Open AccessReinterpreting Tradition; Hybridization and Vernacular Expression in Emirati Housing
Author(s) -
Mohamed El Amrousi,
Mohamed Elhakeem,
Paolo Caratelli
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/603/5/052045
Subject(s) - architecture , expression (computer science) , vernacular architecture , urbanism , modernity , abu dhabi , vernacular , space (punctuation) , aesthetics , sociology , architectural engineering , geography , political science , civil engineering , engineering , art , archaeology , law , computer science , literature , metropolitan area , programming language , operating system
Contemporary urbanism and architecture in cities in the United Arab Emirates are becoming more aware of issues such as improving energy consumption and constructing a local identity as mandated in the Abu Dhabi 2030 master plan. Remnants of Emirati heritage is currently being revisited such as the majlis , a space of meeting that was part of local vernacular expression in the UAE, and the liwan , the shaded portico preceding private spaces in the Emirati housing. The majlis provided an autonomous space that retained family privacy by providing a male space on the boundaries of the domestic one. These phenomena are being revived in contemporary architecture signalling their socio-cultural needs that cannot be satisfied by western styled villas. This paper studies contemporary Emirati housing typologies in Abu Dhabi and the emerging hybridization of designs that allow for modifications/cultural expression within their walled boundaries. This research highlights also highlights the re-emergence of the majlis and the liwan as a cultural counter space to the rapid sprawl of modernity in the UAE.