Introduction to Architecture in the United Arab Emirates
Abstract
During the last two decades, enormous economic and socio-cultural
changes took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with extremely rapid
paste. These changes were generated by the discovery of oil in the region
and economic wealth associated with it. Many aspects of the society and
culture have changed rapidly with great impact on architecture and the
built-environment. Modern buildings, for example, replaced vernacular architecture,
and the traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants was transformed into a
modern one.
This study is an analysis of socio-cultural changes taking
place in the United Arab Emirates and their impact on architecture as part
of a global phenomenon in many parts of the world. As more and more Gulf
cities are being transformed to international and metropolitan cities,
a loss of identity and sense of belonging is endangering their existence
as distinctive entities belonging to their environments and inhabitants.
There is a need to revitalize the traditional heritage of the past as meaningful
practice; to achieve a distinctive architecture and reflect a cultural
identity.
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