An Overview of Landscape Design in Kuwait

Landscape design in Kuwait is limited by the country’s 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 city’s Water Towers and Kuwait Towers.

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.

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.

The Middle Years

During the 1970’s 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.

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.

Revival and Liberation

During the 1990’s 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.

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.

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.

A short presentation by Prime Architects

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