At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition (May 10 - November 23, 2025), The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection presents a dynamic exploration of Saudi Arabia’s evolving urban landscape. Curated by Beatrice Leanza with Sara Almutlaq, the exhibition is grounded in the work of Syn Architects and their initiative, the Um Slaim Collective—founded by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi—which rethinks Najdi architecture through interdisciplinary methods.
Unfolding as a living archive, the show combines archival and contemporary materials, models, films, and installations to explore the layers of Riyadh’s spatial and social histories. It also introduces a new pedagogical platform to be established in Riyadh, focused on
participation, community knowledge, and sustainable urban thinking.
Contributions from artists and practitioners including Maha Malluh, Laurian Ghinitoiu, Mansour Alsofi, and Mohammed Alhamdan enrich the exhibition’s narrative, while a five-month public program encourages
collaborative reflection on the evolving role of architecture. Photographs courtesy of 7amdan, Saudipavilion, and Archmoc.
At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition (May 10 - November 23, 2025), The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection presents a dynamic exploration of Saudi Arabia’s evolving urban landscape. Curated by Beatrice Leanza with Sara Almutlaq, the exhibition is grounded in the work of Syn Architects and their initiative, the Um Slaim Collective—founded by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi—which rethinks Najdi architecture through interdisciplinary methods.
Unfolding as a living archive, the show combines archival and contemporary materials, models, films, and installations to explore the layers of Riyadh’s spatial and social histories. It also introduces a new pedagogical platform to be established in Riyadh, focused on
participation, community knowledge, and sustainable urban thinking.
Contributions from artists and practitioners including Maha Malluh, Laurian Ghinitoiu, Mansour Alsofi, and Mohammed Alhamdan enrich the exhibition’s narrative, while a five-month public program encourages
collaborative reflection on the evolving role of
architecture.
At the 19th International Architecture Exhibition (May 10 - November 23, 2025), The Um Slaim School: An Architecture of Connection presents a dynamic exploration of Saudi Arabia’s evolving urban landscape. Curated by Beatrice Leanza with Sara Almutlaq, the exhibition is grounded in the work of Syn Architects and their initiative, the Um Slaim Collective—founded by Sara Alissa and Nojoud Alsudairi—which rethinks Najdi architecture through interdisciplinary methods.
Unfolding as a living archive, the show combines archival and contemporary materials, models, films, and installations to explore the layers of Riyadh’s spatial and social histories. It also introduces a new pedagogical platform to be established in Riyadh, focused on
participation, community knowledge, and sustainable urban thinking.
Contributions from artists and practitioners including Maha Malluh, Laurian Ghinitoiu, Mansour Alsofi, and Mohammed Alhamdan enrich the exhibition’s narrative, while a five-month public program encourages
collaborative reflection on the evolving role of architecture. Photographs courtesy of 7amdan, Saudipavilion, and Archmoc.
Scope/Service
Exhibition
Exhibition
Architecture
Architecture
Institution
Location
Venice, Italy
Year
2025
Client
Syn Architects
Credits
SYN Architects, Sara Alissa, Nojoud Alsudairi, Beatrice Leanza, Sara Atmutlaq, Maryam Alnuami, Um Slaim Collective, Maha Malluh, Laurian Ghinitoiu, Mansour Alsofi, Hamdan, Abdullah, SUSA, WE Exhibit, AIMES Art, Makia Ahmad, BYTWO Studio