Preserving the modernist vernacular in the Middle East

This papers focuses on the fast disappearing urban heritage of the modernist neighbourhoods in the Middle Eastern. This often overlooked architectural legacy of the mid-twentieth century is significant for the role it played in the early transformation of many cities into their ‘modern’ image. Though often modest in scale these buildings collectively exemplify a critical period of modernisation and urbanisation in the region. Rarely recognized as ‘heritage’ the modernist vernacular is rapidly disappearing as it is subsumed by urban growth and renewal or adapted beyond recognition. There are, however, a number of examples where the value of this heritage and early modernist neighbourhoods is being recognized, though often in the context of new functions