Fishing net pavilion symbolises new Iraq
TThe fish symbolises rebirth and abundance. This structure represents the catching of future opportunities for a new Iraq.” Architect Raya Ani of RAW-NYC Architects
he massive fishing nets or ‘Saliya’ as they are known locally in Iraq can be spotted hovering over the rivers of Tigris and Euphrates.
More than just a typical sight in Iraq, they are symbols of wealth, wisdom and goodness in Mesopotamian culture.
The Iraq Pavilion at Expo 2020, with its shell-like structure, draws inspiration from ‘Saliya’ and its free-flowing form.
Architect Raya Ani of RAW-NYC Architects, who designed the pavilion, says the organic flowing form of the net-casting technique is suggestive of fishing, a means of livelihood in Iraq dating back many centuries.
“The fish symbolises rebirth and abundance. This structure represents the catching of future opportunities for a new Iraq in a global development context,” Ani told Khaleej Times.
“Presenting the Iraq Pavilion in Expo 2020 is also a great opportunity to showcase the rich culture of Iraq and share it with the whole world. I wanted to highlight Iraq’s outstanding achievements in the past and present, to develop future opportunities, bringing our country forward to be among the advanced countries in the world,” she said.
But it was not an easy task. It took Ani three years of hard work, and several trips to Iraq to meet stakeholders — all with the constraints of a limited budget and a pandemic that made travel difficult.
“It is a dream come true. It was not just another project, it was also about ensuring Iraq is present at Expo 2020,” said Ani, who has also served as the President of the American Institute of Architects Middle East Chapter.
The architect said she made three designs and put it out for public voting. Saliya, that elevated fishing nets into an art-form, won. “Iraq has gone through several crisis. I wanted the design concept to reflect the people’s hope and also the importance to create new beginnings to build a future for a new Iraq,” she said.
The two rivers — Tigris and Euphrates — offered an opportunity for the beginnings of civilization. The first settlements were formed and farmers grew crops and caught fish.
The pavilion
Visitors to the pavilion located at the Opportunity District can soak in the rich history of a country that has gone through long years of political instability and violence. Inside, two walls outline the pattern of the two rivers originating in the north and meeting down south.
A large outdoor space offers shade to create a naturally cool environment that saves energy and relies less on air-conditioning.
“The design leverages shading and passive cooling strategies allowing natural light and air movement into the pavilion through the sides and through the net openings. This translates into energy savings and natural ventilation,” the architect said.
The bright colours used on the shell structure represents the photovoltaic power potential of Iraq, to show the amount of electricity generated and the available opportunity of solar energy in Iraq.
Ani said she used seven palm trees because of its significance in Mesopotamian culture. Seven is the number of mysticism in ancient Iraq. “The shade and shadow are a major concept played out throughout the pavilion to evoke a sense of being shaded under palm trees. The shadows on the walls coupled with palm tree imprints create a dialogue in shadows celebrating palm trees, the nature of Iraq and the symbolic use of the number seven,” she said.
7 Palm trees were used because of its significance in Mesopotamian culture