An Overview of Landscape Design in Kuwait

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An Overview of Landscape Design in Kuwait
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Landscape design in Kuwait is limited by the
countrys short history and the time of this
region as an unpopulated desert in the past. In
more recent years, after the discovery of oil
reserves, many old buildings were destructed to
construct modern buildings, mostly in Kuwait
City. There are a number of modern buildings in
Kuwait with iconic landscape design such as the
citys Water Towers and Kuwait Towers.
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Architecture in Kuwait
The current architectural situation in Kuwait is
shaped by various internal and external forces
which interact with each other in order to
formalize this situation. Each stage of this
movement has its own unique characteristics such
as different planning structures and buildings to
different planned areas and roads.
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During the Early Years after Oil Discovery
During this stage the landscape design was
characterized by low height, one of the main
features of traditional Kuwaiti architecture. New
buildings were constructed and some had elements
of architecture inherited from other parts of the
world. Circular and curvature shapes were
important part of the landscape design during
this time.
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The Middle Years
During the 1970s Kuwait underwent rapid economic
growth and urban development. At this stage the
landscape design in Kuwait was largely influenced
by Egyptian and Lebanese architecture. Sculptured
walls and straight lines were some of the main
features of buildings constructed during this
stage.
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Influence of Muslim Architecture
The element of modern architecture still
influenced the landscape design in Kuwait but
strong public attitudes emerged towards use of
features of Muslim architecture such as arches,
arcades and courtyards.
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Revival and Liberation
During the 1990s landscape in Kuwait underwent a
contemporary transformation by adopting some of
the features and elements such as roof parapet,
arches, arcades, and window openings. There was a
blend of past and traditional architecture with
modern architecture. During the war and
liberation of Kuwait a lot of landscape and
infrastructure was destroyed. Due to this Kuwait
witnessed a mass reconstruction and
rehabilitation. A new architectural style emerged
during this stage which emphasized the principles
of regionalism, tradition architecture and the
local identity.
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Takeaway
The landscape design in Kuwait emphasizes on the
use of elements derived from traditional
architecture in order to express a cultural
identity which is very common in different parts
of the world. Architecture has passed through
significant transformations due to regional,
global and economic changes in Kuwait. The
climate and the environment of Kuwait have a
major influence on the architectural identity and
culture of this region.
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Apart from that the religion also has an
influence on the architectural identity and this
is very true in the case of Kuwaiti architecture.
Elements, proportions, and materials distinguish
the architecture in Kuwait from different parts
of the world. The use of architectural elements
taken from traditional architecture is common in
many Middle Eastern countries. The use of
parapets, doors, and windows is key part of
Kuwaiti architecture. The advent of
globalization is also posing a threat to the
distinctive architectural identity and the use of
the different elements from traditional
architecture also provides a mean to relate to
the contemporary architecture in order to create
a much more meaningful environment.
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A short presentation by Prime Architects

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