Saudi Arabia Showcases “The Um Slaim School” at Venice Biennale 2025

Saudi Arabia will return to the global architectural stage for its fourth participation in the Venice Architecture Biennale with a project titled The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection. Presented by Syn Architects—a Riyadh-based studio led by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi—the pavilion explores inclusive, heritage-informed architectural education and transnational cooperation.

Curated by Beatrice Leanza, with assistance from Sara Almutlaq, the pavilion will be on view from May 10 to November 23, 2025, and represents an alternative pedagogical platform derived from the work of Syn Architects and the Um Slaim Collective, a research initiative established in 2021.

At its core, The Um Slaim School presents a living archive—an immersive, participatory space that merges oral histories, visual records, and experimental design processes. The project investigates the displacement of traditional Najdi architecture in Riyadh and reimagines it as a foundation for new modes of spatial understanding. It aims to inspire a generational shift in architectural education in Saudi Arabia while establishing links with international movements committed to sustainability, heritage preservation, and community-centered design.

In a statement, Dr. Sumayah Al-Solaiman, CEO of the Architecture and Design Commission at the Saudi Ministry of Culture, emphasized the importance of the initiative:

“The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection illustrates our commitment to contemporary approaches in architecture that honor our heritage while addressing global challenges. By spotlighting an emerging generation of designers on a prominent international stage, we aim to inspire solutions for sustainable urban development locally and worldwide.”

The program will feature laboratorial and public sessions throughout the Biennale, curated by Leanza and supported by Maryam AlNoaimi. These events are designed to foster community dialogue and global collaboration. Following the exhibition, a comprehensive publication will document the research, findings, and contributions, ensuring the project’s long-term educational impact.

Architects Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi view the school as a starting point for reimagining the architectural landscape:

“The Um Slaim School is a foundation for an alternative approach to architectural re-imagining through spatial narratives and materiality. This pavilion will invite a collective retelling of our effect on the environments we inhabit and our urban histories.”

Founded in 2019, Syn Architects is known for its ecologically sensitive design and interdisciplinary approach. In addition to the Um Slaim Collective, the architects also co-founded SaudiArchitecture.org, an independent platform archiving modernist and postmodernist buildings across the Kingdom.

Curator Beatrice Leanza brings international experience to the project, having worked in cultural leadership roles across Beijing, Lisbon, and Lausanne. With previous contributions to the Venice Biennale (2014, 2016, 2018), her ongoing research interrogates design’s role in contemporary social and environmental challenges. Her upcoming book The New Design Museum (2025) reflects on how institutions worldwide are adapting to these evolving demands.

Through The Um Slaim School, Saudi Arabia presents a forward-thinking architectural narrative that integrates local tradition, community memory, and global relevance—a timely contribution to the 2025 Biennale’s themes.