The Abu Dhabi pavilion has gained recognition as one of the three winners at the 2023 London Design Biennale and was awarded as the most inspiring interpretation of the theme of global collaboration.

Beating more than 40 pavilions worldwide, the Abu Dhabi pavilion’s participation, titled Formation of Soof, highlights the relationship between Emirati crafts and architecture.

Represented by the House of Artisans, the pavilion is an homage to Emirati crafts, including the traditional Bedouin weaving technique called Al Sadu.

According to its release, the pavilion explores the flow of movement involved in transforming the soft raw material used in Al Saudi, which was crucial to constructing traditional tent structures.

It won the Theme Medal at the event, which tasked teams to create projects under The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations.

In 2022, UNESCO added Al Sadu to its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Al Sadu uses raw wool to create intricate designs and distinctive patterns, which reflect issues regarding social identity and the surrounding environment.

 

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House of Artisans explained that it aimed to awareness about the importance of preserving the Emirati craft for future generations. 

The pavilion also showcased weaving items, such as wool and the spindle and explained the technique practiced by Emirati women. 

The Department of Music and Sound Cultures curated the pavilion at NYU Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn, a historic UAE landmark and heritage site. It was attended by Salama Al Shamsi, Director of Cultural Sites at Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, and H.E. Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi, Deputy Ambassador of the UAE in the UK.