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Heba Badi Alqub

Masters Abstract

Title: Reviving Traditions and Cultural Values in Contemporary: Arab - Islamic Architecture​


Abstract

Contemporary architecture in the Arab-Islamic World is facing the challenge of finding a

distinctive character that combines both the heritage of the regional building traditions and the

modern society lifestyle. Since there are few clear attempts that aim to articulate an identity for regional architecture, this research investigates the work of the Jordanian architect, Ayman Zuaiter, whose works attempt to integrate the cultural values and traditions with the contemporary Arab-Islamic architecture, and seek to express and represent the spirit, values, and underlying principles of the regional heritage. This study will be based on the analysis of three of Zuaiter’s residential buildings; Al-Tabba’a House, Al-Rumman House, and Zuaiter Family House. The main research question is: How has Zuaiter integrated and translated the cultural values and traditions into these three projects? The research method combines an analysis of each project in terms of cultural context; responding to the site itself (understanding regional and socioeconomic considerations behind forms); concepts and how some techniques helped them appear the way they are; morphological analysis of the buildings (including materials, plans, elevations, details, spatial organizations, and historical precedents); multiple personal interviews with the architect aiming to understand his design strategies to revive traditions; the external influences that affect the design process; and a morphological analysis of the three projects using personal observations, photographing, architectural drawings, and sketches. This study allows for a deeper understanding of design as both method and production, contributing in turn to understanding regional and socio-economic considerations behind forms, and how to connect architecture to its context, people, and heritage.