Sustainable architecture in the united arab emirates past and present

Paper Title
Sustainable Architecture in the United Arab Emirates:
Past and Present
Theme
Planning for Sustainable
Development
Paper presented to
CAA-IIA International Conference on
Urbanisation and Housing
Date
2-5 October 1997
GOA - India
Author
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
Department of Architectural Engineering
Faculty of Engineering - United Arab Emirates University

Sustainable Architecture in the UAE2
Sustainable Architecture in the UAE: Past and Present
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
**********
Abstract
This paper compares aspects of sustainability in vernacular and modern architecture in
the United Arab Emirates. In vernacular architecture, sustainability is manifested in the
design of buildings, use of materials, environmental and social consciousness. There are
indeed many lessons to be learned from vernacular architecture in the area. On the other
hand, aspects of sustainability are absent from almost all modern buildings in the region
for many reasons: rapid development, use of foreign materials, design methods, and
construction systems all contribute to the absence of sustainability in modern buildings.
Yet, an important aspect contributing to this situation is absence of building codes and
regulations enforcing sustainability in the design and construction of buildings.
The aim of this paper is to illustrate aspects of sustainability in vernacular architecture
compared to absence of sustainability in modern buildings in the region and discuss
prospects of boosting awareness on several levels. To achieve sustainability in future
buildings and environments sustainability should be introduced on the following levels:
1. Building codes and regulations
2. Building construction systems and materials
3. Undergraduate and graduate education
4. Design methods and community participation
The paper concludes with recommendations and proposals to amplify awareness and
implementation of sustainability measures in the design, construction, and education of
architecture in the region.

Sustainable Architecture in the UAE: Past and Present
Dr. Yasser Mahgoub
**********
Introduction
A sustainable society is one that can persist over generations, one that is
far-sighted enough, flexible enough and wise enough not to undermine either
its physical or its social systems of support.1
Sustainable architecture is related to a world wide movement towards sustainability in
all aspects of life. It is the act of building that supports the existence of humanity without
destroying its environmental and cultural context. Some authors consider sustainability
movement as “another step in the process wherein society has moved from a nomadic
hunting order, to an agricultural order, to an industrial order and is currently moving to an
information based order.” 2
In general, it is an attitude and way of thinking and acting
responsibly towards the context of our existence. It is a term that represents the social and
cultural shift in the world order, patterns and styles of living, a new attitude and way of
looking at the world.
This paper compares aspects of sustainability in vernacular and modern architecture in
the United Arab Emirates. It starts by introducing the concept of sustainable architecture
and its relationship to the natural, built, and human environments. In vernacular
architecture, sustainability is manifested in the design of buildings, use of materials,
environmental and social consciousness. There are indeed many lessons to be learned
from vernacular architecture in the area. On the other hand, aspects of sustainability are
absent from almost all modern buildings in the region. Some of the many reasons are:
rapid development, use of foreign materials, design methods, and construction systems all
contribute to the absence of sustainability in modern buildings.
A comparative analysis of different aspects of vernacular and modern architecture in
the region as related to aspects of sustainability, namely: environmental, socio-cultural,
and economic sustainability was conducted in order to illustrate aspects of sustainability
in vernacular architecture compared to absence of sustainability in modern buildings in
the region. The aim of this paper is to discuss prospects of boosting awareness on several
levels of sustainable architecture strategies and concepts.
Theoretical Background
The history of thinking about sustainable development is closely linked to
the history of environmental concern and peoples’ attitudes to nature. Both
represent responses to changing scientific understanding, changing knowledge
about the world and ideas about society.3
Definitions of Sustainable Architecture
The basic definition of the term sustainability is derived from the dictionary word
Sustain meaning: 1. Bear weight of, hold up, keep from falling or sinking (c.f. Support), 2.

Enable to last out, keep from falling, give strength to, encourage, 3. Endure without giving
way, stand, bear up against, 4. Undergo, experience, suffer, 5. Allow validity of, give
decision in favour of, uphold, 6. Bear out, tend to substantiate or corroborate, confirm, 7.
Keep up or represent adequately, 8. Keep going continuously. 4
Sustainable is an
adjective describing an object to which is given support, relief, nourishment, or supplied
with sustenance and thus continuously kept alive or prolonged
The popular interpretation of the words “sustainable architecture”
describes an approach to architectural design that minimizes sustenance or
resource consumption so as to prolong the availability of natural resources.
However, the definition of “sustainable” does not imply a minimization of
sustenance. “Sustainable” simply expresses the fact that resources do maintain
our environment. Sustainable architecture describes the fact that we receive
what we need from the universe. This realization compels us to respond with
care or stewardship in the use of those resources. Sustainable architecture,
then, is a response to an awareness and not a prescriptive formula for
survival.5
Sustainable architecture is part of a larger concern of creating sustainable environment,
which is an environment for human occupation, performance and the support of life to
which sustenance or nourishment is continuously given.
The term “sustainable” does not express the minimization of the
expenditure of those resources necessary for the prolongation of the life. The
term does define the fact that no humanly created environment can survive
without the contributions of the larger natural environment or ecological
systems. Sustainable architecture, then, is a response to an awareness and not
a prescriptive formula for survival.6
Sustainable architecture is sometimes misunderstood as a romantic nostalgia to the past
with its simple and unpolluted vernacular ways of living. On the contrary, sustainability is
a call for an adoption of a new way of thinking and acting responsibly towards the
surrounding environment and the creation of new environments. It is an invitation to
honour the process instead of praising the product. It is important to note here that one
should not expect to reach typical ways of doing things. Each context requires in depth
understanding and acting according to its needs and potentials.
Sustainability is sometimes misunderstood as refraining from taking action and living
passively in order to avoid using up the available limited resources. The Rocky Mountain
Institute defines sustainability as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’.7
This definition stresses the
right of living for present and future generations. It also hints to the impact of
irresponsible rapid development, exhaustive use of resources and environmental pollution
exercised by previous generations after the industrial revolution which affected the living
environment of our present generation. The cry for sustainability in all our aspects of
living is a legitimate one. Sustainability is meeting the needs of present generations
without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.8
Historical Development of Sustainable Architecture
The concept of sustainability (the "S" word) has been around for a long
time, although only recently has it entered popular culture. The modern roots

