HUMAN HABITATION:
Architecture, Settlement and Urban Identity of the Persian Gulf Region
(part of the 2009 World Habitat Day events by UN-HABITAT)
University of Westminster / RIBA
5th + 6th October 2009
Organisers of the conference
Honorary Chairman: Professor Jeremy Till
Academic Advisor: Professor Murray Fraser
General Secretary: Nasser Golzari
MA Architecture, Cultural Identity & Globalisation
Department of Architecture
School of Architecture and Built Environment
University of Westminster
In association with
International Art & Architecture Research Association (IAARA)
Download CALL FOR PAPERS document
For many people, an understanding of identity in the Persian Gulf would probably be based on images, clichés and sound-bites received through the media. This partial view of a crucial part of the global network is insufficient to make informed judgements about what might be appropriate for the region in terms of development and architecture. This important conference asks key questions as to what the identity of the Persian Gulf might be, and in particular the tension between specific regional issues and more generalised global pressures. Bringing together academics, practitioners, development agencies and regional representatives, the conference will be a unique opportunity to debate and develop ideas around the topic of identity in the Persian Gulf.
Professor Jeremy Till
Dean of the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Westminster
Now that globalisation is proving to be increasingly influential on architecture in all countries, it becomes ever more vital to understand what is happening across the world. Located between the old geopolitical power centres in the USA/Europe and the rising Asian economies of China and India, the outward-looking cultural and architectural development of Persian Gulf countries has sprung to the top of the current agenda. Numerous leading architects are designing major projects in Persian Gulf nations, especially now that western economies have entered recession. But what exactly will be the result of this activity? Is it a process which will benefit the cultural development of people in the Gulf region or will it just create problematic, unsustainable cities for the future? This international conference at the University of Westminster, organised by the groundbreaking MA in Architecture, Cultural Identity and Globalisation, offers a chance to find out about and debate these urgent issues.
Professor Murray Fraser
Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Department of Architecture, University of Westminster
For many people, an understanding of identity in the Persian Gulf would probably be based on images, clichés and sound-bites received through the media. This partial view of a crucial part of the global network is insufficient to make informed judgements about what might be appropriate for the region in terms of development and architecture. This important conference asks key questions as to what the identity of the Persian Gulf might be, and in particular the tension between specific regional issues and more generalised global pressures. Bringing together academics, practitioners, development agencies and regional representatives, the conference will be a unique opportunity to debate and develop ideas around the topic of identity in the Persian Gulf.
Professor Jeremy Till
Dean of the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, University of Westminster
Now that globalisation is proving to be increasingly influential on architecture in all countries, it becomes ever more vital to understand what is happening across the world. Located between the old geopolitical power centres in the USA/Europe and the rising Asian economies of China and India, the outward-looking cultural and architectural development of Persian Gulf countries has sprung to the top of the current agenda. Numerous leading architects are designing major projects in Persian Gulf nations, especially now that western economies have entered recession. But what exactly will be the result of this activity? Is it a process which will benefit the cultural development of people in the Gulf region or will it just create problematic, unsustainable cities for the future? This international conference at the University of Westminster, organised by the groundbreaking MA in Architecture, Cultural Identity and Globalisation, offers a chance to find out about and debate these urgent issues.
Professor Murray Fraser
Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Department of Architecture, University of Westminster
