Bahrain Pavilion – Expo 2025 Osaka

The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion, titled “Connecting Seas – A Journey Through the Senses,” embodies Bahrain’s storied maritime heritage, its enduring role as a crossroads between East and West, and its forward-looking vision rooted in sustainability and cultural dialogue.

Architecturally, the pavilion stands as a four-story structure—ranging from 13 to 17 meters in height—spanning approximately 995 square meters. It evokes the form and essence of a traditional Bahraini dhow, rendered in a graceful, curved wooden frame composed of around 3,000 pieces of un-engineered wood, assembled with intricate joinery blending Bahraini craftsmanship and Japanese woodworking traditions.

Sustainability lies at its core: the pavilion features passive cooling, minimal foundations, reusable materials, and is designed for easy disassembly and recycling—a thoughtful response to the environmental imperatives of contemporary architecture.

Inside, visitors embark on a multisensory experience, curated by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in collaboration with artists and studios including Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi, and La Méduse. The exhibits explore themes such as trade, craftsmanship, pearling, ecology, and the interwoven narratives of Bahrain’s identity and connection to the sea.

The pavilion also houses a café, where award-winning chef Tala Bashmi crafts a fusion of Bahraini and Japanese flavors, and a dedicated business floor, developed by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, which showcases Bahrain’s strategic economic positioning and investment opportunities.

Staff attire, designed by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Amin, echoes the coastal theme with motifs inspired by the sea. A gift shop offers visitors curated products reflecting Bahraini heritage and craftsmanship.

Located in the “Empowering Lives” zone and organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the pavilion not only embodies Bahrain’s cultural pride but also reinforces the deep cultural and historical ties between Bahrain and Japan.

▸ Client : TEMPLIX for Bahrain Pavilion
▸ Industry : Governmental Agency
▸ Area of work : Content Production