of sustainability begin in the early 20th century theory of renewable resource
management, most notably in sustainable agriculture and forestry, and in
theories of "sustained yield." The real power of the concept of sustainability
lies in its integration of economic, social, and ecological systems, previously
studied and dealt with separately.9
Until recently the concept of sustainability was addressed separately by many
discipline in an effort to save the environment and natural resources. It was realised that
individual efforts were not sufficient to restore the already damaged environment without
a collaborative effort between all involved disciplines. The concept was expanded to
include all aspects of human existence. In architectures, the modern movement, which
started with the turn o 20th
century, addressed mainly aspects of technology and
industrialisation.
Architecture of the 20th Century began as a celebration of the age of
industry and technology; but this is rapidly changing in response to a new age
of information and ecology. From an ecological perspective, mainstream
architecture for the past two decades has sent out all the wrong messages.
These machine age influences share one thing in common. They embody the
profligate consumption of fossil fuel and a technocentric and anthropocentric
view of human habitat. Particularly from the 1970s to the present, the
celebration of such industrialized features as exposed structural systems, vast
expanses of plate glass, and cantilevered or tilted steel trusses have somehow
become synonymous with "progressive" architectural imagery.10
The concept of sustainable architecture started as an effort to save energy during the
seventies. A return to traditional passive solutions of cooling and heating using
windtowers, earth sheltering techniques and design concepts (ex. courtyard and compact
design). It was also appreciated in all studies of vernacular architecture without directly
addressing the theme of sustainability in vernacular architecture.
The following are major developments of the concept sustainable architecture:
1950’s Interest in Vernacular Architecture
Interest in vernacular architecture started as a reaction to non-human outcome of
modern architecture practices which lasted for 50 years. The celebrated book of Amos
Rapoport “House form and culture 11
” was very influential in focusing attention on
vernacular architecture and its multidimensional meanings including climatic, resources,
and socio-cultural factors.. The significant work of Paul Oliver12
addresses aspects of
vernacular architecture in many parts of the world as social and cultural phenomenon. The
work of Hassan Fathy13
addressed many aspects of the concept sustainable architecture
while developing new villages for Egyptian peasants using available resources, employing
self-help methods, applying vernacular construction techniques, while recognising social
and cultural aspects of architecture.
1970’s Solar Architecture
Previous to the use of the term “sustainable architecture,” the term “solar
architecture” expressed the architectural concept of the reduction of the
consumption of natural resources and fuels. The intent was that we could

conserve our fuel resources through the immediate capture of the available
solar energy through appropriate building design.14
Following the energy crisis in 1973, an energy conservation movement encouraged
innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption and dependency on international oil
supply and increase use of renewable energy sources. The main sources of renewable
energy were solar energy using installations of photovoltaics and wind farms. The energy
conservation movement suggested conscious utilisation of energy sources, acceptance of
less comfort levels, responsible attitude towards the environment.
1980’s Ecological and Environmental Architecture
Ecological and environmental concerns have expanded well beyond the
issue of the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. The massive
consumption of all natural resources during the economic boom of the 1980’s,
both renewable and non-renewable, has placed a severe strain on global
supplies and caused irreparable damage to our atmosphere.15
The energy conservation movement of the 70’s was merged with the economic
development movement of the 80’s in an effort to avoid the disasters of irresponsible
industry based developments of the early 20th
century. An embracing Ecological and
Environmental concern was addressed by many disciplines. In architecture,
Environmental Study areas and courses were established in many university.
1990’s Sustainable Architecture
The modern sustainability movement began when The World Commission
on Environment and Development, through the Brundtland Commission,
released their report Our Common Future in 1987.16
The Brundtland
Commission defined sustainability as "development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs”. The Brundtland Commission tried to reconcile the interests of
economic development with those of environmental conservation. Whereas the
sustained yield perspective of the early 20th century focused on biological
systems, the new theory of sustainability considers human needs and wants as
well as ecological functions and processes.17
The definition of sustainability as "development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” is
accepted world wide. It illustrate a new human consciousness of the historical moment
and conditional existence of our generation. Yet, it requires some elaboration and
clarification.
The Bruntland Report defined the notion of sustainable development that
meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs. As this is a very general statement
it will be necessary to elaborate and define further. One may, for instance,
define sustainable development as the economic, social and environmental
aspirations of groups, which may or may not have economic growth as a
priority. The achievement of these aspirations is subject to a set of conditions.
These include inter-generational equity, which requires that the stock of
environmental resources passed on to the next generation should not inhibit

