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

The grand expansion is also obvious in the introduction of the high rise
buildings. Further the grand opening of the Dubai Metro on the ninth of
November 2009 a date marked in the UAE history as (09-09-09) has
introduced a new culture of transportation that never existed in the past.
Figure 2.4: Modern Architecture in the UAE
There is increasing public interest in the quality of the built environment
and vernacular architecture, born from a combination of longing for the
past and concern for the future. Gorat 88 asserts that critics of the
present architectural practices are concerned about the continuing
cultural identity and these concerns manifest themselves in the
seminars and conferences hosted to discuss issues related to the
preservation of architectural heritage. According to Mahgoub 89 , a new
postmodern trend emerged in the nineties – the fashion was to revitalise
the architectural heritage of the past to stress the identity and
architectural design on the area. This process involved demolishing
many of the seventies-style buildings and replacing them with buildings
similar to the locality. While some buildings utilised modern materials
and reinforced concrete and air-conditioning were deemed a success,
many were judged to have been overdone. Nowadays, an increased
concern for cultural identity is a major issue in the UAE. Researchers in
this field have been calling for a revival of traditional designs. 90
88 Gorat, L. (1982). ‘Meaning in post modern architecture: an examination using the multiple sorting
task’. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 82(2). p3-22.
89 Mahgoub, Y. (1997), op.cit. p16.
90 Mahgoub, Y. (1997), op.cit. p17,18.
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