Effect of Globalization on Qatar Architectural Identity - Case Study Example

Effect of Globalization on Qatar Architectural Identity al Affiliation: In the past five decades, the architectural sector in Qatar has experienced immense changes resulting from globalization. This has led to the loss of its identity. In order to understand the extent of these changes, this research conducted a survey which collected the opinion of different stakeholders in the architectural industry. The results indicated that people are now inclined towards modernism. In addition, the demand for houses and other mega projects has created an opportunity that have flocked the country and the industry in general. However, in order to retain the identity especially for the future generation, all stakeholders must ensure that it is incorporated in the curriculum. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Introduction In the past five decades, the world has experienced high levels of globalization. These result from liberalizations of markets, efficient flow of information, and integration of economies. Media flows and technological breakthroughs such as internet and TV have made it easy for people in Qatar to share ideas with their counterparts who are located in different parts of the world. This has created a global culture which has led to erosion of the local culture which was unique to the local population. The architectural sector has been largely affected by these changes of events. Initially, architectures were using specific designs that were unique to the Qatari people. This made the country unique. The social aspects of the local people were taken into consideration when designing new buildings, roads, etc. This played a significant role in maintaining the country’s identity. People felt connected to the local designs. However, globalization has opened up boundaries for the local people to move to different parts of the world (Ljungstrom, 2013). However, Qatar has also experienced an influx of foreigners who have introduced new designs in the architectural sector. In addition, people have access to internet and social media. As a result, they are able to interact with other people across the world, an aspect that has changed their perception towards the local identity. As a result, they have started to adopt change. This has forced the industry to look for innovative ideas which will attract the attention of the local people. Literature Review Over the years, Qatar was little known for its Architectural innovativeness. People were using similar designs to develop their towns. The architectural sector was less developed and people working in this sector were not flexible. As a result, they were not willing to adapt to changes despite other countries recording remarkable growth in this sector. The information flow in the country was very minimal. The countries communication infrastructure was very poor. In addition, the architectural course was rigid. Therefore, the review of the curriculum was very hard. Students were taught on how to use the existing designs. They were not on how to be creative. As a result, there were no new designs that were developed (Lockerbie, 2013. The students who were absorbed in the sector continued with what their predecessors were doing, i.e. to ensure that the architectural identity of the country was passed to the next generation. Initially, residents of Qatar depended on fishing and other small activities that did not necessitate major constructions and infrastructure. Roads were less developed and the demand for high-rise buildings was less. However, in 1950s, the global competition intensified. Oil mining gained ground in the country and many multinational companies opted to set a base in the country in order to tap into these opportunities. The demand for space intensified an aspect that led to the outburst of the real estate sector (Maimani, Al Nimaa, Khalfani, & Al-Fadala, 2014). Many of the foreigners who became citizens of Qatar wanted to have a home feeling even in the country. As a result, they opted for buildings that had western designs. This aspect revolutionalized the architectural sector in Qatar and especially Doha. In 1950-1970s, urban transformation was uncoordinated. However, new infrastructure projects started replacing the old and poorly planned buildings, settlement, and villages. The government started taking the mantle in order to avoid the mushrooming of slums. Doha started experiencing major changes in the architectural sector. Airports and offices became major necessities in the city. Live in the city started becoming hard for the poor who were later pushed away to villages outside the city. The town started being flocked by foreigners and middle class people (Frost & White, 2014. The demand for quality residential buildings increased an aspect that forced the architectural sector to adopt changes in order to remain relevant. More people started adopting changes and designs that were from the west and other Asian countries. People started viewing the previous designs as outdated and lacking modernity. The designs started being associated with the illiterate and less fortunate in the society (Wiedmann, Salama, & Thierstein, 2012). Research Questions How architectural identity changed? What is the implication of the change for the identity of Qatari identity? How has the industry adapted to change? What forces have shaped the change? What recommendations can be advanced to guide the future direction of change? Hypotheses The following hypotheses were raised from the research questions: H01: Globalization has no significant change on Qatari Identity H02: There is no significant implication of change for the Qatari Identity H03: There is no significant adaption to change by the industry Methodology In order to get in-depth information concerning the topic of study, a survey on the recent buildings in Qatar will be conducted. In addition, views of the architects will be collected. This will be significant in identifying whether the new buildings only observed the traditions of Qatari people or whether they were influenced by outside forces and ideas. In addition, the views of the people who have been in the industry for a long term will be important in understanding whether they have noted the difference between the current designs and those that were being used five decades ago. This will form a strong base for making a holistic conclusion. The research will also use secondary sources in order to understand the views of other interested parties concerning the topic of study. This will be significant in comparing the results obtained with those of other researchers. Some of the secondary sources that will be used include books, journals, newspapers, and reports by credible organizations and research groups. This will expand the dimensions of looking at the topic of study, an aspect that will enable the researcher to come up with a well informed conclusion. Results Results indicate that 9 out of 10 architects believe that the architectural sector has experienced immense changes especially in the past two decades. They believe major cities such as Doha, Al Wakair, Abu az Zuluf, Abu Thaylah, etc. are the major beneficiaries of the new revolution. However, they are convinced that the Qatar architectural identity is still maintained