their aspirations, and intar-generational equity, which seeks to increase the
likelihood that the current aspirations of different groups will be met.18
A wholistic view of sustainability, as opposed to partial views by different disciplines,
pauses a new challenge to all participants in the field. The interdisciplinary approach is
inescapable if all aspects of sustainability are to be addressed in our future solutions.
Since its inception in 1987 through The World Commission on Environment
and Development, sustainability has been embraced by environmental groups,
scientists, government organizations, and various interest groups, as well as
the architectural community.19
The concept of sustainability is addressed by many organisations and individuals in the
field of architecture. The Union of International Architects and the American Institute of
Architects, the most influential organisations in the field, are promoting the application of
sustainable architecture through awards, competitions, and Internet sites. Architect James
Wines of SITE architectural firm, has published a book entitled "New Wave Organic
Architecture- Building Art in the Age of Ecology", for Benedikt Taschen Publishers.
Several milestone events influenced the development of the concept sustainable
architecture. The most influential event was The "World Architecture Congress" in
Chicago. A gathering sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the
International Union of Architects to focus on sustainability. A call for sustainable
communities solutions was issued in hopes of cultivating images which reflect a design-
based integration of the issues. 700 entries from 50 countries were received.
Levels of sustainability
The building of shelter consumes one-sixth of the world's fresh water supply,
one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of its fossil fuels and
manufactured materials. As a result, architecture has become one of the
primary targets of ecological reform. 20
Sustainability is a concept that addresses many levels of our environment. The global
concern of continuous destruction of the Ozon layer, the green house effect, and global
worming reflect the need to address sustainability as related to the planet Earth as a whole.
The impact of environmental pollution, such as oil spills, hazardous waste management,
water pollution, nuclear radiation and acid rain, are addressed on regional levels including
several countries. Consumption of resources, recycling and waste management are
addressed on the country level. The problems of the built environment are addressed on
the city level. On the neighbourhood level, issues of safety, belonging, and services are
the main concern. The building design and behaviour is another important level of the
sustainability concept. Finally, the interior space, where human existence and interaction
takes place is first level of sustainability concept. All these levels are interrelated and
inseparable. Any decision taken on any level affects the other levels considerably.
Aspects of Sustainability
1. Environmental, Planning and Design
Sustainability is generally understood to begin with a concern by humans
for the future of humanity. This anthropocentric view is expanded to include a
concern for all life, with the realization that humans depend on complete and

healthy ecosystems as much as they depend on other humans. This perspective
places a high value on human life, but accepts that human culture ultimately
owes its existence to nature in its entirety.21
The first aspect of sustainability is related to the environment. It deals with the natural
and the built environment. A sustainable approach towards the environment considers
both natural and built environment important parts of the context which we live in. The
natural environment suffered greatly from 20th
industrial and waste management practices.
The natural environment requires attention and careful manipulation especially after our
realisation of its fragility and destructive natures if tampered with. The built environment
is what we build among the natural environment and should, first of all, relate to it. A
large part of the built environment was created according to abstract concepts derived
from the industrial revolution slogans, i.e. “the House is a Machine to Live in” adopted by
Le Corbusier and “Less is More” by Mies van der Rohe. The built environment includes
all levels of urban planning, city planning, urban design, architectural design and interior
design. Both environments should be sustained by our human actions.
2. Psychological, Social and Cultural
Sustainability is part of a trend to once again consider the whole instead of
specifics. Sustainability emphasizes relationships rather than pieces in
isolation. The ecological movement has focused attention during the last
century on the degradation of natural systems. Sustainability brings to light the
connections between natural and human communities, between nature and
culture. Sustainability is not at all about regressing to primitive living
conditions. It is about understanding our situation, and developing as
communities in ways that are equitable, and that make sense ecologically and
economically.22
Sustainability was previously looked at as a concern for the natural environment and
the need to develop better ways to sustain its vitality and conditions. The concept of
sustainability has expanded to include the human environment. This aspect of
sustainability considers psychological, social and cultural aspects of the human existence
as important and intrinsic part in order to create a sustainable environment.
3. Economy and Resources
The management of resources in many parts of the world is an alarming situation. In
many parts of the world, economic resources are spent on present needs and desires
without much consideration to future generations. We will run out of resources at some
point in time if we continue these irresponsible practices. Sustainability is responsible and
conscious management of available resources in order to sustain the existence of our
future generations.

Human
Environment
Built
Environment
Natural
Environment
Ecology
Resources
Climate
Individual
Psychological
Social
Cultural
Urban Planning
Urban Design
Buildings
Interior Spaces
Sustainable
Environment
Figure (1.) Aspects of Sustainability

Comparative Analysis Between Vernacular and Modern
Architecture in The United Arab Emirates
The climate sensitive nature of sustainable design, as well as its awareness
of regional environmental and material concerns, demands a fresh look at the
issue of the vernacular as it pertains to the practice of sustainable building.
The climate and location-centered issues which form the focus of the
traditional vernacular type can generate a new sustainable vernacular
typology which recognizes environmentally based regional concerns.23
The following study compares aspects of sustainability in vernacular and modern
architecture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The hypothesis of this study is that there
is much to learn from vernacular architecture if studied in the light of sustainability
concept. Also, our current practices, which are based on premises of modern architecture,
are becoming obsolete and require major revisions in order to meet the needs for a
sustainable future.
Vernacular and Modern Architecture in The UAE
Architecture in the UAE was influenced by rapid and drastic economic, social and
cultural changes that took place in the Gulf region during the second half of this century.
The discovery of oil with commercial quantities caused an instant growth of national
income. Large size projects and developments were launched in an effort to upgrade the
standard of living of the citizens.
S a u d i A r a b i a
U . A . E .
O m a n
I r a n
P a k i s t a n
Figure (2.) Map of the Gulf Region

