Urban design and form as functions of cultural identity

The case of Kuwait City

Urban Sociology, Dr. Mark Olson(with special thanks to Ms. Sarah Sharak for information and photos.)

Sea and desert were synthesized in social organization and design of Kuwait City.

Its architectural design was shaped by British, Indian and Arabic influences

The original walled city was 750 hectares.

The city’s main elements included a port, marketplace, mosques, residential areas etc.

The old city was honeycombed with close knit buildings, high walls, and narrow streets.

Close quarters and high walls provided shade from the intense sun.

Residences often had connecting interior courtyards and were 1 or 2 stories high.

Designs were largely traditional, even among Western arrivals.

Oil industry led to rapid urbanization in the 1940’s.

1952 Urban Plan

Provided the blueprint for subsequent plans. Encouraged expansion along the coast and

other areas including Salmiya and Jahra. Resulted, in part, in the destruction of whole

sections of the old town.

Expansion was southward along the coast.

Older parts of the town were razed.

Rapid urbanization brought growth and traffic congestion.

1970 Plan

Was first comprehensive blueprint for the city. Defined national objectives. Created Metropolitan Structure Plan. Set up Kuwait City Structure Plan. Assessed areas for kind and direction of

urban growth.

1975 Plan

Capped metropolitan area at 2 million. Divided spill-over population of .5 million

each to Subiya to the north Al-Khiran in the south.

By 1995, around 72% of the remaining old building were slated for demolition.

The urbanization process had several unintended consequences… It resulted in the loss of

historical continuity traditional values cultural identity

Loss of historical continuity.

Loss of traditional values

Loss of cultural identity

Loss of urban form

“old market”

The importance of urban design. reflects and shapes culture and society. transforms space into purpose. unites past with present.

Future urban design and planning for Kuwait should take into consideration: cultural identity people’s relationship to their environment.

Culture = production and circulation of meaning. Design = visual production of culture

Example of traditional inspired design.

Importance of urban design

Establishes a relationship between people and their environment.

Reflects and shapes culture and society. Transforms space into purpose. Unites past with present.

Ideally, urban design should take into account the following: local culture traditions and folklore. local esthetics. local design. vision for the future.

Benefits when traditional motifs are used.

Heritage is re-invented History is remembered (while focusing on the

future). Urban form is re-established.