Architecture in a Quiet Revolution

Abstract

<p>This paper demonstrates the examination of change in a country. The main element used to measure that change is architecture. The form, development, quality and quantity of the architecture displays the country's change and shows us how it begins to effect many aspects in the country.</p> <p>Qatar is the main case study in this paper, as it is growing rapidly and is exploding with new construction everywhere. Qatar is a young country that gained independence in 1850 and is known to be proud of its culture, religion, and traditions. These elements are what gave Qatar, and the Gulf region, a unique identity and these elements are what unite its people. Culture in the Arab world is portrayed through behavior, fashion, dialect, interior and exterior design. In the past, everything in Qatar, from peoples’ lifestyles and fashion to their buildings and homes, reflects who Qataris are as a people, and reflects their country. Identity is a series of characteristics, extracted from culture, that make someone or something unique enough to distinguish them from others; these characteristics are depicted in history, buildings are architecture, and in peoples’ lifestyles and clothing. Recently, all these aspects have been gradually changing to give Qatar a more recognized and respected international status. The West recognizes in Qatar an aspect of familiarity that is depicted in the country’s style in architecture, homes and fashion. I have personally witnessed this change over the past fifteen years in Qatar.</p>