Cultural Enhancement Center A BRIDGE BETWEEN DIVERSITY & URBAN VITALITY

Abstract

Culture is a driving force for architecture; helps shape societies, communities and programs. UAE has been culturally diverse since the Union; making 85% of its population. People spend a major part of their lives in the Emirates but could not accept it as their own. Over the years gentrification has played a huge part in the development of the nation but it led to lack of contact between the social groups and opportunities. Different experiences hence segregated contentious societies due to which exclusive areas reduced the public social effect. Nowthe existing spaces are private, antisocial and sanitized where they should have been playful, informal and unpretentious. All these factors of development and modern living concepts led to cultural exploitation. Living in congested apartments lacking the element of public and social gathering also keeping in mind the constant variable of climate completely demolishes the idea of society. People living in majorities but feeling like a minority in the Emirates crave the element of social spaces and fill the void by hanging out in modern indoor social fiascos. The attempt to bridge the gap between the diversity of the people and the existing urban fabric of the neighboring cities of Dubai: Sharjah and Ajman. An insight of the existing cultures in ail sorts of classes contributing a major part to the economy but yet they cannot find a space to fit in. Also, the multiple nationalities co-existing in the Emirates yet do not associate with each other because of the lack of a union space to meet each other or educate one another of the existing cultures. Therefore, designing a recreational space catering to the social needs of the diverse cultures rooted into the land. A journey illustrated through spaces of their own which they left behind miles awaywhich they call home. Designing spaces and collaborating programs which integrate the elements of the cultures co-existing and a dynamic space which allows interaction between all. Communal spaces which let them socialize with their own and among many others which exist like them in the Emirates. The aim for such modern interventions of the spaces will cater to the social needs of the people. Providing a personal neighborhood to all the existing cultures which feel abandoned in the Emirates since public parks and malls are not the only answer to social public spaces.