Figure (3.) Map of the United Arab Emirates
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular settlements found before the discovery of oil were small and primitive.
They were usually located close to intersections of trading routes or strategic coastal
areas. Abu Dhabi was a small village where coastal tribes settled. Al Ain was an oasis
village rich with water and palm trees. Its dry weather attracted coastal settlers during the
hot humid summer season. Because of its location on the entrance of the curving creek
(Khoor), Dubai acquired an important position and was able to develop an outstanding
trading centre with India for pearl and goods. Other small villages were located in the
routes of trading or near significant coastal areas. Citadels and forts were built for defence
purposes. They were large in size and built using thick walls made of stone with rounded
or square defence towers at each corner. They signified territories and provided refugees
during tribal wars. Mosques were moderate in size, much smaller than the forts, and
located near houses and farms. They were usually rectangular in shape using thick stone
walls. Residential areas containing houses were spread apart allowing different tribal clans
to cluster together and expand their territory as needed. Public areas were available amidst
each cluster allowing social activities to take place.
There were several types of vernacular houses in the region. The traditional tent was
home and shelter for the Bedouins during the winter season. It was carried over camels
during travelling. Made of animals’ skin and hair, it was easy to fold, unfold and move
around. The tent was divided into two parts; one for men and the other for women.
Another tent was used for cooking and storage. The tents were arranged around the
herding area or the oasis forming a circle or square with the Sheikh’s (the head of the
tribe) tent in the middle so that guests could recognise it. During winter season, the tribe

spread over the area wherever food and water were available sometimes half an hour
apart. During the summer season, the Bedouins used to live in shelters called Al Arish
which were made of palm tree leaves. Al Arish was made of two parts: 1) the main area
2x4 meters used for sitting and sleeping, 2) a small area, 2x2 meters used for cooking,
storage and raising of animals. The Bedouins considered Al Arish their second home after
the tent. Permanent houses were made of coral stones or Guss (mud mixture made as
blocks) and covered with palm trees trunks. Winter houses were built near coastal areas,
while summer houses were mainly around palm tree farms.
During the summer season many settlers were forced to leave their coastal settlements
because of heat and humidity. They used to travel to the oasis in the desert where they
collected dates, which was their main crop stored for the winter season. During the winter
season they used to go back to the settlements by the Gulf and resume their normal
activities of travelling, fishing, trading and pearl catching. Privacy was an important factor
in the arrangement of the vernacular houses. The male reception area was separated from
other family private areas. It had direct access from outside without going through the
house The courtyard was an important feature of the house, it occupied half the area of the
traditional house. The courtyard was restricted to family activities and women
socialisation. It was used by women to move between house parts and performed cooking
activities. It provided privacy for women to conduct their social activities, eating, and
sleeping during the hot summer season.
House
Rooms
Courtyard
Kitchen
TentArish
Vernacular Dwellings
Livingroom
Bedroom
Figure (4.) Types of vernacular dwellings
Modern Architecture
After the discovery of oil and the economic prosperity enjoyed by the country there
was an urgent need to build new buildings to meet the new demands of the people.
Planning departments were established to work on planning cities and villages.
Municipalities and Departments of public works were focusing on building public
buildings and housing developments.

Dependency on cars and other means of transportation caused the cities to expand
rapidly. This uncontrolled expansion transformed major cities into metropolitan areas and
changed the traditional life style into a modern one. The government constructed several
public housing projects in different parts of the country. Houses were built and handed to
citizens after completion of construction. The design of these houses was not suitable for
the cultural values and needs of the inhabitants, especially Bedouins who were forced to
settle in these projects. The owners had to make informal additions and changes to the
houses to satisfy their needs.
The Seventies and Eighties witnessed the use of imported architectural styles,
construction systems and building materials. Architects from other Arab countries were
invited to design buildings. They applied their education, knowledge and training in other
parts of the world on the design of these buildings. Following that period, architects from
western countries played a larger role in design and construction of new buildings. The
use of reinforced concrete, new building materials, air-conditioning and construction
technology dominated the practice of architecture. A new trend emerged in the Nineties
with a goal to revitalize the architectural heritage of the past and use its features to stress
identity and architectural style. Many of the buildings which were built during the
seventies were replaced by new buildings using architectural features assumed to be more
related to the region.
Figure (5.) Modern buildings
Aspects of Sustainability in Vernacular and Modern Architecture
1. Natural and Built Environmental Sustainability
1.1. Climate
The climate of the region is of the hot, humid, desert type. The winters are
pleasantly cool and it is at this time that the occasional, erratic rains are most
likely to occur. In summer it is hot, the effect of the high temperature being
aggravated by the very high humidity.24
The climate was a major conditioning factor in the formation of vernacular
architecture. There were several responses to climatic conditions:

1. The courtyard served many purposes in the traditional house. It provided an interior
private open space for family interaction. It also provided enough shading inside the
house.
2. The use of coral blocks dug out from the gulf as building materials in the form of
sixty centimetre thick walls. The walls possessed very low thermal conductivity,
because of the cellular nature of the coral and low density of the bonding sarooj (a
red clay mixed with manure and made into paste with water), which provided good
insulation for interior spaces.
3. The windtower (Barjeel) was used to bring cool breeze into the rooms. Wall
openings provide adequate cross ventilation. The windtowers increased ventilation
and comfort inside the house. They were multi-directional, able to catch the breeze
from whichever direction it might come. Windtowers were placed about fifteen
meters above the ground. At this height wind velocity is about one and half times
greater than at one meter above ground level. At least half the length of the
windtower was an enclosed funnel and air passing down it increases considerably in
velocity. The windtower descends vertically into a room beneath, terminating at just
over two meters above the floor. Much of the flow of air from the windtower was
confined to the area immediately below the tower, for the draught down one side of
the tower is matched by a strong up-flow of air in the side opposite, but the
windtower also creates some air movement in the room as a whole. Traditionally,
cushions were placed beneath the windtower and people sat there for eating and
entertaining.
4. Small openings protected the interior spaces from the harsh sun and glare. They also
provided privacy for the occupants.
5. The Arish - houses made of palm tree reeds- were used in humid areas to allow
adequate ventilation.
Modern buildings are designed as blocks covered with glazed curtain walls. They are
the symbol of modern lifestyle. These buildings are completely dependent on air-
conditioning and artificial ventilation because they were not designed to accommodate the
local climatic conditions. Buildings of this type are consuming large amounts of the
limited non-renewable resources of the country.
Vernacular architecture responses to climatic conditions of the region are excellent
lessons for modern architecture. Micro climate conditions should be examined carefully.
While the country is small in size, it has coastal areas which are hot-humid, desert areas
which are hot-arid, and oasis and mountain areas which are hot only. The weather is hot
six months per year and is pleasant the rest of the year. Consideration of climatic
conditions should be stressed in buildings codes and regulations.

