lina ghotmeh’s bahrain pavilion wins gold award for best architecture at expo 2025 osaka

Lina Ghotmeh’s Bahrain pavilion for expo 2025 osaka

The Kingdom of Bahrain unveils its National Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, with design by Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh and her Paris-based studio, Lina Ghotmeh—Architecture. This pavilion marks the country’s fourth participation in a World Expo, following its previous participations in Expo Shanghai 2010, Expo Milan 2015, and Expo Dubai 2020. Built of timber, this project is located in the Expo’s ‘Empowering Lives’ area, facing the sea to symbolize Bahrain’s rich maritime heritage.

Bahraini design studio Shepherd Studio leads the interior design of the exhibition under Lina Ghotmeh’s artistic direction. The exhibition highlights Bahrain’s maritime, logistical, and natural resources.

UPDATE October 15th, 2025: The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by Lina Ghotmeh—Architecture, receives the Gold Award for Best Architecture and Landscape in the Self-Built Pavilions category (under 1,500 square meters). The award recognizes the refined architectural vision of the project, which reinterprets Bahrain’s maritime heritage through sustainable construction and meticulous craftsmanship. Built of timber and aluminum, the pavilion reflects Ghotmeh’s contextual approach, bridging Bahraini boat-building traditions with Japanese wood artistry.

all images courtesy of Lina Ghotmeh—Architecture

Inspiration from Traditional Dhow Boats

The design by architect Lina Ghotmeh draws inspiration from the traditional dhow boats of Bahrain, reinterpreting millennial boat-building techniques to showcase the nation’s craftsmanship and manufacturing heritage at Expo 2025 Osaka. The pavilion also pays homage to Japanese wood artistry, celebrating the bilateral relationship between Bahrain and Japan.

By focusing on the country’s maritime history, the pavilion highlights Bahrain’s strategic geographic location as a maritime crossroads in the Gulf Region. This historical position as a major port of trade has contributed to the country’s cultural diversity, driving innovation and creativity. This aligns with the overarching theme of Expo Osaka, Designing Future Society for our Lives, and its sub-themes Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.

The pavilion’s structure reinterprets heritage boat-building techniques, featuring a wooden structure with an outer aluminum layer. Designed for easy disassembly and recycling after the Expo, the pavilion also incorporates ancient cooling techniques to reduce reliance on mechanical cooling methods, adapting to contemporary needs and lowering environmental impact.

The Kingdom of Bahrain unveils its National Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka

Emphasizing Historical Maritime Significance

The pavilion emphasizes Bahrain’s historical maritime heritage, which has served as a primary means of communication with the world since the Dilmun Civilization. Showcasing Bahrain’s strategic location as a gateway to the Gulf, the pavilion illustrates its history as a major port of trade and its exceptional cultural diversity and innovation.

His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and General Commissioner of Bahrain’s National Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, stated: ‘In today’s rapidly evolving world, our efforts aim to establish Bahrain as a leader in innovation, creativity, and sustainability. Our participation in the World Expo is crucial, providing a platform to demonstrate our diverse capabilities, rich cultural heritage, and innovative solutions to global challenges.’

He emphasized Bahrain’s unique geographic location and historical role as a maritime crossroads, shaping its rich culture and economic strengths. He also highlighted the synergy between various sectors in Bahrain working together to represent the Kingdom. Additionally, he noted the importance of Expo Osaka as a platform for global communication and collaboration, ultimately benefiting humanity.

the Lina Ghotmeh-designed pavilion marks the country’s fourth participation in a World Expo