Reimagined the Marsh Arabs' traditional gathering space as a multisensory, inclusive installation, highlighting sustainable materials and architectural heritage while symbolizing the impact of water depletion on their culture.

A Present/Absent Mudhif reflected the architectural heritage of the Marsh Arabs of Iraq, crafted in Iraq from locally-sourced reeds and mud—materials integral to their traditional building techniques. The structure served as a tribute to their resilience, highlighting methods that had sustained the Marsh Arab communities for generations. The fragmented appearance of the installation symbolized the severe impact of water depletion on their way of life, turning thriving spaces into remnants of cultural loss.

It reimagined the traditional Mudhif, a gathering space for the Marsh Arab communities, as a multisensory, inclusive experience that celebrated sustainable materials and traditional building techniques while emphasizing their cultural and social significance. By reimagining the Mudhif—a communal space traditionally used as a majlis—this installation created an immersive experience that opened the space to a wider, more diverse audience. It embraced sustainability by retaining the use of traditional materials while presenting the Mudhif in a contemporary form that spoke to its social and cultural relevance.

The installation also featured a table made from reeds, highlighting the significance of sustainable materials in both traditional and contemporary architecture. This element complemented the cultural essence of the Mudhif while underscoring the relevance of these practices in addressing today’s environmental challenges. By presenting the research process, the installation encouraged a dialogue between past and present, emphasizing the ongoing importance of sustainable design solutions.

In this way, A Present/Absent Mudhif not only honored the rich heritage of the Marsh Arabs but also invited reflection on contemporary environmental issues, advocating for a future where traditional practices inform sustainable design.

About Ola Saad Znad:

Ola Saad Znad is an architect, artist, and researcher with a Master’s in Architecture from University College Dublin and a Bachelor’s from the University of Bahrain. Her work centers on urban design and the relationship between contemporary architecture and identity, reflecting her Iraqi heritage and experiences after leaving Baghdad post-2003 war.Ola's Bachelor’s thesis, an urban pedestrian bridge proposal in Baghdad, earned her the Graduate Students Project Award in 2018 and subsequent publication.

Znad's portfolio includes architectural and interior design projects across Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Dublin, and the United States, showcasing her global perspective and commitment to inclusive design. Ola served as an adjunct professor at the University of Bahrain, leading architectural research focused on underrepresented communities in the MENA region.

As a co-founder of innovative design initiatives like Manama Lab and Design Majlis, Ola is deeply embedded in the creative community, believing that art, music, and literature are foundational to meaningful creative endeavors.