"Where's the air conditioning switch?": Identifying problems for sustaining local architectural traditions in the contemporary United Arab Emirates

R. W. Hawker, Zayed University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

Advances in Architecture Series

Publication Date

12-1-2002

Abstract

This paper examines the perception of vernacular architecture in the modern cities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and how this view creates obstacles in sustaining historic building forms and techniques. I argue that the greatest obstacle is the complex symbolic role that these buildings play in modern nation-building. While historic buildings are viewed with nostalgia, they are also not deemed suitable for contemporary life and have been isolated in the process of economic and social development. Separated from enlivening social activities, historic architecture in the UAE seems destined to survive only as outdoor museum displays.

Volume

14

First Page

449

Last Page

464

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities

Scopus ID

20244375499

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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