Design Doha at the 24th Triennale Milano International Exhibition

The installation challenges the growing detachment between design and production—a shift that has distanced architects from material knowledge and craft. By weaving advanced computational design with Palestinian stone masonry, Tiamat presents a new architectural language rooted in both tradition and innovation. It is an invitation to rethink the social, economic, and cultural dimensions of architecture, questioning who builds, how materials are sourced, and how historical knowledge can inform the future of design.

First exhibited in Design Doha’s inaugural edition in 2024 as part of "Arab Design Now," the biennale’s headline exhibition curated by Rana Beiruti, Tiamat now takes the stage at the Triennale, reinforcing Design Doha’s mission to showcase MENA design excellence on a global platform.

AAU ANASTAS – Elias and Yousef Anastas

AAU ANASTAS is a Bethlehem-based architectural studio led by Elias and Yousef Anastas. Their work explores the intersection of material experimentation, cultural heritage, and contemporary architecture, with a strong emphasis on local craftsmanship and sustainable practices.

Artist Statement

"Our work is always linked to a very precise form of local knowledge. We believe architecture should not be detached from the craft and material conditions that shape it. In Tiamat, the way stones are woven into each other is determined not only by technological precision but also by the expertise of master craftsmen. We use machines as tools that enhance craftsmanship—not replace it. By revisiting the architectural traditions of Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, we aim to reposition stone as a structural material for the future, challenging the inequalities embedded in contemporary building practices."

About the Work

Tiamat by AAU ANASTAS is an architectural installation that redefines the role of stone in contemporary design. Inspired by the ribbed vaults of Gothic architecture, the shifting dunes of the desert, and the deep-rooted stone-building traditions of Palestine, Syria, and Lebanon, Tiamat fuses historical craftsmanship with advanced computational design.

A response to the Triennale di Milano 2025 theme, Inequalities, the installation critiques the increasing detachment of architecture from material knowledge and production. Using precisely cut, interlocking stone blocks, Tiamat is a self-supporting structure that highlights the intelligence of natural materials while challenging the contemporary reliance on unsustainable construction methods.

First exhibited in Design Doha’s 2024 headline exhibition, "Arab Design Now," curated by Rana Beiruti, Tiamat continues its journey on the global stage, demonstrating how regional knowledge and heritage can inform the future of architecture.