Regeneration: Discovering tradition through cross cultural design education

Abstract

This paper analyzes the manner in which two architectural design studios, one Afghan and one American, explored designs for a new College of Architecture, Planning and Design for Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan students insisted upon a design that was both modern and also directed by Islam. They focused primarily upon the future and used traditional architectural strategies as a basis from which change could be imparted. The American students focused upon traditional Afghan architecture and sought ways to reinterpret it to fit a contemporary architectural college. The strengths and weaknesses of both studios make a case for such collaboration.