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The phenomenon of expressing cultural identity in architecture is observed in many parts of the world. An understanding of this phenomenon is required in order to comprehend its impact on the cultural sustainability of the built environment. In Kuwait, architecture has passed through dramatic transformations during the second half of the 20th century that were the result of economic, regional and global changes. This paper examines how cultural identity is being expressed in architecture in the context of Kuwait. It focuses on the actors; the architects, and the strategies they use in expressing cultural identity in architecture. The research was supported by a grant from Kuwait University Research Administration. The aim of the research was to understand the views and current efforts for achieving cultural identity in architecture in Kuwait. A survey of the views of a sample of practicing architects was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Several architects were selected for the purpose of an in depth study using focused interviews method. Examples of their projects were analyzed to illustrate their views and ways of thinking. Another survey was conducted using a more visual standardized questionnaire to understand the views of an equal sample of non-architects. The analysis of data revealed several important findings. The study concluded that there were several strategies employed by Kuwaiti architects to express a Kuwaiti cultural identity in their work. It also highlighted several differences and commonalities between architects and non-architects regarding the meaning of cultural identity in architecture. The study is useful for practitioners and critics to understand the current trend towards achieving cultural identity in contemporary architecture and it impact on the cultural sustainability of the built environment in Kuwait and other Gulf countries.

Stream: Cultural Sustainability

Paper: Cultural Sustainability and Identity

Received B.Sc. in Architecture from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt in 1978. Practiced and taught architecture from 1978 to 1984 in Cairo, Egypt. Received Doctorate of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA in 1990. Practiced and taught architecture from 1990 to 1993 in Cairo, Egypt. Assistant professor of architecture at the United Arab Emirates University from 1993 to 1999. Associate professor of architecture at Ain Shams University in 1999. Assistant Professor of Architecture at Kuwait University from 1999 to date. Conducted research and published papers in regional and international journals focusing on architecture in Egypt, UAE and Kuwait. Perceiving architecture as a social and cultural phenomenon allows a comprehensive understanding and interpretation that relates architecture to people and context. See CV for details.
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