Permanent public installation by ITHRA unveiled during Sharqiyah Gets Creative 2024, celebrating Eastern Province heritage through seven monumental gates rooted in regional architecture and identity.
The objective was to create a lasting artistic tribute that captures the identity of the Eastern Province and elevates public awareness of regional architecture and heritage. Commissioned by ITHRA and unveiled during Sharqiyah Gets Creative 2024, the installation aimed to inspire civic pride, engage the public through storytelling, and leave behind a permanent cultural landmark. It encourages reflection on local design traditions and supports ongoing community engagement, education, and cultural tourism.
The concept reimagined architectural forms as monumental public art. Each of the seven gates draws from a distinct vernacular style — from the Baghdadi to the Cuneiform — interpreted through contemporary materials and scale. The central “spirit of Al-Sharqiya” door unified the installation emotionally and symbolically. As a permanent, accessible piece, it stands apart from ephemeral community activations. The storytelling canvas, interpretive design, and integration into a larger cultural movement made this an innovative fusion of heritage, design, and placemaking.
