I guess most of you are aware of the building regulations in Oman in terms of Facade Design. It must be inspired from Either the Omani traditional Architecture or Islamic Architecture.

I am really wondering what would members prefer to see in terms of Architecture in Oman. Contemporary Architecture or the modified Traditional one?

What is your Favourite Building in Oman in terms of Design and why?

*If I can have a poll, would be great

u better explain to the some of the members more whats Contemporary
and what do you mean by modified :)
=======
I prefer the modified ones that reserves to some extent our identity and culture BUT doesnt make us fall behind improvement and development :)

One question I have is if homes and businesses have to be painted a certain color and what is the max height on buildings there esp. in the city?

i absolutely adore traditional baroque architecture in malta. i like the modern one, especially if a lot of glass (light and air) is used.

i absolutely hate when something new is built on 'old style'. i think archtecture should be a reflection of the times and ideas of its own time.

i think Oman is the perfect place for modern architecture. lots of light, huge spaces and a reflection of society that has come forward in leaps and bounds in a very short time.

The buildings in Muscat city (Traditional Omani) and the buildings in Mutrah (Sur Al Lawatia) are my most favourite buildings.

I believe we should focus more on traditional architecture. Sure some new ideas can be added here and there, but in general it is best to keep the traditional architecture dominant. In 20 years time, the 'new ideas' will be old. But the traditional buildings will still be unique.

One question I have is if homes and businesses have to be painted a certain color and what is the max height on buildings there esp. in the city?

well there are several colours but they must be light colours. Maximum Height depends on where it is located.. the CBD area is Ruwi and i dont think u can have more than 15 story buildings.

Contemperory Architecture is the current style of architecture. An Architecture that doesnt have a home or an origin lets say..

What I mean by Modefied Traditional Architecture is the Current style of Architecture used in Oman , almost all buildings in Oman.

u better explain to the some of the members more whats Contemporary
and what do you mean by modified :)
=======
I prefer the modified ones that reserves to some extent our identity and culture BUT doesnt make us fall behind improvement and development :)No he doesn't, they should research it themselves

I guess the traditional ones. Can anyone post pictures of contemporary please?

Contemporary Architecture or the modified Traditional one?
Each has a value of its own, and I am for both as long as the contemporary architecture does not overshadow the modified traditional architecture. The modified traditional architecture is a subtle way of expressing our pride and traditions in architecture and also blends in well which is apparent from so many buildings around Muscat.


What is your Favourite Building in Oman in terms of Design and why?
I can't really narrow it down to one building, but to name a few stunning bulidings:

Ministry of Housing, Electricity and Water in Al-Khuwair
Bank Muscat in Al-Khuwair
(^ Both overlooking the main road)
The many current day palaces and forts
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

I'm with the traditional look, as I am proud of all our traditions etc. I'm a man of traditions..so that's why I chose the traditional architecture, it looks much more appealing and it attracts the tourists attention when they visit.

I am really wondering what would members prefer to see in terms of Architecture in Oman. Contemporary Architecture or the modified Traditional one?
The traditional architecture, the genuine and the modified as well.

What is your Favourite Building in Oman in terms of Design and why?
The Grand Mosque, Al-Alam palace and all the Omani forts.

i love traditional architecture.
i'm not fond of contemporary architecture, too modern for my liking.

I think the human mind is more imaginative than we know and it does not have to be confined to modified traditional or contemporary architecture. I think they're ways to integrate both concepts to make something unique, that is new yet has the "Omani traditional" feel to it. In my head, it looks awesome!

I think it is important to maintain the traditional aspect of our architecture and not lose it to globalisation. It's after all what will give Oman its individualistic and therefore unique architecture.

I think the human mind is more imaginative than we know and it does not have to be confined to modified traditional or contemporary architecture. I think they're ways to integrate both concepts to make something unique, that is new yet has the "Omani traditional" feel to it. In my head, it looks awesome! :hyper:

I like this answer a lot!

My feeling is that too much contemporary architecture is "conceptual"; that is it starts with ideas about "space" and "the intersection of planes" and stuff and it ends up looking horrible to all but a few people.

But there is also a streak of functionality in contemporary architecture which is good in its way. The problem is that it often goes hand in hand with the renunciation of any kind of search for Beauty.

There should be way of rethinking and rediscovering some of the insights of contemporary ways of doing things from within tradition.

So, LYM has hit the proverbial nail on the head...

I prefer modified traditional architecture since it still has that Omani touch in it. Ignoring the traditional architecture is like ignoring your identity some how, but focusing in developing the country in a traditional architecture would be a hit since we wont forget traditions. I am really happy that Oman actually considers "Modified Traditional Architecture" more than the contemporary ones. I can't imagine Oman's buildings like those in Dubai.

My favorite building in Oman is the Sultan's palace (http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn163/may-tulip/8a9ril3alam.jpg), it might not be a good example for traditional architecture but there is something in the building that attracts my attention whenever I see it. Other than that, the grand mosque has a good example of traditional-islamic architecture. The arcs and the dome are just simply amazing.

I prefer the modern look, i like big glass fronts, sharp edges, innovative ideas...

and im against those rules that force people to follow a certain design/color in thier houses/buildings...

i know that letting it open would result in hidious designs, but those rules r so strict in oman...

however, i like the modefied traditional look if it's well done =)


about which i think are the buildings with the best design, there are many, but the Grand mosque is my favorite...

I think that the most visually appealing buildings are those that unite the contemporary and modern with the traditional. The function of a building is limitless and so are the ideas to incorporate that space and functionality with aesthetic qualities - whether modern or traditional in nature.