Figure (6.) Model of a vernacular courtyard house
Figure (7.) Windtowers (Barjeel)
Material
Openings
Courtyard
Barjil
VernacularModern
Air condition
Glass
Figure (8.) Modern and vernacular climatic responses
1.2. Building Materials
Use of locally available building materials, such as coral blocks (ex. wall of Sheikh
Saeed), mountain stones (ex. Al Ain forts) palm trees (ex. Arish), animal skin (ex.
Bedouin tents) was a common practice in all vernacular examples. The use of building

material available in the region provided flexible and easy to maintain vernacular
buildings.
Use of imported materials, such as concrete, steel, aluminium and glass (ex. modern
buildings in Abu Dhabi and Dubai), is the common practice in modern architecture. This
dependency on non-renewable imported material, which are not suitable for the climate of
the region, require continuous costly maintenance. While the use of indigenous building
materials is climatically sound, the use of imported materials requires need for air
conditioning and more energy consumption to control the interior environment.
It is not feasible to argue for return to use indigenous building materials in modern
buildings for several reasons. First, indigenous building materials cannot satisfy the new
needs of building forms and functions. Second, it is not possible to provide enough
materials to cover all needed quantities. The lesson learned from using indigenous
building materials is the climatic sustainability of these materials.
1.3. Construction Methods
The houses were individually designed around evolving family requirements
on a plot allocated to the family by the ruling sheikh. The building would be
planned and built by about three masons, with nine or ten labourers, and two
carpenters as and when they were required.25
Simple methods of construction were used to build vernacular buildings. The use of the
traditional foldable tent facilitated the movement of Bedouins from one place to another.
Construction methods used to construct the houses and forts were simple, easy to
implement and manipulate. Thick bearing walls were used to support roofs made of trees’
trunks. Indigenous construction methods adhered to the needs of the society and climate.
The use of the folded tent facilitated movement from one place to another. The use of
coral blocks provided good insulation for interior spaces.
In the case of modern architecture, sophisticated methods are imported for the
construction of buildings especially high rise buildings which require advanced
technology and skilled labours. Modern construction methods do not allow traditional
lifestyle to continue. For example, the traditional Bedouin lifestyle disappeared after
settling them in planned villages and communities.
Again, like the case of traditional building materials, reuse of traditional construction
methods is no longer feasible. Yet, there should awareness of consequences of selection of
methods. The development of building codes that support different forms of lifestyles is a
challenge.
1.4. Building Design
The design of vernacular houses was introvert with rooms overlooking an interior
courtyard. This courtyard provided an adequate climatic and social solution. The
courtyard provided adequate shading and privacy in an open space. Exterior openings
were very small preventing the interior spaces from the harsh climatic conditions.
Terraces and balconies were overlooking the interior courtyard.
Modern buildings follow international architectural trends found in other parts of the
world, especially western countries. Houses are extrovert; built as villas overlooking the
outside garden with balconies and large glass windows. They do not provide an adequate

level of privacy for the occupants. Balconies are rarely used and the windows are usually
covered with heavy curtains.
Aspects of sustainability in vernacular architecture design are applicable to modern
architecture design. A careful re-examination of the value of the courtyard as a climatic
and social solution is urgently needed. Also, a revision of building codes and regulations
currently applied in the area which produce the built environment is required. Most of
currently used building codes are imported from other countries without examination of
their relevance to regional conditions and needs.
Courtyard
Vernacular
House Design
Modern House
Design
House
HouseGarden
Figure (9.) Modern and Vernacular house design
1.5. Planning
Neighbourhood planning and design was the product of social relationships and
cultural evolution. The organic pattern of neighbourhood planning provided different
spaces and atmospheres for living. Public and private spaces were clearly defined and
respected. This type of planning provided environments according to human needs and
evolution of human relationships. Vernacular communities were nuclear communities
expanding as the communities grew and new families formed. The streets were narrow, 3
to 4 meters in width, providing a convenient space for people to walk and interact. Public
spaces were provided away from the houses for tribal gathering and activities. Each clan
of a tribe used to cluster together in neighborhoods providing alliance and territoriality for
its members. These were important aspects of group relationships with status and power
implications.
Automobile dependant planning results, as in other parts of the world, monotonous and
repetitive pattern of community design. Sense of community is lost due to repetition of
surrounding environment. Planning for automobile dependant society produces large scale

environments which do not encourage human interaction. Modern developments are linear
requiring consumption of more resources for infrastructure and transportation. They are
ready made as end products allowing very little user participation in planning and design
phases. Planning for automobiles only creates environments hostile to human beings.
Neighbourhood design should consider the people, not the automobiles, as its focal point.
Adequately shaded pedestrian walkways, playing areas for children, public spaces suitable
for social interaction and separation between vehicular and pedestrian walkways should
be stressed.
Vernacular SettlementsModern Developments
Highway
Houses
Services
Road
Settlement
Figure (10.) Modern and vernacular Planning
VernacularModern
Figure (11.) Modern and vernacular neighbourhood design

