraction, treatment, and delivery. Consequently, the burden of providing water is shared among various stakeholders, including governments and corporations, leaving lasting effects even on those who do not directly pay.
Reimagining Generosity and Responsibility
This pavilion is not merely about providing a functional water source; it serves as a catalyst for discussions about interdependence. When guests engage with this exhibit, they are invited to consider the tensions between access to water and the societal responsibilities that come with it.
Comments from the Design Collective
Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan, and Fahad bin Naif state, "We aim to use familiar elements in our pavilion to draw attention to the hidden economies around water consumption, inviting visitors to reflect on their choices. By relocating the sabeel to an international context like the London Biennale, we challenge visitors to perceive it as more than just a public service; it becomes a focal point for critical scrutiny and understanding.”
Commitment to International Discourse
The Saudi National Pavilion stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to global conversations in design. Backed by the Architecture and Design Commission, it showcases the country's cultural richness and innovative spirit, seeking to enhance worldwide appreciation for sustainable practices.
Messages from Leaders
Dr. Sumaya Al-Sulaiman, the CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission, expresses the excitement surrounding this exhibition: “Saudi Arabia’s participation in the London Design Biennale marks a new chapter in our commitment to using design as a means of dialogue and cultural exchange. We eagerly anticipate engaging discussions about creativity, innovation, and the pressing issues we face regarding water accessibility.”
Conclusion
The Good Water exhibit promises to be an enlightening experience, urging each visitor to confront the realities of water access. It reflects Saudi Arabia’s endeavor to merge tradition with modern discourse, enriching the global design narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme of the Saudi Pavilion at the London Design Biennale?
The theme of the Saudi Pavilion exhibit is Good Water, which addresses crucial issues surrounding water accessibility and societal responsibilities.
Who are the designers behind the exhibition?
The exhibition is created by a design collective including Alaa Tarabzouni, Aziz Jamal, Dur Kattan, and Fahad bin Naif.
What does a sabeel symbolize in Saudi culture?
In Saudi culture, a sabeel symbolizes hospitality and generosity, traditionally providing free water to the community.
Where will the exhibit be held?
The Good Water exhibit will take place at Somerset House during the London Design Biennale.
How can visitors participate in discussions during the Biennale?
Visitors can engage with the pavilion and participate in conversations about water’s complexities and interdependence with the design collective and other attendees.
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