Towards Theoretical Framework of Exterior Architectural Ornamentations of Public Buildings in the Arabian Gulf States

Ornamentation is defined as a symbolic art that describes the cultural heritage of nations where one can recognize the elements of ideology, anthropological beliefs, and inheritance of beliefs, rituals and decrees. In the Arab Gulf states, ornamentation is considered as a major element of public and private buildings’ architecture that experienced several changes in their architectural and technical characteristics due to political and economic aspects. These aspects have had direct impact on the architectural outcomes including the ornamentation that led to various development and modifications in functions and features. Therefore, this study aims at creating a model that observes and analyzes ornamentation elements through comprehensive theoretical framework with respects to architectural styles and external factors, which are oil discovery, industrial revolution, information technology, globalization, architects, and other environmental and cultural factors over time. As a result of the aforementioned factors, ornamentations undergone through major transformation from being two-dimensional planes to three-dimensional objects that could cover the entire envelope of a building. The framework, which has been verified through experts interviews, included several characteristics (such as: design philosophy, materials, function) in order to provide comprehensive explanation of the philosophy and implications behind ornamentation