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

effective if the architect/designer belongs to the society that needs to be
redesigned.
According to the UAEU statistics 61 there has been an increase in the
number of the architecture departments‟ graduates since 1977, yet,
these graduates did not make any substantial contribution to the
emergence of the distinctive towers built in the UAE lately. The reason
behind this lack of participation could stem from the education these
students experience and the lack of encouragement and promotion of
the creative abilities in students. 62 Equipping these students with the
technological as well as the creative skills and encouraging their
innovative imagination will enable them to participate in the redesign
and rebuild of their countries infrastructure. This will benefit the country
with its own nationals who know best about what is suitable for their
needs to make their contribution in the development.
Thus, this study is beneficial on many different levels: first it proposes a
novel framework that did not exist before for integrating technology in
architectural design education in the UAE. Second, it is in line with the
UAE‟s mission for educating its nationals and shielding them with the
functional complex skills that will put the country in the front line with the
developed world. Third, other Gulf countries share the same
characteristics with the UAE which means that these countries could
also benefit from this study. Fourthly, other Arab countries in the region
will also benefit from this study as they share same educational issues
with the UAE. Finally, the framework itself is a contribution to the
reason it addresses socio-cultural factors whilst attempting to integrate
new technology into education.
1.8 Overview of Chapters
Chapter One: this chapter provides an introduction to the thesis and a
background commentary to the study. It establishes the background of
61 United Arab Emirates University. (2007), Student Handbook, Al-Ain: UAE University.
62 Siddiqui, Z. S., (2008). ‘Creativity in Higher Education: Great Expectations’. International Conference on
Assessing Quality in Higher Education 2008, p226, 226-236.
25