UAE MODERN | 1950-1980

THE PROJECT The aim of this project is to explore and research the various ways in which modernism has manifested itself in the built environment of the UAE. Modernism as an architectural and urban ideology started at the beginning of the 20th century. The UAE’s encounter with modernity began in the late 1950s moving the country from nomadic settlements to more permanent urban forms. This accelerated in the 1960s due to the discovery of oil and subsequently the formation of the union in 1971. While modernism had a clear formal language, there were variations within respective countries due to climate, culture and customs. In looking at the built environment we will deal with several scales and typologies: urban, building and human. This project is inspired by, and builds on, previous and ongoing work done by Amel Chabi at the Tourism & Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi (TCA); Michelle Bambling through the "Lest We Forget" initiative at the Sheikha Salama Foundation; and Pascal Menoret and his students at NYU-AD who worked on the "Abu Dhabi Architectural Guide." e-mail: [email protected] ————————————————— UAE MODERN 3.0 (Spring '15) The following links have been tagged with their respective group names and will collect all entries pertaining to each case study. The first link will open all entries for UAE Modern 3.0 All Entries  Choueifat & AAESS Schools Rim Abidi & Khuloud Al Kaabi Sarooj Gas Station, Al-Ain  Haya Mahfouz, Aysha Al Hammadi, Farah ElSawy & Noor Suleiman Al-Ain School Health Center  Maha Mohamad & Shamma Al Kaabi Al-Maqta Bridge, Abu Dhabi  Maitha Muftah Al Nuaimi Shaabi House, Al-Ain  Sheikha Almeqbali, Amal AlDhaheri & Mariam Alketbi —————————————————

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A sha’abi settlement in Abu Dhabi. 1970s

(source: Arabian Days, 1977)

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A sha’abi settlement in Abu Dhabi. 1970s

(source: Arabian Days, 1977)

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A sha’abi settlement in Abu Dhabi. 1970s

(source: Arabian Days, 1977)

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Development of School Architecture in the UAE

The latest trend in school design. A proposal by Dewan Architects for ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council)

It is clearly obvious that schools followed a certain modernistic pattern in the 1970s and 1980s. This was then slowly changed by adding more glass and horizontal, ribbon windows. Some decorative elements, which were inspired from the culture of the UAE, were added as well like; the shape of forts, arches and the color of the sandy deserts with hints of green paint and some trees, which represent Al Ain Oasis. The latest prototypes by ADEC follow a much more progressive formal agenda.

The following are some examples of Schools built in the 1990s:

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Choueifat School as it appears today (2015). 

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A group of students playing Basketball. Early 1980s.

(source: Archives, CS)

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Choueifat School. 1980

The school as it appeared in 1980

The school is part of the worldwide SABIS School Network. It is located in the Al Muwaiji district. The school was founded in 1975 initially in Sharjah. It then opened its doors welcoming students of Al Ain in 1980. It was the first actual school building in Al Ain (other schools were usually made up of a number of villas opening up to each other). “There wasn’t any school buildings in Al Ain before, all the other “schools” were villas.” Explained Mr. Rashid. The architect, not identified, and Mr. Adel, the contractor, were hired by Al Najah Company. The government decided the school’s location.

 The school is located in Al Muwaiji district. “Al Ain Municipality gave this land to Chouifat.” Informed us Mr. Rashid. “The Municipality picked the corners, so it’s really a triangle.” Added Ms. Jannet.

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Choueifat School location

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Archival images of Choeuifat School when it opened. 1980s

(source: archives, CS)

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Interview with School Employees

Head of School Mr Ramzi Al Eid, early 1980s. In front of the main building

We had a chance to meet up with the principal that has been working there for three years, and we met the cousin of the head of school, Mr. Rashid Mansoor, who has been working there for 30 years. “Rashid and his wife have been here for 39 years.” Said Ms. Jannet, the school’s principal. They told us about the history of the school and they showed us some old photos. “This is our favorite building of the school” (Pointing at the main building where the offices are) “because it’s been here for more than 25 years,” they said. “I lived with this building.” Added Mr. Rashid. Another reason for it being their most preferred one is because every other building was changed except the main building. “Mr. Adel was responsible of the construction of the building with the help of Al Najah Company.” Said Mr. Rashid

The culture, tradition, religion and lifestyle of the people living in the UAE of course were put into consideration. As part of the tradition the Arabs didn’t accept wearing trouser and T-shirts;

“Locals didn’t accept wearing trousers because their formal dress code was the Kandoora.” Said Mr. Rashid. But of course they had to follow the rules. “Uniform is grey and white and as you can see here the walls are also grey and white.” He added.

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There wasn’t any school buildings in Al Ain before, all the other schools were villas

Rashid Mansoor

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Pupils at Choueifat School. Early 1980s.

(source: Archives, CS)

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South-Asian laborers during the construction of Choueifat School. Late 1970s

(source: Archives, CS)

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Archival images of Choueifat School construction. Late 1970s.

(source: Archives, CS)

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Location of AAESS

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AAESS as it appears today (2015)

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Al Ain English Speaking School (AAESS). 1978

Aerial view showing the school as it appeared in the early 1980s

The school was founded in 1978 and has been expanded and enhanced considerably since then due to its popularity. The KG building is one of the oldest buildings in AAESS. At that time, most of the KG buildings had a hexagonal shape. The reason behind this is that hexagonal shapes are more stable, robust and compact. This means that they can withstand earthquakes.

Some examples of other Kindergarten buildings with the same hexagonal shape are: The Modern Arab School in Jordan, Amman (1993-1997) and a school in Dubai (completed in 1979; see below). In all of these buildings, there is a dome-like structure at the top, which allows natural light to come in.