Al Otaiba Building, 1980s, architect unknown, Abu Dhabi. Photo ©MarcoSosa

Marco Sosa

Supervisor

Abstract

Architecture in Abu Dhabi

during the 1970's and 80's

This research explores modernist architecture in Abu Dhabi during the 1970's and 80's. As some architects were trained in the west, the intersection of middle east and western cultures created an interesting adaptation of the modernism and design principles that fused and sensitively merged with culture, methods of construction, available materials, politics, religion and climate.

Bio

Marco Sosa holds a position of Associate professor teaching Interior Design at the College of Arts and CreativeEnterprises, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi. He is a RIBA UK registered Architect with over 10 years of experience. Sosa has published extensively in peer reviewed publications, presented his research in international conferences, exhibited his creative work and research at various international exhibitions such as Dubai EXPO 2020, Dubai Design Week, The Venice ArchitecturalBiennale, Abu Dhabi Art and at The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington DC.

Sosa’s research/creative output concentrates on three aspects: architectural photography, digital fabrication and modern architectural heritage in the UAE. He is interested in materials, their presence as space forming medium adding materiality to a ‘place’ and how to integrate digital fabrication techniques in the studio. He is currently working with VR/XR digital immersion, 3d Scanning point cloud technology and the integration and exploration of AI generative tools in the design teaching studio.