framework for the implementation of a virtual design studio model in ...

with the lifestyle of its occupants. On the other hand, Yıldız et al 58 stress
the importance of cultural aspects when designing, emphasising the
importance of the culture-design relationship. Architecture and built
environment are a way of life directed by faith, traditions and the life
style of the inhabitants. It is obvious that the built environment of a
certain society will reflect the characteristics of a certain society within a
period of time. Accordingly, the character of a society can also be
analysed through their built environment and architecture. There are
few areas that have witnessed so many efforts to solve the problem of
accommodating local traditional environments, than the architectural
sphere within the modern way of life and its techniques. The Arab
culture is relatively new, in return there seems to be no traditions toward
many of the new buildings (i.e. banks, airports, and TV stations). The
challenge is in the lack of the model which the designers can refer to.
This led to the dependency on western models which do not reflect the
Arabic architectural image. Hence, developing creativity within
individuals is essential and will enable them to create innovative designs
that are suitable for their needs.
Asserting a cultural identity is difficult anywhere but it is difficult to do so
especially in the UAE, where the treatment of high technology has taken
over and unbalanced traditional architecture. Mukhtar 59 argues that as
long as there remains a strong relationship between architecture and the
community, this relationship will serve to provide answers to modernity
versus tradition. In the era of global civilisation modern technology
cannot be ignored, it has to be rationalised, readapted, and has to
create the tool of the culture. 60 This means that technology is in the
service of the culture, and not vice versa. Architecture education bears
the burden to facilitate technology to teach students how to be creative
in order to creatively reshape the future of their countries. It will be more
58
Yildiz, H. T., Inalhan, G., Tok, S. Y.(2009). ‘Using traditional and historical cities in architectural design
education’, Archnet IJAR. 4(2). p263-274.
59
Mokhtar, A. (1999). ‘Architectural engineering education: an avenue for an efficient and sustainable
environment’. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Sustainability in Desert Regions.
UAE, Al Ain: United Arab Emirates University. p318-326.
60
ibid. p318-326.
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