A Present/Absent Mudhif is an architectural installation by Ola Saad Znad that explores the cultural heritage and traditional building techniques of the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq. Constructed using locally sourced reeds and traditional craftsmanship, the installation reinterprets the Mudhif, a communal gathering space deeply rooted in the region’s identity.

Through its fragmented form, the project reflects on the effects of water scarcity and climate change on the Iraqi marshlands, highlighting the fragility of both architectural heritage and cultural practices. Bringing together research, material exploration, and traditional craftsmanship, the installation questions how these practices can inform contemporary approaches to sustainable design.

The project was selected as one of the winning Abwab commissions at Dubai Design Week 2024.