The ‘Middle East’ and ‘Arab’ culture and society are notoriously difficult to define and label. At a crossroads of three continents, the physical structure and social fabric have simultaneously changed whilst paradoxically remaining frustratingly rigid. Whilst many think of the region as a host of ancient temples and religious sites, there has been in recent history an explosion of new ‘wonders’ and follies all inextricably linked to politics and natural resources.

My blog aims to look at the interesting spaces and intersections created by juxtaposition of architecture and the built environment with the political landscape and ever changing social and geopolitical reality of this very interesting part of the world.