Venice: Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, inaugurated the UAE National Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia. The pavilion showcases “Pressure Cooker,” an exhibition curated by Azza Aboualam, an architect and Assistant Professor at Zayed University.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition poses a research question on how architecture can enhance food security in the UAE amidst climate-induced challenges like soil degradation and rising temperatures. It presents architectural proposals for greenhouse structures, situating the UAE’s agricultural landscape in a global context and exploring architectural strategies for resilient food production.
The exhibition employs a three-dimensional research methodology, combining archival research, fieldwork, and practical design experimentation. It introduces design criteria for modular greenhouse structures adaptable to hot, arid climates, offering solutions tailored to local conditions.
Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi emphasized the event’s importance, stating the UAE National Pavilion reaffirms a commitment to global dialogue on design innovation. He highlighted the pavilion as a platform for showcasing the UAE’s creative landscape and fostering cultural exchange.
Angela Migally, Executive Director of the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, expressed support for “Pressure Cooker,” emphasizing its role in fostering dialogue on sustainability. Laila Binbrek, Director of the UAE National Pavilion, noted the pavilion’s impact on the UAE’s cultural landscape through initiatives supporting architectural discourse.
Azza Aboualam, the exhibition’s curator, discussed the urgency of addressing food and water security in the Gulf region. She proposes a community-focused approach as an alternative to technology-driven solutions. Professor Michael Allen of Zayed University highlighted the collaboration’s significance, showcasing the impact of innovative architectural research.
The exhibition is accompanied by a publication titled “All Things Delicious: Architectural Recipes from Pressure Cooker,” exploring the intersection of architecture and food production. It presents agricultural practices and climate-adaptive design, offering new perspectives on urban infrastructure.