MANAH: The Reviving Architecture initiative, organised by the Office of HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, was launched at the Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah. Running until February 22, the initiative builds on the legacy of the 'Bilarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design' and the competition for designing Oman’s pavilion at Expo Japan 2025.
Aimed at architecture enthusiasts, professionals, experts and students, the initiative seeks to enhance public awareness of architecture’s role in shaping national identity. It highlights the cultural, social and economic significance of Omani architecture while fostering innovation through a blend of traditional techniques and modern design advancements.
Spanning three days, the event revolves around three key pillars: continuous education, innovation and market readiness. It serves as a platform for discussions on architecture, nurturing creativity, leadership and career opportunities in Oman’s architectural sector.
Eng Iyad bin Nabil al Rawas, Development and Committees Officer at the Office of HH Sayyid Bilarab, shared insights into the initiative’s immersive experience. Visitors embark on a curated journey through eight distinct stations, each designed to deepen their understanding of architectural evolution.
The journey begins with 'Get Inspired', where notable architectural quotes set the stage for creativity. 'Traverse the Stages of the Journey' explores how design shapes environments and experiences, while 'Feel the Impact' examines architecture’s cultural and economic influence.
In 'Travel Through the Ages', visitors explore Oman's architectural history, from prehistoric cave dwellings and Bronze Age tombs to the grandeur of Islamic-era mosques. The exhibition also showcases key elements of Omani architecture, including arches, the aflaj irrigation system, and the stone cladding of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, highlighting the discovery of locally sourced 'Desert Rose' marble.
'Innovate' focuses on creative architectural solutions, featuring Omani villages like Al Sujrah in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and Al Qurayateen in Izki as examples of design ingenuity. 'You're Inside the Scene' provides an interactive experience, allowing visitors to engage with key architectural figures and statistics from Oman’s 14 academic institutions offering architecture programmes and 400+ consulting firms.
'Join the Movement' addresses market readiness, discussing strategies for empowering architects within Oman’s job market, while 'Celebrate Achievement' recognises individuals who have contributed to the initiative’s success.
The Reviving Architecture initiative at the Oman Across Ages Museum beautifully bridges tradition and modernity, offering visitors a dynamic exploration of Oman's rich architectural heritage and its future possibilities. As the event concludes, it leaves a lasting impression, inspiring the next generation of architects to shape the nation's landscape with vision and purpose.
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