THE DETERMINANTS OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM IN MODERN BUILDINGS WITHIN THE ARAB-WORLD

Throughout the Arab World there are many fine examples of how man has ingeniously created buildings which not only provide an enduring practical utility but an aesthetic for which Islamic architecture is well renowned. Currently there is a danger that because the economic situation of major oil producing states has dramatically changed in such a short time, rapid development will neglect the lessons enshrined in not only the heritage of Islamic architecture but of world architecture and adopt a solely modern technological approach. The cornerstone of this thesis is that human development is the main priority. Buildings should enrich the lives of people and for this they need to be in harmony with the climate and the uses for which they are built and the culture that has evolved. Starting with a succinct review of Islamic architecture, comparisons are made with other kinds of architecture in order to distill the basic ingredients of architectural form which work in different climates. A climatic analysis is made of the countries comprising the Arab world so that a pattern of factors can be established for consideration in any new building design. As fossil fuel resources are depleted and populations grow, buildings will need to become less fuel dependent. Aspects of energy options and low energy building design are discussed.