Architexturez. wrote:
The Destruction Of Mecca
Saudi Hardliners Wiping Out Their Own Heritage
Arab architecture being westernised: Expert
Web posted at: 2/22/2006 5:18:23
Source ::: The Peninsula/ by Mohammed Iqbal
DOHA: The new and developing cities in the Gulf would become unsuitable
for living if they continue to imitate the western models of
architecture indiscriminately, a leading international designer warned
yesterday.
Li Edelkoort, a well-known trend forecaster in designing and
architecture is in Doha attending the international design conference,
Tasmeem Doha 2006, being held at the Virginia Commonwealth University of
the School of Arts in Qatar (VCUQ).
"I was in Dubai recently and I felt as if I was in Los Angeles. The Gulf
cities are following westernisation in a bizarre manner," Edelkoort told
The Peninsula on the sidelines of the conference.
....
She called for new models in architecture, combining the old and the
new, the natural and the man-made. "I saw a bird's nest in Luxemburg
garden, which was made of twigs on the outer side while the inner part
was decorated with plastic sticks. I find this a model that designers
can follow," she noted.
cont'd....
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=Qatar+News&month=February2006&file=Local_News2006022251823.xml