A quest for harmonious path between heritage, modernity

Observer

2 days ago

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is striving to develop smart cities that align with contemporary demands while fostering a connection between the past and present, embodying national identity and its imperatives as part of urban transformation. The vision for the construction sector emphasises enhancing the harmony between heritage and modernity through innovative and distinctive approaches.
National identity and its requirements are evident in projects aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Sultan Haitham City stands as a prime example of smart cities, striking a balance between modernity and cultural distinctiveness while serving as a model for future urban development and a promising investment destination.
Hassan bin Ali al Shukri, an architect at the Executive Office for Smart City Projects in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, states: "Smart cities in Oman are not merely digital infrastructures but tools for revitalising identity and improving quality of life. They draw inspiration from traditional Omani architecture and its deep understanding of the environment and societal behaviour. Oman adheres to timeless architectural principles that seamlessly integrate with modern technologies, such as smart sensing systems, lighting control and climate simulation." Al Shukri added that traditional Omani architecture offers an advanced functional model, utilising local building materials that reduce emissions and provide natural thermal insulation. Windows and mashrabiyas (lattice screens) intelligently regulate ventilation and lighting, while compact urban planning incorporates shaded pathways to encourage walking and reduce street heat. He explained that Oman's smart cities take cues from history to shape a future rooted in people's environment and culture, transforming heritage concepts into sustainable, practical solutions.
Omani heritage — including systems like aflaj (traditional irrigation), earthen buildings and narrow alleyways — provides a scalable design framework for smart cities. These elements become effective tools for reducing energy consumption, improving air quality, guiding pedestrian movement, and enhancing visual and urban harmony.
Dr Haitham bin Najim al Abri, an architect and researcher specialising in Omani architecture and urbanism, noted that Oman possesses a unique distinctiveness in building arts and urban planning, reflecting the ingenuity of Omanis in harmonising with nature and respecting resources. The wisdom and skills of ancestors have laid a solid foundation passed down through generations. He explained that Omanis have long understood how to build cities adaptable to diverse terrains — from mountains to coasts, deserts to oases — while preserving identity and sustainability.
Al Abri stated that smart cities are not mere replicas of global models but an extension of ancestral ingenuity, where technology enriches rather than erases identity.
Meanwhile, Abdulaziz bin Mohammed al Balushi, a property owner in Sultan Haitham City, highlights how heritage values are integrated into the technical infrastructure of smart cities, blending modern technology with authentic Omani principles. There is a clear respect for privacy in neighbourhood and home designs, ensuring family spaces remain protected, while the social fabric is maintained through mosques, communal gathering spaces (majlis) and parks that encourage social interaction.
He adds that the visual and design character of Omani smart cities creates a living experience rooted in authenticity yet open to innovation. The visual language emphasises Omani identity through architecture inspired by local history, such as traditional arches and engravings, while incorporating modern design elements like smart lighting, interconnected green spaces, and smart pedestrian and cycling paths. This fusion offers residents a living experience where they feel connected to Omani heritage while benefiting from modern conveniences. - ONA