Today's Edition
VENICE (WAM)
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, inaugurated the UAE National Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia on Thursday.
The pavilion features an innovative exhibition titled 'Pressure Cooker', curated by Azza Aboualam, an architect and Assistant Professor at Zayed University, who also serves as Co-founder and Director of Research at Holesum Studio.
The exhibition poses a central research question, 'Using the United Arab Emirates as a case study, how can architecture contribute to enhancing food security?'. This inquiry emerges in the context of growing challenges facing traditional agricultural systems due to climate change, including soil degradation and rising temperatures.
Drawing on in-depth archival and contemporary research in the UAE, the exhibition explores how architecture can respond to these challenges by presenting architectural proposals for greenhouse structures. It places the UAE's agricultural landscape within a broader global context, examining how architectural thinking can support diverse and resilient food production practices at both individual and community levels.
Developed through a three-dimensional research methodology that combines archival research, fieldwork, and practical experimentation in design and construction, the exhibition introduces design criteria for modular greenhouse structures specifically tailored to hot, arid climates. These modular structures can be reconfigured in various ways, providing adaptable solutions that respond to local climatic conditions.
In his opening remarks, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasised the importance of the event, stating, "Architecture shapes our interactions with the environment and has the potential to drive sustainable solutions for the future. The UAE National Pavilion's participation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale reaffirms our commitment to global dialogue on design innovation. The 'Pressure Cooker' exhibition highlights how local design solutions can contribute to new perspectives on sustainable urban living."
He added, "Over the years, the UAE National Pavilion has become a vital platform for showcasing the depth and diversity of the UAE's creative and intellectual landscape. With each edition, it continues to support local talent, foster cultural exchange, and position the UAE as an active participant in global conversations on architecture, art, and design. Its growing recognition reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the UAE’s cultural scene and its commitment to shaping a sustainable, interconnected future through creativity."
Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, said, "Through our longstanding partnership with the UAE National Pavilion, we continue to provide a space for meaningful conversations that inspire new ideas and strengthen connections. Growth, understanding, and dialogue are essential to the continued evolution of the UAE's extraordinary architecture, art, and culture community. We are pleased to support 'Pressure Cooker' and its exploration of resilience and the role of design in shaping a more sustainable future."
Laila Binbrek, Director of the UAE National Pavilion, commented, "The UAE National Pavilion continues to play a leading role in shaping the country's cultural landscape, enhancing its impact and legacy through initiatives that support architectural discourse in the UAE. This is exemplified by Azza Aboualam’s journey—from joining the pavilion as an intern in 2024 to leading this year's exhibition. 'Pressure Cooker' presents a new critical perspective, proposing a future-oriented, multidisciplinary, and climate-responsive approach to architecture."
Azza Aboualam, the exhibition's curator, explained, "As the agricultural world undergoes continuous transformation and the threats of climate change intensify, challenges related to food and water security become increasingly urgent, especially in the Gulf region. While prevailing global perspectives on food security often emphasize technological innovation, 'Pressure Cooker' proposes an alternative—creating a shared responsibility among local communities."
Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "The collaboration between Zayed University and the UAE National Pavilion is an example of our commitment to advancing creativity through research, education, and collaboration. We are proud to support the groundbreaking work of Emirati architect Azza Aboualam, whose project explores the evolving relationship between architecture and food production in the UAE. This initiative provides our students and faculty with direct engagement with innovative architectural research, demonstrating how bold ideas and academic innovation can lead to meaningful local and global impact."
Accompanying the exhibition is a publication titled 'All Things Delicious: Architectural Recipes from Pressure Cooker,' edited by Azza Aboualam and published by Kaph Books. This publication blends research, essays, and creative contributions, exploring the intersection between architecture and food production over time. It adopts a cookbook format divided into five main chapters, with texts and illustrations highlighting agricultural practices in arid climates and beyond. It offers new perspectives on the relationship between food production, climate-adaptive design, and urban infrastructure.
