Title page for ETD etd-06272007-160941

Type of Document

Thesis

Author

Mahmeed, Talal H

Author's Email Address

mrtalal@mail2architect.com

URN

etd-06272007-160941

Title

Kuwait Architecture and Design: An Investigation of Factors Influencing Design Identity

Degree

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Interior Design, Department of

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name	Title
Eric Wiedegreen	Committee Chair
Lisa Waxman	Committee Member
Tock Ohazama	Committee Member

Keywords

Identity Design
Architectural Identity
Design Identity
Kuwait Architecture
Interior Design

Date of Defense

2007-06-25

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

This study focused on an unprecedented case when a sudden increase in wealth creates total transformation in a nation’s architectural development. The discovery of oil in Kuwait and the movement toward modernism led to the deconstruction of the design identity and the development of a collage of different design styles that are alien to the cultural, traditional and environmental characters of Kuwait. This thesis dealt with analyzing the current residential identity in Kuwait and identifying the influential factors that can enhance the design identity of houses in Kuwait to improve the living quality in terms of social, cultural and environmental aspects. The objective of the study was to create a foundation framework to design a better housing environment that meets the physical and psychological needs of Kuwaiti families. The thesis started with illustrating the historical development of Kuwaiti houses before the 1950s through the present to better understand the historical influences.
Information gathered through the review of literature and a fact finding trip to Kuwait result in a design project of a typical Kuwaiti residence. The purpose is to design a housing unit that meets the general needs of Kuwaiti families and that adapts to the social, cultural and environmental aspects of the country. The design aimed to address the functional, cultural, aesthetical and environmental needs of the Kuwaiti society. The intention of this project is to enhance the living style in urban, architectural and interior perspectives and to create a residence that has the potential to be developed into a prototype for future Kuwaiti housing.

Files

Filename		Size	Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
Filename		Size	28.8 Modem	56K Modem	ISDN (64 Kb)	ISDN (128 Kb)	Higher-speed Access
	GROUND.avi	91.16 Mb	07:02:03	03:37:03	03:09:55	01:34:57	00:08:06
	TMahmeed-Thesis.pdf	17.51 Mb	01:21:03	00:41:41	00:36:28	00:18:14	00:01:33
	WAlkThrough.avi	46.09 Mb	03:33:21	01:49:43	01:36:00	00:48:00	00:04:05
	WAlkThrough2.avi	79.17 Mb	06:06:32	03:08:30	02:44:56	01:22:28	00:07:02