IWAN

The IWAN Pavilion was the winning design of the Tanween Foldable Pavilion Challenge 2023, a collaboration between Ithra, Mamou-Mani Architects, and Abywat. Designed by emerging Saudi architects, IWAN draws inspiration from traditional Islamic architecture, particularly the Iwan—a distinctive, vaulted space—and Muqarnas, an ornamental form of Islamic decoration. Crafted from folded aluminium panels, this innovative structure bridges the gap between traditional and modern design, creating a symbolic gateway for audiences at Dubai Design Week 2024. IWAN offers an immersive experience that invites visitors to engage with cultural heritage in a contemporary setting.

Key Features:

• Collaboration & Education: The IWAN Pavilion represents a collaboration between Ithra, Mamou-Mani Architects, and Abywat, alongside emerging Saudi architects from the Tanween Challenge. The project showcases the educational value of hands-on design workshops and cross-disciplinary collaboration, highlighting Ithra’s role in nurturing creative talent.
• Sustainability: Aluminium was chosen for its lightweight properties and durability, which are advantageous for creating intricate, foldable structures. Creating a 3D modular approach from sheet materials. 
• Cultural Fusion: Drawing on the Islamic Iwan and Muqarnas, the pavilion blends historical architectural elements with contemporary design techniques. It serves as a symbol of how cultural heritage can inspire modern innovation.

Architectural Impact:

The IWAN Pavilion stands as a testament to the power of collaborative design and education. As the winning project of the Tanween Foldable Pavilion Challenge, it showcases how traditional Islamic architectural forms can be adapted for contemporary use through digital design and fabrication. The pavilion reflects Ithra’s commitment to fostering new talent and innovation within the Kingdom and beyond. Its presence at Dubai Design Week 2024 invites a global audience to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity while highlighting the role of sustainability in architectural design.

Materials and Techniques:

• Materials Used: Folded aluminium panels, chosen for their durability, lightweight properties, and ease of assembly, reflecting a modular approach that can grow in 3D from sheet material with minimised waste and durability.
• Fabrication Process: The panels were fabricated by Abywat, a leading GCC company that specialises in finishing and furnishing materials. The pavilion was assembled using advanced digital fabrication techniques, guided by Mamou-Mani Architects as knowledge partners.

The IWAN Pavilion reimagines the architectural elements of Iwan and Muqarnas, using modern fabrication techniques to create a dynamic and immersive space. The pavilion’s folded aluminium panels are not only lightweight and sustainable but also reflect the intricate beauty of Islamic geometric forms. This design was realised through a collaborative workshop with emerging Saudi architects, facilitated by Mamou-Mani as the knowledge partner. The pavilion symbolises the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, embodying the educational and collaborative spirit of the Tanween Challenge.