Art Jameel, in partnership with The Saudi Architecture and Design Commission, brings ‘Accommodations’ to Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. The exhibition touring from the Saudi Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia is designed as an experiential show unfolding in three parts at Hayy Arts, featuring architects Hussam Dakkak, Basmah Kaki and Hessa AlBader of Studio Bound curated by Uzma Z. Rizvi and Murtaza Vali.

Rooted in research, ‘Accommodations’ displays rare found images, archival material, urban plans, architectural models, renders, sketches and ephemera that trace the history of shelters, examining how the built environment and urban fabric adapt to accommodate shifting social conditions. Taking quarantine as a spatial and temporal containment measure, ‘Accommodations’ analyses the temporary and permanent structures that emerge to manage the threat of contagion during large-scale events such as pilgrimages and pandemics.

The need for quarantining, whether planned for prevention during pilgrimage or forced in moments of crisis, warrants the transformation of private and public spaces and their boundaries to allow for refuge and recovery in enclosure and seclusion in the interests of public health. ‘Accommodations’ surfaces this potential for reconfiguration of spaces and how we inhabit and navigate through them through challenging and quickly changing times. 

The exhibition will be accompanied by a host of public programmes and workshops.