Knowledge Transmission among Preservation Practitioners in Dubai

Abstract

The economic importance and strategic position of the Middle East have epistemologically twisted most of its true cultural recognition. Both late urban definition and mutual communications have crippled some of its Bedouin societies from proving their participation in global culture. Each society has some to share in human accumulative know-how, but geo-political environments and barriers have lots to do in such mutuality. Many investigations have proved effective transmission of knowledge, but also pointed out black and mysterious zones within the societies themselves. The main obstacle is generated from the oral Arabic culture itself, when episteme is conditioned with biological memory, synchronized interchange and ethical referrals. The necessity of scientific and standard approaches of archeological research and architectural preservation exist and is proven to be of value in preservation of architectural knowledge. However, it is distinctly a hard task to use such standards to challenge the fast urbanization and social developments of our time. While archeological research is apart from contemporary explanations, preservation research is proposed as being more important. Investigations on building concepts require in-depth analysis of habits and behaviors of both craftsmen and beneficiaries, which is a folkloric approach. The lack of linguistic research blocks sufficient use of traditional poetry, literature and folklore to reproduce evidence of technologies from the past. Obviously, the limited natural resources in the Arabian Peninsula have simplified both the architectural setting and construction methodologies and hidden the natural creativity or know-how of earlier societies. Unique architectural contributions need not be limited to definitions of monumental constructs or other impressive achievements. Rather, architecture is defined mainly by cultural and epistemological expressions. This is important in discovering the continuity and distribution of societies in human and global civilization. It is also important to include Middle Eastern architecture in the ongoing intensive identification of architectural perspectives. Despite the late attention that has been given to preservation activities in Arabic States in the Persian Gulf, it is time to start assessment and evaluation of architectural traditions to challenge the remarkably fast development that is occurring. Various organizational, social and political factors are involved in the few serious attempts that have been made. Interventions by ambitious ruling powers have alternatively supported or thwarted such efforts. Lessons can be learned from these examples that highlight effective approaches useful in maintaining the immovable heritage elements in underdeveloped countries. These elements contain most of the remaining important and creative features of human architectural inputs that now benefit most of the globe. International involvement may be drawn to fill scientific gaps and requirements, while paths for serious cooperation are blocked with either hesitation or insufficient awareness of the matter. Bridging the true knowledge needs not only willingness, but also serious identification of both obvious and unconscious motivations that rule decision-making and practice. The conclusions may support the ongoing development of methodologies and professional practices.