2. Psychological, Social and Cultural Sustainability
2.1. Privacy
Several levels of privacy were present in vernacular communities. The first level was
the privacy of the community itself which provided protection and prescribed acceptable
social behaviours for members of the tribes, kinship, or families. The second level of
privacy was provided by the house design which, through the courtyard, provided privacy
to the family and its members. Thick walls and small openings provided an intimate level
of privacy in interior spaces for the individual. There was a clear differentiation between
private and public space as related to visual, acoustic, and climatic conditions.
The houses were designed both to accommodate extended families and to
provide proper privacy for the women according to Moslem tradition. The
women’s freedom of movement and behaviour within the courtyard was a
measure of the exclusion of the outside world from the home.26
Modern architecture does not adhere to the vernacular levels of privacy. They regard
the individual as a generic -standard - occupant and user. The levels of privacy provided
in modern architecture are reflections of the designer’s cultural background, point of view
and personal experience. To achieve the desired levels of privacy, the individual employ’s
measures such as fencing and avoidance of use. This mismatch between the designer’s
intentions and the users’ needs result superfluous utilisation of spaces and resources.
Privacy is an important psychological need for individuals and society. To achieve
good understanding of individuals and community privacy needs and means of achieving
it, research studies should be conducted to explore these issues. Also, absence of native
architects and researchers in the Seventies -during the construction boom in the area
following the international oil crisis- contributed to the production of architecture that
does not adhere to the needs of the society. Again, building codes and regulations
implemented during this period of time was borrowed from other countries carrying with
them needs and customs of other societies.
2.2. Desires
Vernacular architecture satisfied the unpretentious desires of the individuals and
society. As in other vernacular examples, there was a shared image of what the house
should be and how it should be built.27
Modern architecture does not satisfy the continuously changing desires of individual
and society. Those desires are shaped by social pressures, media, and other means of
commercial advertisement. There is always more to pursue, which adds pressure to the
already hectic life of the individual. Buildings that were built in the Seventies are being
demolished because of their poor images. They are replaced by fancy looking buildings
covered by glass and coloured aluminium sheets.
2.3. Identity
There was no need to implement any measures to ensure relevance of identity in the
community. Identity was a natural by product of actions taken by the community during
the evolution of vernacular settlements. There was no need to impose an architectural
style, character, or use certain architectural features or elements to produce a desired
identity. Eclecticism was a common practice in many vernacular examples. Due to strong

ties with Southeast Asian countries, many architectural features were borrowed and used
in vernacular settlements.
To achieve the image of modernity in modern buildings, many modern buildings are
built using brick and concrete and covered with glass panels. They lack identity and
belonging to the surrounding environment. Many measures are enforced to ensure
presence of desired identity in the modern built environment. These measures include
committees enforcing building codes and character to ensure achieving a desired identity
in new buildings. The result is a collection of unrelated buildings and a mix of styles and
characters depending on the designers and committees’ approvals. Many features that are
enforced by these committees are not related to the vernacular architecture of the region
and are borrowed from other places.
Figure (12.) Images of Architectural features character
2.4. Religion
Placed within a walking distance from all the houses, the mosque was the centre of the
vernacular community. It provided spiritual as well as educational services to the
community in the form of Alkuttab, the traditional one-room school.
Modern planning replaces the traditional mosque with the school in the heart of the
community. The school seizes the role and place of the religious building. City design
does not satisfy individuals’ needs of living close to the mosques. Therefore individuals
build mosques close to their home. Numerous mosques sometime across the street from
each other are being built by individuals. While the mosque might be within a walking
distance according to planning standards, the harsh weather encourages people to go by
automobiles and discourages walking.
In an Islamic society, the mosque should be viewed as the centre of the community not
as a service to be provided later. The so-called planning standards that are applied and
taught in architectural schools should be revised and adapt to the local needs of the
community. Planning standards and building codes should sustain local environmental,
social and cultural needs.

Vernacular SettlementsModern Developments
Neighborhood
School Mosque
Settlement
Figure (13.) Modern and vernacular Planning
2.5. Family
Vernacular houses provided adequate setting for family living and child rearing. The
large size and design of the house allowed formation of new families within the same
space. Extended families lived for years together and the elderly were taken care by the
young. Women had adequate space and privacy inside the courtyard. The house was
evolving with the growing family needs and development.
The government provides the citizens with modern houses. Modern houses are
provided with all sophisticated facilities. The houses are designed as end products not
allowing its residents to modify or change them.
2.6. Community Lifestyle
Many of the inhabitants were Bedouins raising herds of animals in the desert. The tent
was their house during long exhausting trips to arable lands. All Bedouins became settlers
under new schemes to settle the Bedouins in new communities. These schemes resulted in
the disappearance of this life style.
The worst impact of planned development is disappearance of human life styles
without allowing them the opportunity to evolve naturally. The Bedouins, the traditional
inhabitants of this region, are no longer living there because of enforced social and
planning schemes. The argument is not for preservation of inadequate living conditions,
rather the argument is that people should be given the chance to evolve and adapt to new
conditions. They should also be allowed freedom of choice between different lifestyles.
3. Economic Sustainability
3.1. Resources
The resources of the vernacular were renewable. Building materials were available
everywhere, construction method and house design were shared by everyone. Modern
architecture requires the use of numerous resources, many of which are not available in
the region. Building materials, construction methods, workforce, and building design are
all imported from foreign countries. While the revenues of local resources are high at this
moment, they are limited and non-renewable.

