Osaka: The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has concluded the 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition' symposium at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, Japan. Organised in collaboration with the UAE Pavilion and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme, the event aimed to fortify the cultural and creative sector while enhancing the UAE's global standing.
According to Emirates News Agency, the symposium, aligned with the UAE Pavilion's 'From Earth to Ether' theme, delved into UAE architecture, emphasizing local design practices, material innovation, and regional exchanges. The discussions spotlighted traditional knowledge's role in urban development, focusing on Arish structures and context-sensitive solutions.
Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, highlighted the UAE Pavilion's reflection of the nation's ambition and innovation through heritage. She stated the symposium aimed to promote Emirati cultural identity and showcase Dubai's supportive ecosystem for the cultural and creative industries.
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department, emphasized the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme's role in nurturing the arts ecosystem, with over AED180 million allocated for a decade to support various disciplines.
Curated by Salem AlSuwaidi and Rashed AlMulla, the symposium featured ten talks and panels. Notable sessions explored Japanese architecture's influence on Gulf identity, modern heritage's connection to vernacular traditions, and challenges in architectural enterprises. Other sessions examined site-sensitive construction, UAE design education, and Japanese architecture's impact on Emirati contexts.
The event also spotlighted UAE's architectural evolution, from Arish to modern villas, and explored sustainable solutions such as the aflaj irrigation systems. Participants examined Dubai Culture's efforts to revive heritage sites like the Al Shindagha Museum.
Dubai Culture's delegation visited international pavilions to explore creative projects. A tour for UAE architects included significant landmarks in Osaka and neighboring cities, offering insights into Japanese design.
Participants, including Salem Alsuwaidi and Rashed AlMulla, praised the program for fostering collaboration and cultural dialogue. Architects like Ahmed Bukhash and Fatima Al Suwaidi noted the tour's impact on their perspectives, while others highlighted the enriching experience of engaging with Japanese architecture and culture.
The symposium and tour underscored Dubai Culture's commitment to cultural exchange and innovation, reflecting the UAE's evolving architectural landscape and global influence.