Architects and designers in the region were urged to revive ancient knowledge and make use of timeless traditional methods in order to ensure a sustainable future.

Speaking at the Cityscape Conference yesterday (September 5) in Dubai, Jane Duncan, president of the Royal Institute of British Architects, stressed the importance that can be played by incorporating traditional techniques into design of modern property.

The conference, themed ‘Discovering the Future of Real Estate,’ attracted 1,200 delegates to the Conrad Hotel Dubai. It preceded the Cityscape Global, which opened today.

In presenting a view of the UAE’s skyline 20 years from now, Duncan said today’s architects should embrace and revive design and construction methods which helped Dubai’s development from fishing port to commercial hub by keeping buildings cool using shade, wind and thermally driven ventilation, as well as naturally insulating, reflective materials.

The 15th edition of Cityscape Global officially opened its doors in Dubai today, with bright prospects forecast for the real estate industry in the Middle East, built on a combination of innovation and a modern interpretation of traditional design.

The Cityscape Conference featured three dedicated sessions: Market Overview, Architecture and Real Estate Brokers with other prominent speakers including Ahmed Al Ansari, acting CEO, Dubai South; Lara Al Barazi, research director at YouGov, UAE; Ahmed Al Khatib, vice president of Real Estate at Expo 2020; and senior representatives from Dubai Land Department.

The conference set the stage for three days of pulsating activity at the three-day Cityscape Global exhibition. The Middle East’s largest and most influential property investment show has brought together 272 international and regional exhibitors across 41,000 sq m of exhibition space. - TradeArabia News Service