December 7th, 2015: The dichotomy between local values and global architecture was the subject of the latest industry-focused lecture presented by Canadian University Dubai (CUD) professor of architecture, Mr. Luca Donner, during a recent seminar hosted by the College of Architecture Engineering and Design at Kingdom University Bahrain.
With his expertise in combining traditional features and innovative technology to create livable buildings, Mr. Donner was invited to share his insights into how vernacular design and local lifestyles can be translated into contemporary architecture.
During the presentation, Mr. Donner showcased several of his unique designs, a number of which utilize traditional architectural features to address modern-day building considerations. Among the designs presented was the Qanat Villa, which uses an ancient oriental subterranean canalization system for the supply of water, to help promote sustainable consumption.
Illustrating his insight that, “architecture is a way of representing the identity of cultures and time”, Mr. Donner also showcased his ‘breathing’ house design, which adapts the ancient Middle-Eastern wind tower technique to promote natural ventilation, for both energy conservation and the wellbeing of its inhabitants.
Among the other designs showcased during the presentation were the Japanese Sun House – a building where the configuration of the design can be changed by its residents according to the movement of the sun – and the Urban Pearl in Finland, which uses pre-existing infrastructure and preserves the natural landscape to create a sustainable multi-purpose development.
Mr. Donner’s presentation was among a series of guest lectures organized by Kingdom University Bahrain to showcase academic research and industry expertise among the wider community.
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