Sixteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

Traditional Gulf architecture featured architectural ideas that played a significant part in achieving compatibility with the region’s harsh weather conditions. Gulf architecture was created on the spur of the moment, without regard for specific architectural requirements. It was a true reflection of the environmental needs of the communities in which they formed, in all of its natural and social dimensions, and it expressed the role and the dominant natural, cultural, and social surroundings. Western architecture has supplanted the Gulf architectural tradition, which expresses our personality and environment. This is not to say that there haven’t been attempts to preserve the cultural environment and heritage singularities while striving for an Arabian identity and personality. However, these attempts have been few so far, and researchers are still working on greater understanding and a good formula.