The National Pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain has won the Golden Lion, the highest honour at the Venice Architecture Biennale. But even before the prize was announced, the pavilion was one of the busiest at the event.
Stepping inside offered an immediate shift – the air turned cooler – without using air conditioning, but a quieter and more deliberate cooling method.
Heatwave, the presentation on show at the pavilion, explores how architecture can respond to rising temperatures, with technology guided by wisdoms of the past. The geothermal cooling system on display draws from the techniques used in vernacular architecture from Bahrain and the wider Gulf. However, there is a degree of contemporary innovation applied as well.
It combines a geothermal well, which brings cool air from underground, as well as a solar chimney that expels the warm air out. These two forces are connected in what the designers call a “thermo-hygrometric axis” that creates a gentle, controlled climate inside the space – all without machinery.
Visitors to the space lounge on the sandbags arranged around the space, either idling on their phones, daydreaming to taking in the gridded steel ceiling. The rough, almost industrial nature of the scene is a soft contrast to the polished displays of nearby pavilions. And though it is full, a peacefulness permeates the space. It is, in every sense, a respite from the noise, the sun and the bustle outside.
This atmosphere is primarily what the pavilion is presenting with Heatwave. The presentation at Bahrain’s pavilion is subtle. It may even be underwhelming at first when you’re greeted by only sandbags encircling a bundle of pipes in the centre of the space. The elegance of the pavilion quickly becomes apparent as you become conscious and appreciative of what is being presented.
Heatwave is commissioned by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. It is curated by architect Andrea Faraguna.
As digging wasn’t allowed at the Venice site, the team had to incorporate mechanical ventilation to mimic the natural airflow. The contraption draws cool air from the windows that overlook Venetian canals and then guided through a network of hidden ducts to gently regulate the temperature inside. This element won’t be necessary when Heatwave is built as intended.
The ideas behind the pavilion hold particular implications for the Gulf, especially in outdoor workspaces such as construction sites, where rising temperatures bring technical and humanitarian challenges.
Heatwave brings forth a solution with the modular, adaptable structures that offers shade and cooling. It is a case example of how thoughtful design can bring comfort and dignity to the people who build and maintain our cities.
This connection is evoked in an abstract yet evocative way through the sandbags and soil. The scenography gestures towards the often-invisible labour behind construction, underscoring how climate, architecture and social equity are interlinked.
There are plans to repurpose Heatwave once the biennale concludes in November. According to the exhibition’s literature: “One proposed site for its relocation is the Compagnia della Vela on the island of San Giorgio, where it could serve as a public cooling structure for visitors and residents, extending its impact beyond the temporal and spatial confines of the exhibition.
“During the summer, the water in Venice's canals maintains an average temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius, significantly cooler than the ambient air. By circulating air through a network of pipes submerged in the canal, the relocated pavilion could achieve a cooling effect similar to the Bahrain model, demonstrating the versatility of passive cooling strategies across different environments.”
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Australia 312-1
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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST
Premier League
Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm
Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm
Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm
Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm
Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)
Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm
Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm
Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm
Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm
Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm
Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm
Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm
Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
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Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
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ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
The five pillars of Islam
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2.
3.
4.
5.
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Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
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Price: On request
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