The impact of sustainability trends on housing design identity of Arab cities

Previous researches and investigations on the area of green cities and sustainable architecture lack the study and analysis of the impact of sustainability principles applications on the city image. At this point, a critical question is raised; to what extent the architectural identity of the city could be influenced by the adoption of the different sustainability trends? This question represents the main research question that the paper will address. The adopted sustainability trends vary in their forms and contents. Some trends employed sustainability principles inspired from the vernacular architecture, which not only give a tested and reliable model, but also enhances socio-cultural and economic values of the local community. Another trends employed sustainability principles that are based on the most modern and advanced technology which expresses the culture of globalization. While a third trend integrates both of the two trends to introduce a contemporary interpretation of the vernacular thought within the framework of modern advancements trying to bridge the gap between the local and the global. From this point of view, this paper focuses on two key issues; firstly: study and analysis of the mentioned sustainability trends in housing design, secondly: assessing and analyzing the impact of these trends on shaping the identity of the Arab city.