MUSCAT: The Architecture Revival Initiative concluded at the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah.
Organised by the office of HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said between February 19 and 22, the Architecture Revival Initiative was aimed to raise awareness of the value of architecture and showcase architectural innovation.
The initiative came as a continuation of the Bilarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design in its first and second sessions and the design competition for the Sultanate of Oman’s Pavilion at Expo Japan 2025 to enrich the architectural field in the Sultanate of Oman. The initiative targets various society segments interested in architectural design including specialists, experts and architecture students.
The initiative has received continuous follow-up and attention from HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said, confirming the importance of achieving the objectives set for the initiative which include enhancing awareness of the value of architecture as a component of national identity and motivating the public to explore the Omani architecture and understand its cultural, social and economic impact. The initiative also aims to engage various society segments in debates about architecture and provide a conducive environment for creativity and leadership as well as enhancing opportunities for architecture specialists in the Omani labour market.
The initiative includes a corner for the Bilarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design, achievements zone and an interactive experience for architectural revival.
The corner allowed the visitors to view the stages of the first and second editions of the Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design and the winning projects in the form of a three-dimensional model and the architectural design that won the competition for the Sultanate of Oman’s corner at Expo Japan 2025.
The first edition of the Bilarab Bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design targeted the development of the site of the Mina district in the Wilayat of Muttrah situated between the waterfront and the fish market with an area of 7,500 square metre. Muttrah Square project designed by Ahmed bin Mohammed al Jahdhami, Umaima bint Mahmoud al Hinaiyah and Abdullah bin Saleh al Bahri, won first place.
The second edition of the award aimed to design the Oman Maritime Museum in the Wilayat of Sur to document Oman’s rich maritime history and highlight the brilliance of Omanis throughout history in their relationship with the sea. Mohammed bin Salah bin Ali al Balushi won first place.
The award also launched a competition for the design of the Sultanate of Oman’s pavilion at Expo Japan 2025. A team comprising Bayan bint Muslim al Ramadaniyah, Ammar bin Abdul al Kiyumi and Nayera bint Khamis al Hinaiyah, won first place.
The Achievements Zone takes the visitor on a journey through a visual presentation of the Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design in its first and second editions and the award’s contribution to developing the Omani architectural scene.
The Architecture Revival Initiative sought to enhance the architectural heritage by presenting successful models that combine innovation and heritage with the Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design corner hosting a number of speakers and specialists in the field of architecture to enhance visitors’ awareness of the value of architecture. — ONA
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