Bridged nature and architecture, using pomegranates and coral to reflect natural patterns and connect the natural world with urban environments.

Drawing inspiration from the geographical and geological significance of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar in Oman, Murjana explored the interconnectedness of nature. Laith Khalifa and geoscientist Mohammed Al Kiyumi, both from Muscat, created a dialogue between architecture and geology.

Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, located west of Muscat at an altitude of 2,000 meters, is renowned for its agricultural heritage and geological features. The region’s thriving pomegranates and fossilized coral clusters—remnants of ancient marine life—served as the foundation of Murjana, transforming these elements into a visual narrative that reflects universal natural patterns.

Murjana invited viewers to engage with the geometrical composition of natural forms by contrasting pomegranate seeds with fossilized coral, encouraging reflection on their connections across different disciplines. The interplay of these forms, illuminated by natural light, created a sculptural quality that emphasized the unity between natural processes and urban environments.

In an urban context, Murjana acted as a bridge between nature and the built environment. By juxtaposing these natural forms, the installation transcended its specific origins, prompting deeper contemplation of the materials, patterns, and connections that shape our perception of the world.

About the Designers:

Laith Khalifa Al Shiyadi is an emerging artist and architect from Muscat, Oman, with a focus on the sculptural qualities of the built environment. A graduate in Urban Planning and Architecture, he uses photography and urban sketching to highlight overlooked aspects of urban spaces, encouraging a deeper appreciation of their aesthetic and emotional essence.

Mohammed Al Kiyumi is a geoscientist in Oman’s oil and gas industry with a passion for the arts. He has volunteered for various cultural events in Muscat and is involved in social investment projects with Oman Shell. Al Kiyumi also leads geology field trips for the University of Adelaide, his alma mater.