La Biennale di Venezia: Showcasing Emirati Architecture

In its capacity as Commissioner of the National Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates, and in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation is proud to be presenting Transformations: The Emirati National House at La Biennale di Venezia’s International Architectural Exhibition from 28 May to 27 November 2016 in Venice.

Curated by Yasser Elsheshtawy, Associate Professor of Architecture at UAE University, the exhibition explores a distinctive form of urban housing known as the Sha’abi (or folk) house and the many ways it has been adapted by local residents since its introduction in the 1970s. Consisting of individual rooms built around a central courtyard, the simple template of the Sha’abi house turned out to be highly modifiable and adaptable to the changing needs of its inhabitants over time.

Transformations: The Emirati National House is consistent with the ambition of the Foundation to shine a light on untold aspects of Emirati culture and heritage. It also builds upon the previous contributions of the UAE to La Biennale di Venezia’s International Art Exhibition since 2009 and International Architectural Exhibition in 2014.