3.2. Consumption
Consumption of resources was very limited. The number of inhabitants was small and
the resources were very limited. The inhabitants used the available resources efficiently in
order to survive the difficult conditions.
Consumption of local resources is very rapid. Little attention is given to issues of
recycling and reuse of waste materials.
Conclusions
The best buildings of the future will interact dynamically with the climate in
order better to meet the users’ needs and make optimum use of energy.28
Absence of awareness in a period of booming development contributed to the creation
of an environment that resembles other environments without much concern to the context
of the region. New awareness towards the significance of environment, conservation and
sustainability concepts should be encouraged in order to replace improper practices
towards the environment.
We must address the issues of sustainability in our architecture, urban design and
planning projects. We need a long term view of how to implement sustainable strategies,
not the fulfilment of immediate physical satisfaction.
Sustainability is by nature "an architecture". If we are to achieve it, we must
concretely engage the design issues associated with material selection, water
runoff and collection, solar thermal access/collection/storage, wind sheltering
and ventilation flow management, daylight access and distribution, land form,
soil structure, and vegetative resource; we must address, more fully, the
underlying influence(s) of political, economic and social issues comprising the
cultural and spiritual landscape -- in which the desire to achieve sustainability
in itself reflects such a significant value shift.29
Barriers of achieving sustainable architecture
1. Attitudes towards vernacular architecture
Attitude towards the past represented by vernacular architecture is hindering
appreciation of the significance of it s environmental solutions. Many vernacular
buildings are being transformed into museums but they are not regarded as viable
solutions to our current situation.
The folk tradition is the direct and unselfconscious translation into physical
from of a culture, its needs and values- as well as the needs, dreams and
passions of a people. The Folk tradition is more closely related to the culture
of the majority and life as it is really lived than is the grand design tradition
which represents the culture of the elite.30
2. Lifestyle based on convenience and total comfort.
In many Gulf countries, there is a total reliance on non-renewable energy intensive
HVAC systems replaced climate sensitive vernacular design with buildings which ignored
the implications and potential of climate due to the availability of mechanical and
electrical systems and inexpensive energy. Such building design practices persist despite
increased energy costs and environmental awareness. This type of design approach built

an expectation of guaranteed all-season comfort, with minimal intervention by the
occupant. The invention of computerized thermostats increased the passive role of the
occupant. This “lifestyle,” based on convenience and total comfort, has perhaps become
one of the greatest barriers to the widespread adoption of both passive and sustainable
design principles.31
Sustainable design requires a fundamental change in mind-set and a
change in values toward less consumption and less comfort. We have to accept reduction
in expected comfort levels, in comparison with accepted comfort criteria in mechanically
heated and cooled buildings.
A more romantic notion of sustainability leads to fairly significant lifestyle
implications and the acceptance that indoor comfort levels will vary with the
external conditions in summer and winter and that they will be affected
significantly by the users’ active participation in drawing the shades, opening
and closing windows and doors, firing the heater, conserving hot water, etc.
Passive buildings require active users.32
3. Building codes.
In many Third World countries, implementation of inadequate building codes and
regulations which were imported from Western countries during colonialisation, created a
built environment alien and hostile to the localities. A major revision of those building
codes and regulations is long overdue. As suggested earlier, sustainability is achieved
through a process that ensures it implementation in all stages of development.
Sustainability refers to a process and an attitude or viewpoint towards the future.
Rather than signalling a return to subsistence living, sustainability means
an increase in quality and standard of living. The key to sustainable
architecture is recognizing our position as temporary towards our
environment. The better we as architects understand and implement our
stewardship of the built environment, the greater the quality life we, and future
generations, will enjoy.33
4. Economic stability
There is a myth that implementation of sustainable strategies would reduce
consumption of oil and hence reduce income and dependency on oil. This viewpoint
ignores the importance of reducing oil consumption for the benefit of future generations.
Instead of striving to achieve high income today, we should work on maintaining modest
income for a longer period of time.
Recommendations and Proposed Action
In order to achieve a sustainable architecture, the following measures should be
implemented:
1. Revision of Planning Standards
The so-called planning standards that are applied and taught in architectural schools
should be revised and adapt to the local needs of the community. Most of these standards
were borrowed from western countries during colonialisation period and are still active
until today. Planning standards and building codes should sustain local environmental,
social and cultural needs.

2. Revision of Building Codes
Along with planning standards, building codes and regulations should be updated and
improved in order to meet the changing needs of the society and environment. Many of
these building codes were designed to meet the needs of cold weather regions and specific
social needs of western countries.
3. Improving Architectural Design and Practice
We need to absorb the concept of sustainable architecture into the design process of
professional practice. A regional approach to architectural design should incorporate all
aspects of sustainability.
4. Architectural Education
We should introduce the concept and issues of sustainability in our architectural
education. Our architectural curricula should address all aspects of sustainability as an
overriding concept that influences all our design decisions. There are several strategies to
incorporate the concept of sustainability in our curricula.
The need to introduce issues of sustainable design into architectural
curricula is becoming vitally important. The use of solar and climate sensitive
design strategies in buildings has become the essential starting point for
sustainable architecture since the introduction of these topics into
architectural curricula in the 1970’s. Such climate sensitive strategies can be
characterized to support either passive solar design or active solar and wind
design. Passive and active design do not in and of themselves constitute
sustainability, but they can be seen as vital supporters of sustainable design. It
is important that educators understand the full potential of sustainable design
through experiencing the active participation of the sustainable lifestyle. The
relevance of this type of sustainable living experience is becoming more widely
recognized. Such involvement will not only ask of educators that they practice
what they preach, but will allow professors to understand the implications and
potential engendered by complete sustainable living—Passive + Active +
Participation- and take an active role in the creation of a new sustainable
vernacular.34
We should allow changes to take place in our architectural curricula on the following
levels:
1. Study and selection of construction materials
2. Development of sound design concepts
3. Development of appropriate building construction details
4. Quantity surveying and assurance of quality performance
5. Study aspects of maintenance and durability of buildings
6. Study energy consumption, conservation and effectiveness in buildings
7. Finally, stress quality more than quantity.
While educating architectural students seems difficult, educating practitioners is more
challenging and rewarding. We should not neglect the large number of graduates and
practitioners who have direct influence on what is being produced today. Post graduate

