Monday 25 September 2023 - 10:12:47 am
Sun 14-04-2019 15:38 PM
ABU DHABI, 14th April, 2019 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development has announced the launch of the 'UAE Architecture Initiative' to promote the country's architectural heritage among local, regional, and international audiences.
To carry out the project, the ministry signed strategic partnerships with a number of government and academic institutions. The UAE Architecture Initiative aims to document the country's modern architectural heritage, as well as improving the UAE's architectural and urban planning expertise and insights within the local context.
Commenting on the project, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, said, "The UAE Architecture Initiative is in line with our strategic objectives to preserve and document the country's architectural heritage for the benefit of future generations. Architecture reflects the UAE’s progress, evolution, and lifestyle, while highlighting the beauty, design and simplicity of architectural styles that prevailed in the past."
"Our strategic partnership with a number of our national and academic institutions will contribute to chronicling the heritage of the past, and contributes to the development of rich content that highlights the urban landscape, explores the effects of urbanisation on daily life and revives old architectural styles in contemporary designs," noted Al Kaabi.
Among the projects launched within the architecture initiative is the Zayed Architecture Research Institute, which will provide opportunities for research, knowledge development, and community outreach on UAE architectural topics through specific initiatives such as a specialised UAE Architecture course.
The Institute will be responsible for managing and updating the UAE Architecture Index - a comprehensive architectural database and an open-source research reference that combines current and new research on the built environment in the country. It will also oversee new research projects, publishing works, presenting them to the general public and accepting submissions from collaborating organisations.
The initiative also includes an exhibition and the publication of a booklet entitled, "Zayed's Homes: Architecture of Desert Democracy".
