Kuwaiti architectural modernity: an unfinished project

摘要

This paper examines Kuwait's unfinished modern project, its architectural heritage, the actors that mobilised and decided its trajectory, and some of the factors that interrupted its path to completion. This broad critique, with a special focus on architecture and the city, draws from debates on top-down planning to map the evolution and initial celebration of al-Imarah al-HadTtha, or modern architecture, followed by its slow erasure through acts of demolition. Focusing on the period from 1950 to 1980, this study provides a critical reading of Kuwaiti modern heritage and suggests a sustainable approach towards its conservation. The paper argues that the destruction of Kuwait's modern heritage erodes progressive socio-cultural values tied to a mid-twentieth century architectural debate on authenticity, identity and modern self-expression. It also contributes to architectural histories of modernity and bridges the gap between those in the established canon and ones outside its margins.