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

social groups is being substituted by the fast pace of life. Despite the
rapid development of architecture and its influence in the change of
people‟s lifestyle in the UAE, there is still an influence of traditional
values in the design and build of new architecture. As described in the
previous section; the UAE society prefers a culture of separation
between male and female leisure areas; this factor is still present in the
design of new villas. The quality of the house is indicative of social
class, with the socio-economic ability interwoven with the expense and
design of the home. Privacy is a crucial factor in the life of the UAE
citizen and that could be visible from the great emphasis on the territory
separation and the high walls that separate the buildings, which
according to Al Tars 83 , are often carefully decorated.
Contemporary public buildings convey the image of the institution or
establishment. Modern materials such as glass dominate the character
of most modern structures. In many parts of the country, public gardens
have been facilitated in nearly every neighbourhood. Street landscape
maintained, at large cost, and kept to a high standard. Streets in the
country are built to be wide and intersected by roundabout systems
called „Al Dawar‟. These roundabouts are replaced by traffic lights and
flyovers in the modern architecture style. UAE culture is dominated by
using private cars as means of transportation while within the modern
time public buses and the Dubai Metro were facilitated by the
government to promote the culture of utilising public transport.
Ownership of four-wheel-drive vehicles has become a status symbol
and enables citizens to visit the desert and enjoy desert based leisure
activities such as hunting with hawks. 84
Society‟s preferred image is reflected by the architecture style as in the
UAE; older architecture is associated with poverty and the past while
new structures convey an image of modernisation and wealth.
83 Al-Tars K. (2009), op.cit. Awan Web Site.
84 Martin, A. (2003). ‘An experience of teaching in the United Arab Emirates’. English Today 74, 19(2).
p49-54.
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