in the villages and settlements where people are not quick to adopt changes. Therefore, the cities in Qatar have joined other global cities across the world in adopting the new global culture. This has led to erosion of the previous identity. According to the results, 60% of the respondents believe that technology and integration of the economy has resulted to erosion of Qatari architectural identity. Many argued that currently, the level of competition in the construction industry has increased tremendously. As a result, each architect is trying to lure more customers through modern designs. In addition, 30% percent believes that population pressure has forced the industry to look for better ways to cater for the increasing demand. As a result, there are a high number of skyscrapers in the cities. Discussion Qatar architectural identity changed after western consultants became highly involved in different urban projects. In 1980s, the government wanted to build high quality structures that would meet the test of time. After the elimination of the previous neighborhoods that governed themselves, the government was ready to spearhead the growth and development of the construction industry. The existing designs were an indication that the local industry was less developed. As a result, the government gave in to the requests of the foreign architects who were ready to invest in the country and tap in the opportunity. With the increasing demand for houses in the country, the administration had to give in to the demand. This is in order to solve the homelessness issue and demand for modern offices by tycoons. This opened a gate for investors (Catnaps, 2014. It is during this time that the country experienced an influx of investors. The technology sector was the largest beneficiary of the influx. With the entry of the internet in the market, people became exposed to the global culture. They started identifying themselves with other global citizens. As a result, their tastes and preferences started changing. Therefore, the architectural sector had to adapt to new changes in order to remain relevant to Qatari economy. This led to the erosion of the country’s identity. The major implication of the loss of identity is putting Qatar in a global ladder as a multicultural state. In the meantime, Qatar hosts citizens from different religions, races, and cultural background. This has been enhanced by the architectural sector which has taken care of the interests of different people irrespective of their place of origin. This has played a significant role in enhancing the level of integration among the people living in the urban and rural areas (Caton & Ardalan, 2010). In addition, the local architects have now gained global recognition. Therefore, they can be able to operate in different parts of the world. This has therefore opened gates for them to move to different countries across the world in order to make changes in other people’s lives. This has increased the level of foreign direct investment, an aspect that has improved the economy of the country. Loss of Qatari architectural identity has made it hard for the country to protect its culture and the taste of the local population. In the meantime, the industry is highly influenced by the western designs. As a result, major projects are not focusing on ensuring that indigenous designs are taken into consideration. As a result, the country is losing its local culture and instead taking up foreign culture. Although this has some positive aspects, it will be disastrous for the future generation and the architectural industry because there will be no designs to unite the people. Initially, Qatar buildings had typical components that were functional and aesthetic (The old buildings of Qatar, 2014). They were of different patterns and sizes. However, with the increasing levels of population, the previous designs could not cater for the increasing demand for houses. Therefore, the lost of identity has given way for innovation. High-rise buildings scatter across the country. These have been able to solve the housing crisis that was experienced in 1980s (Adham, 2009). In addition, the current infrastructures are environmental friendly and have been able to incorporate sustainable development. Therefore, through new designs, the country has been able to shift its attention to other critical areas of economies. This has contributed immensely in the growth and development of the country. This is because the previous designs were retrogressive despite immense pressure from the population. Qatar architectural sector needs to implement some reforms in order to incorporate the original identity associated with the country. Although change is important in order to achieve progress, a sector without an identity lacks direction. The future generation will require direction. However, the current sector is more inclined towards modernism. Therefore, in order to preserve the identity, the school curriculum should include the original aspects that defined the Qatar architectural sector. This is to ensure that the identity is saved in the minds of the future generation. This intervention would also ensure that there is continuity. On the other hand, the government should intervene and set up policies that would protect the sector from being eroded by western ideas. As a result, the original designs would be adopted in major architectural projects being undertaken in the country. Conclusion The protection of the Qatari architectural identity requires a holistic approach. All stakeholders should be involved. For instance, the government and the architectural board should work together in order to ensure that the identity is not lost. Even as globalization brings modernity and integration, the local aspects should always be given the first priority. The relevant authority should relish the current boom of the real estate sector. However, it should not be taken away from the fact that continuity of the country’s long-term traditions lies on its hands. References Adham, K. (2009). The Geo-Politics of Urban Development in Doha, Qatar. Int. Journal for Housing Science, 77-87. Catnaps. (2014, December 19). Retrieved from Gulf Architecture: http://catnaps.org/islamic/gulfarch3.html Caton, S., & Ardalan, N. (2010). New Arab Urbanism. Kuwait: Harvard Kennedy School Middle East. Frost, A., & White, S. (2014, December 31). A Smarter Transportation System for the 21st Century. Retrieved from Frost & Sullivan: http://www.ibm.com/smarterplanet/global/files/uk__en_uk__rail__smarter_system_trasportation.pdf Ljungstrom, T. (2013). Living parallel lives in Qatar. Denmark: Book In Demand Gmbh. Lockerbie, J. (2013, November 23). Catnaps. Retrieved from Retrieved from a collection of notes on area of personal interest: http://catnaps.org/islamic/gulfarch2.html Maimani, A., Al Nimaa , A., Khalfani, F., & Al-Fadala. (2014, December 19). language for Contemporary Qatari Architecture. Retrieved from Retrieved from Academia: http://www.academia.edu/1492679/Senior_Project_Phase_1_Language_for_Contemporary_Qatari_Architecture The old buildings of Qatar. (2014, November 21). Retrieved from Islamic Design: http://catnaps.org/islamic/islaqatold.html Wiedmann, F., Salama, A., & Thierstein, A. (2012). Urban Evolution of The City Of Doha. Munich: Munich University of Technology. Read More