Architecture in the arab and islamic world

Architecture in the Arab and Islamic world Architecture has remained a cultural aspect which is representative of socio-economic and political diversity across the world. The Islam religion has always reflected a unique architectural design which is influenced by the ancient structure of the mosque. However, the emerging trend of globalization is seen to overcome the religious basis for the observed architectural techniques. A case of the transition from the traditional Islamic architecture towards contemporary globalized approach is a subject under id-depth discussion. Critical evaluation of the articles mentioned below offers an insight into the phenomenal adoption of specific western architecture in the Arab World. This is evident in the current magnificent structures dotting Abu Dhabi in UAE that symbolize ultra-modern architectural design that blend Arab and Western culture.
* January 5-8 | Encounter VI: Contemporary Architecture, Economics of Culture, Tradition Globalized
[Excerpts] Al-Asad, Mohammad. Contemporary Architecture and Urbanism in the Middle East. Gainsville: University Press of Florida, 2012.
The assertion of the author on the historic attachment of Arab architecture on religion bears significant truth. A critical assessment of most of the ancient and some modern Middle East architecture shows indisputable homogeneity in terms of architectural design. In fact, western nations and ancient civilization discusses more architectural borrowing from the Muslims as evidenced in the widespread application of arcs and domes. However, despite geopolitical factors, the pressure of globalization has promoted a paradigm shift towards a culturally tolerant architectural design in Middle East.
Nouvel, Jean. ” The Museum and the Sea.” In Louvre Abu Dhabi: Birth of A Museum, edited by Laurence Des Cars, 22-25. Paris: Flammarion, 2013.
In this article, the observed architectural techniques that deviate from the traditional Arab style that is increasingly dominating the Middle East is a reality. In regard to the captivating architectural set pieces in Abu Dhabi like The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, obvious questions need to be answered in regard to the conservative Arab culture. This has been facilitated by increasing multicultural interaction in the wake of increased campaign for environmental care, space economy and technological explosion as noted by the author.