studies, workshops and seminars should address the immediate needs of practising
architects in order to be able to transform their current practices in sustainable ones.
The industrial revolution and the resulting international/modernist
movement in architecture was highly integrated with the technical questions
raised, and the opportunities presented, by new means of construction. Our
current situation is no different. Sustainability provides the window of
opportunity for demonstrating how the integration of technical issues can
reveal new design/artistic/stylistic inspirations. Unless as a profession we can
shift the popular image of our work from the "beautification of buildings" to
the "management by design" of energy, economic and environmental resources
in service to the individual and societal aspirations, we miss our opportunity of
assuring the profession's future.35
5. New avenues for architectural research
We should encourage research on sustainable architecture and use of environmental
measurements to study vernacular and modern architecture. Research findings that are
supported by advance environmental measurements have significant impact. For example,
the audience at the American Solar Energy Society’s Annual Conference in July 1995,
‘Solar 95’, was captivated by John Reynolds’ (University of Oregon) study of temperature
patterns in vernacular Spanish courtyards in Cordoba. The Reynolds study36
, with
temperature data collected using “hobos,” (a hobo is a portable data logger which is able
to collect air temperature, relative humidity or daylight, at specific selected time intervals.
The information can then be downloaded into a computer for analysis) documented
courtyard temperatures in the mid 80’s, as compared with adjacent street temperatures in
the mid to high 90’s. The passive cooling was achieved through high mass and
evaporative cooling (fountains and watering of plants). The courtyard felt adequately
comfortable in comparison to the adjacent urban environment, in spite of recording
temperatures at least 10 degrees F higher than would be expected in a mechanically
cooled building, and measured conditions at the high end of the accepted comfort zone.37
The images of the lush foliage and cool comfort of the courtyard contrasted the harsh heat
of the urban surroundings. No energy dependent systems were employed to achieve
comfort—rather, natural cooling principles, foliage and water.38
6. Use and Reuse of Economic Resources
Consumption of limited resources should be addressed on all levels. We should use
alternative energy sources to preserve our limited resources for future generations. The
“RE” words are numerous; REcycle, REuse, REstore, REnew, REscue, REgenerate, and
REcover.
7. Implementing Sustainability Strategies
What is needed are methodologies which inform decision-making in support
of achieving sustainability.39
Sustainability is usually attacked as “romantic slogan” with no specific agenda for
action. There are two main strategies for implementing sustainability concept: active and
passive strategies. While active strategies focus on implementing the adoption of alternate
energy “systems”, passive systems focus on the adoption of “principles” of design to
reduce energy requirements.

Full sustainability will not be possible without a comprehensive and
strategic adoption of both active and passive systems. These strategies need to
be seen as complementary and interdependent, a positive product of their
apparent diametric opposition. The implementation of active systems, if
coupled with an education towards the adoption of vernacular based passive
strategies, will be able to better reduce the overall consumption of energy. A
comprehensive approach to sustainable design, with active user participation,
will enable renewable energy sources to more easily meet demand levels. In
this way, passive and active design strategies can act to support the creation of
a new sustainable vernacular, based on an inclusive bioclimatic approach to
architectural design.40
Passive strategies can be viewed as: a holistic approach to design to reduce the use of
electricity and general energy consumption, the use of natural systems versus high tech
dependency, an emulation of the purity and successes of vernacular construction for
heating and cooling, an architecture which in its response to climate involves the total
design of a building and its site, passive solar design strategy, as an aspect of sustainable
building design, requiring active user participation to ensure effectiveness and
consistency, a return to the rustic, simplified lifestyle, back to earth, and essentially a
romantic view.
Active strategies are technology dependent solutions. The use of active systems can
effectively alleviate the pressure on non-renewable energy sources—independent of
architectural form and without radically altering occupant lifestyle or level of comfort.
Active systems have been presented as technological solutions which can effectively
alleviate the pressure on non-renewable energy sources—without a major change in
building design strategies or occupant lifestyle. Active strategies can be viewed as:
systems oriented, incrementally adaptable to the community requirements, the generation
of electricity via photovoltaics and wind to reduce dependence on grid based electricity,
climate dependent installations based on the availability of solar radiation and wind,
applications currently limited as a product of initial capital costs, long term benefits as a
result of low operating and maintenance costs, active solar and wind strategies as an
aspect of sustainable building design, and a pragmatic solution that can operate effectively
independent of active user participation.
Toward A New Vernacular
Sustainable architecture and developments are in the process of creating
new forms of climate-sensitive vernacular for the 21st
century.41
The future of architecture will not depend on styles and fashion promoted by
consumerism and media. It will depend on sincere application of sustainable strategies
and the achievement of successful regional environmental solutions. We will be able to
appreciate and enjoy diversity instead of being contained in monotony and uniformity.

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