Originally written by: Marwan Lockman, S-L Architects
For many, Arab architecture is represented by the ethnically aesthetic forms of old, visualized by wind towers, shaded courtyards, whitewashed walls, with wooden and palm leafed elements. But what we often dismiss as stylistic is, in fact, deeply functional. Traditional architecture in the Arab world emerged from a sophisticated understanding of climate, social behaviour, human wellbeing, and sustainability. These heritage-led principles were intentional responses to environment and particularly a sense of community: mosques, public squares, parks, and universities have been serving MENA communities for thousands of years, strengthening the feeling of belonging in society.
Today, as the world confronts what the LA Times calls a “loneliness epidemic,” the lessons embedded in our architectural heritage feel more relevant than ever. In an era defined by the digital world, where people increasingly live their lives online, a sense of community and belonging has never been more important. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that adults in the upper 25% of social media usage frequency were more than twice as likely to experience loneliness. This comes alongside unprecedented population growth, with the global population expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050 according to the UN’s projections. Growth of that scale can lead to overcrowded cities, with buildings prioritising functionality over space and losing something essential: a sense of community.
At this year’s World Design Congress, one of the panellists rightly said, “as architects, the world is at the mercy of our designs.” Architects such as Norman Foster and Thomas Heatherwick echoed this sentiment at the same event, calling for more liveable cities, highlighting that architecture does not make enough space for humanity, and urging architects to rethink the built environment. As someone who specialises in social spaces, I truly believe that architects hold the keys to support human interaction, and that if we look towards our heritage when designing, we may well find the answer to improving social interaction.
Communities anchor us; they provide identity, shared purpose, and spaces that allow us to be together. The UAE, in particular, has recognised the significance of community building and marked 2025 as the Year of Community – a national initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and belonging, preserving cultural heritage, and nurturing intergenerational ties. This was exemplified through Dubai Design Week, where the festival highlighted how design can help create environments where people feel connected, valued, and inspired. The country’s leadership sets an example for us all to follow, and acts as a reminder of architecture’s potential to unite rather than isolate.
One way architecture can achieve this is by creating spaces that allow connections to form. Public plazas, courtyards, and shared green areas are more than design features; they are places where people go to socialise and unwind. These spaces invite spontaneous encounters, encourage social interaction, and nurture relationships. In busy cities like London and New York, these public spaces stand out and are most often sought out by families, friends, and visitors. They become part of people’s daily lives, providing space to slow down, reconnect, and feel grounded.
A second way is by designing buildings that put people first. Human-centric design prioritises accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity, anticipating people’s needs instead of imposing rigid forms. By creating spaces that cater to people’s ways of living and support their wellbeing, architects can foster environments that feel welcoming and intuitive. When people feel considered in design, they engage more deeply with their surroundings, feel more at home, and make more time for each other.
A third way is by building spaces that foster cultural exchange. Architecture can act as a bridge between tradition and modernity, keeping local culture and identity alive while incorporating contemporary techniques and innovations. Museums, amphitheatres, and event spaces can serve as vibrant meeting points where communities come together to share stories, celebrate heritage, and create new experiences and memories. When designed with local culture in mind, these spaces not only preserve traditions but also inspire dialogue, connection, and exchange.
This underlines what I aimed for when designing the Al Dana Amphitheatre in Bahrain – a project with the purpose of leveraging our heritage to create a space that brings people together through music, one that was missing when I was growing up.
Blending the building with its surroundings, Al Dana was informed by local climate and topography, and built as part of the land, protecting, honouring, and celebrating the country’s environment, landscape, and culture. Al Dana was inspired by traditional Bahraini courtyards and has become the largest courtyard in the country, acting as a meeting place where communities can share moments and celebrate Bahraini culture together.
As architects, we have a duty to design with intention and continuously seek progress and innovation while creating spaces that promote human connection. As cities continue to grow and evolve and technology becomes even more integrated into our lives – potentially causing further isolation – it is our responsibility to protect our respective cultures and strengthen the sense of community within our societies. Contemporary architecture should not be about replacing the past but building on it, honouring it, and preserving it. Architects have the power to create spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected and in doing so, ensure that the cities of the future are not only innovative and efficient but also rooted in humanity and culture.
