Modern Architecture in the United Arab Emirates Research Paper

Introduction

Modern architecture is a broad term which has been used to refer to works of architecture which were developed from the 20^th century. There is no specific definition of modern architecture considering the vastness of the architectural field. However, from a broad perspective, modern architecture refers to architectural works which have combined principles of architecture with advancement of technology. The United Arab Emirates has in particular embraced modern architecture and this is very evident in their high-class state of art buildings in most of their cities. This discussion looks at some of the buildings in the United Arab Emirates that are classified as modern and what makes these buildings stand out. In addition, this discussion will also look at what distinguishes modern architecture from traditional one. Is it function or form?

Dubai Architecture

The architecture in Dubai especially for the last twenty years has become a phenomenon so much so that it has contributed greatly to the growth and development of this country and especially in terms of the economy. Besides contributing to the economy of the country, modern architecture is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Dubai. What makes Dubai architecture quite unique is the fact that it has blended architecture from traditional Islam and trends from Europe to come up with designs that are quite popular worldwide. Looking at most historical buildings like mosques, the unique works of architecture are quite evident

It is also evident that pretty much of the designs that make works of architecture in United Arab Emirates are a representation of the culture in this country which is not only vibrant but rich as well. Buildings that were constructed even before modern architecture came into being are still present in this country with forts and citadels that were built many years ago still intact. During this era, some of these buildings were built for purposes of providing defense and decades after, these buildings still stand strong. One of the oldest forts in Dubai is known as Husn of Abu Dhabi which is said to have been put up in the 18^th century with main aim of providing protection to the only well in the city at the time (Damluji, 2006, p. 123).

Modern Buildings in United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa

Cited as the tallest building in the entire world, Burj Khalifa is a magnificent piece of architectural work which has placed Dubai in the world map as a country that has the greatest pieces of architectural work. Works on this state of art of building began in the year 2004 and was completed in the year 2009. The project of erecting this building is said to have cost a whooping US $1.5 billion making it one of the most expensive buildings the world over (Petersen, 2002, p. 12). The design of this building is largely borrowed from the traditional forms of Islamic culture. The main architect in this work says that when selecting the design of this building, historical as well as cultural considerations of Dubai were the key determinants. The building is Y-shaped and it has been said that this was done deliberately to make it ideal for both hotel and residential usage. The wings that characterize the building also ensure that one has a good view of the outside while ensuring that enough light gets to the building

Emirates Office Tower

It is also referred to as Emirates office one. It is one of the modern buildings in Dubai which has 54 floors and it is an office building (Colquhuon, 2002, p.76). This 54-floor building is connected with yet another building that has 56 floors. This building is known as Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel making the two buildings as one building which has come to be popularly known as the complex of Emirates Towers. This building has been ranked 19^th among the tallest buildings worldwide. The constructions works came to a close in the year 1999.

Form Follows Function

This is a principle that has been highly associated with modern architecture. It simply means that the design of any architectural work will by and large be determined by the purpose or the function for which that work of architecture is tended (Filler, 2007, p. 567). That brings us to yet another pertinent issue of distinguishing traditional and modern architecture. It has been debated time and again on whether it is the form or the function that distinguishes modern architecture from the traditional one. It therefore comes out clearly that it could be both since one is following the other. Primarily however, form is the main aspect that distinguishes modern and traditional with modern architecture taking a slightly different form from the one taken by traditional architecture.

Importance of modern architecture in modern society

Modern architecture has proven to be of great importance to contemporary society in more than one way. Going back to the United Arab Emirates which seems to be the origin of modern architecture, there is clear indication of how much modern architecture has boosted the economy of Dubai due to their magnificent buildings. In addition, the tourism of this country has equally been improved more than perhaps the government could have imagined a couple of years back (Frampton, 2007, p. 451). Other countries like Egypt which is also known for traditional forms of architectural designs continues to reap heavily the benefits of modern architecture. In the world today almost every country both developed and developing cannot lack a couple of buildings which would be classified under modern architecture. This goes to show that slowly, other countries of the world have begin appreciating the beauty and magnificence of modern architecture as well as the handsome benefits they can reap for investing in modern architecture.

Conclusion

Architecture has undergone tremendous and immense growth over the years to be where it is today. Although modern architecture is said to have started around 20^th century, researches indicate that it had actually began much earlier but pretty much of the work was still on paper in form of designs. It is not until the 20^th century that this work came to be implemented and modern buildings were put up. Even after this, modern architecture has continued to grow and architects keep advancing the work as a way of improving or building on what is already considered beautiful.

It is a big lesson for many countries and especially those in the third country that architecture is a profitable way in which they can invest and reap big. Due to the benefits that United Arab Emirates are enjoying the life of the citizens of this country has been greatly transformed. Other countries should therefore follow suit and they will no doubt reap huge benefits as well.

References

Colquhuon, A. (2002). Modern architecture. London: Oxford University Press.

Damluji, S. (2006). The architecture of United Arab Emirates. London: Garnet

Filler, M. (2007). Makers of modern architecture. New York: New York Review Books.

Frampton, K. (2007). Modern architecture: a critical history. New York: Thames& Hudson.

Petersen, A. (2002). Dictionary of Islamic architecture. London: Routledge.