This study seeks to investigate the impact of architectural icons on the cities that they are built in, especially those in Dubai to understand the perceptions and associations of ordinary people with these icons, thus analysing their impact on the quality of life in the city. This is an important study with the advent of ‘iconism’ in architecture that has a growing acceptance and demand, wherein the status of a piece of architecture is predetermined as an icon by the media and not necessarily by the people. There is no denying that the fastest means of appearing on the world map is through icons, which Dubai evidently achieved, and there are many supporters of this phenomenon as a means of progress and development, the bonus being instant fame and status. But the symbolism employed in these icons, specifically for this part of the world, many argue may not be relevant to the people or the region, thus leading to a loss of identity and sense of belonging that is a vital component in the overall sense of pride. This study thus evaluates architecture as a service industry that is not only to satisfy the personal egos of the architects or the clients. It has an important role to leave a mark on the end users and not only on the glossy architectural journals. The study presents views on what really leaves a mark on the people’s memory, addressing the scale, the grandness, the location, the size, the technology and the materials that may or may not contribute to the iconic status of an architectural project from the people’s perspective. Further the study investigates if an icon is one that could be a forced landmark or it is one that people associate with, relate to and one that gives them the sense of belonging and pride, binding them together. The expressive iconic forms with the metaphors emerging, may or may not add to the quality of a place, create places of spaces or it may result in more of form accommodating functions.Thus it is imperative to understand that though today Dubai with its multiple icons that are jewels in the crown of Dubai, reflecting awe and splendor, what does this architecture do for the people and thus in leaving an imprint on the peoples mind collectively. The study analyzes the dimensions that make certain kind of architecture stand out. Some of these dimensions are physical and others are difficult to measure, thus it addresses the tangible and intangible factors that result in the icon and the associated symbolism with it. The relevance and meaning of these symbols will have to stand the test of time to leave an ever-lasting impression on generations to come. The literature review was the first part of the study and the theoretical studies were divided into three pivot areas in this thesis: evolution of architecture as signs and symbols, international iconic architecture and its impact, architecture as identity through symbolism. The study also focusses on Dubai as an emerging iconic city concentrating on the needs of people and impact of these icons on people specifically, further highlighting the issues of legibility, context and identity in Dubai. The empirical study examines this argument about iconic architecture through questionnaires and interviews. A comparison is drawn between different segments of people in the community, one set of samples being those who are closely associated with these icons through the process of decision making or building, the others who have very minimal knowledge and association with these icons. The findings thus indicate both the well-established criteria for awarding an iconic status and also the intangible often ignored aspects in iconic image building. Thus, the study suggests a paradigm that could provide more human based elements in the iconic architecture and the selected symbols in representing these icons. Certain recommendations supporting the perception of people towards icons, their needs and local considerations are further made to make cities more liveable and joyful for the people they are intended for.

Thesis (M.A.)--Bowling Green State University, 2007. / Document formatted into pages; contains v, 65 p. : col. ill. Includes bibliographical references.

To embody is to give a tangible or concrete form to an abstract concept. The use of the term Embodying Architecture notes a desire for an architectural structure that materially supports individuals concept of the way that they want to operate in the word. It is also notes that architectural space does not currently support this. Those individuals farthest away from the modes of cultural production are the least represented spatially. These occupants are therefore left in the position of being trapped in a space that denies them their desired way of being. Numerous critical theorist have noted the ways that architecture and urban design disenfranchise people, Beatriz Colomina, Sexuality and Space, Adrienne Rich, Politics of Location, Kim Dovey, Framing Places. More important perhaps, are writings by theorist such as Neil Leach and Julia Kristeva that connect space with a human need for articulation. This design project takes as its site Toni Morrison’s novel Beloved. The text is precisely about the space of disenfranchisement and the tasks of actualizing yourself when there seems to be no space in which to do so. Figurative and literal space are seen as interchangeable. In response to the novel, a house is designed for the mother and daughter characters that provides a physical space for them to both connect and forge their separate identities.

The master thesis deals with the study of the relation between man and his surroundings. The thesis solves the issue of the place identity and the process of identification with the example of the Prague housing estate Solidarita. It analyses the surroundings from the perspective of a concept of identity which has a multidimensional character. For this reason, the case study approach has been chosen to allow a comprehensive study of space from a variety of perspectives. It deals with the history of the housing estate, its residents, social connections and the perception of space. Because of the presence of green vegetation and public facilities, the Solidarita housing estate is presented as a place which provides a high-quality space and supports the production of social interactions. Surrounding of Solidarita housing estate respects human scale and provides stronger social interactions. The thesis also accents the importance of sociological and anthropological research of a space, that should be a part of urban processes. Key words Architecture, Identity, Housing Estate, Neighborhood, Place, Place Attachment, Place Identity, Solidarita Housing Estate, Space, Urbanism

No description available.