Traditional domestic architecture of the Arab region

For the first time, the domestic architecture of the entire Arab Region, from the Atlantic to the Gulf, is systematically analyzed. Factors influencing architecture are explored, and the region's extent and character are defined. The review includes construction materials, building techniques, and the evolution from nomadic tents to densely populated towns. Key domestic planning elements are identified, covering aspects from roofs to basements, and from closed cells to courtyard systems with loggias and galleries. Water and waste management are also addressed. Traditional design strategies related to privacy, variable space needs, environmental control, and beauty are derived, with exceptions noted for geographic or climatic conditions and defense needs. The analysis is supported by over 200 domestic examples from all thirteen Arab countries, each documented with plans, sections, and elevations for clarity. The author then examines contemporary architecture, highlighting Western influences and contrasting Eastern and Western planning approaches, shaped by environmental differences. The impact of the Industrial Revolution and globalization is discussed, alongside the adaptation challenges faced by traditionalists and modernists. An appendix includes appreciations of Hassan Fathy and the Aga Khan Program for Architecture, along with contemporary projects and planning guidelines. A glossary of about 600 Arabic terms and a bibliog