Bahrain's national pavilion, titled 'Heat Wave,' has been awarded the Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, which runs from May 10 to November 23, 2025. Curated by architect Andrea Faraguna, the exhibition is located in the Artiglierie del Arsenale.
The 'Heat Wave' pavilion reimagines public space design by exploring passive cooling strategies rooted in Bahrain's climate and culture. It integrates a geothermal well and a solar chimney, connected through a thermo-hygrometric axis. This system offers a passive alternative to conventional climate control infrastructures.
The pavilion's design features a modular system with a distinctive floor and overhanging roof, supported by a central column. It provides shaded, temperature-controlled rest areas, improving comfort and environmental responsibility in demanding climates. The Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 hosts 66 national pavilions, including first-time participants Azerbaijan, Oman, Qatar, and Togo.