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

2.3.2 Contemporary Architecture in the UAЕ
In late seventies, the economic wealth in the UAE gained by the
discovery of oil generated an urgent need to construct new buildings
more suited to the demands of the UAE‟s inhabitants. Municipalities
established planning departments in both rural and urban areas to
oversee work on civilian housing, plus commercial and public
constructions. According to Mahgoob 80 an era of rapid change of the
built environment ensued. Western architects enjoyed increasing roles
in the construction of new buildings (using new materials and reinforced
concrete). This Westernisation featured an increasing use of technology
in the building and design process. 81 The Western influence was further
increased by the Arabic Academics‟ utilisation of Western text books as
references (rather than by improving the local materials which adhered
to the religious aspects of Arabic architecture).
The current social and cultural evolution of the UAE affects all aspects
of life. Civilians depend on cars and other transport methods and this in
turn causes cities to expand too rapidly. Uncontrolled expansion
transforms major cities into metropolitan areas and evolves the
traditional lifestyle into a postmodern one. The transformation of the
UAE society from a simple traditional Bedouin society that depended on
basic needs to a complex modern one has been witnessed through
time. The transformation of the whole infrastructure of the UAE to
accommodate the needs of the current development encouraged new
transportation systems. The transformation of the inhabitants from the
primitive life style to a modern one is witnessed through the introduction
of villas to replace the simple houses.
Current architectural practices not only affect the appearance of the
landscape but the inhabitants‟ social and cultural lives. According to
O‟Reilly 82 the community is now based on social class and wealth rather
than the traditional family neighbourhood. The relationships between
80 Mahgoub, Y., (1997) op.cit. p 2-27.
81 Al-Tars K. (2009), Traditional and Heritage Architecture in the United Arab Emirates; Awan Web Site;
82 O'Rielly (1999). op.cit. 8
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