Lebanese French architect Lina Ghotmeh, leading the Paris-based studio Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture, has revealed the first photographs of the National Pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the Expo Osaka 2025. The design draws inspiration from the traditional Bahraini dhow boats, employing the country's historical boat-building technologies to showcase Bahrain's craftsmanship and manufacturing heritage. The pavilion is also a nod to the hosts of the World Expo, drawing parallels with Japanese wood artistry. Commissioned and organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, this marks the country's fourth contribution to the World Expo. The pavilion is located in the "Empowering Lives" zone, spanning 995 square meters and inviting visitors to engage through a sensory exhibition experience.
By focusing on the maritime history of the country, the pavilion also highlights Bahrain's strategic geographic location as a maritime crossroads in the Gulf Region, as one of the major ports of trade in the area. This has contributed to opening up the country to cultural diversity, driving innovations and creativity. This tradition is well-aligned with the overarching theme of Expo Osaka, "Designing Future Society for our Lives", and its three sub-themes are "Saving Lives", "Empowering Lives", and "Connecting Lives". The exhibition showcases partnerships with artists Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi, and La Méduse, who explore the theme of connectivity across trade, crafts, manufacturing, pearling, and ecology through a collection of galleries.
The design of the pavilion reinterprets heritage techniques of boat building, resulting in a wooden structure with an outer layer made of aluminum. The design was created to be easily disassembled and recycled after the Expo. The structure also takes into account its position facing the sea by adapting ancient cooling techniques to contemporary needs. This reduces the pavilion's reliance on mechanical cooling methods, further lowering its impact.
Bahraini design studio Shepherd Studio leads the interior design of the exhibition under the artistic direction of Lina Ghotmeh. The exhibition follows the same concept, highlighting Bahrain's maritime, logistical, and natural resources. The pavilion features a café offering seasonal menus that combine local Bahraini and Japanese flavors, prepared by award-winning chef Tala Bashmi. A business floor, created by Bahrain's Economic Development Board, highlights the Kingdom's global economic role. Staff and volunteers don exclusive attire by Bahraini designer Lulwa Al Amin, featuring artistic prints and coastal motifs. A gift store provides design products inspired by local heritage, enhancing the overall experience at Expo 2025 Osaka, which anticipates over 28 million visitors.
The Bahrain Pavilion embodies sustainability, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship. Built from around 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood using intricate joinery, it minimizes waste. Minimal foundations avoid concrete, nearly all materials are reusable, and passive cooling reduces energy use—making it a testament to sustainable innovatio - Lina Ghotmeh
Various countries have presented the designs for their national pavilions for Expo Osaka 2025. The French Pavilion, designed by Coledfy and CRA-Carlo Ratti Associati, will emphasize both natural and artificial habitats. Trahan Architects has revealed the USA Pavilion, focusing on American innovations. For the Nordic countries, AMDL CIRCLE will create a structure that embodies their spirit and connection to nature. This international exhibition, following the master plan of architect Sou Fujimoto, is scheduled to run from April 13, 2025, to October 13, 2025.
We invite you to check out ArchDaily's comprehensive coverage of the Expo Osaka 2025.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June 04, 2024, and updated on April 16, 2025, following the official announcement of the completion.
