ABSTRACT
The construction of glass faades and concepts of modernization are still strongly linked in many cultures around the world. Environmentalists, conservationists and traditionalists have been criticizing such links since the beginning of major usage of glass panes in buildings. This perception of modernization has certainly intensified since the advance of the modern movement in the beginning of the twentieth century. The traditional forces that shaped other cities are much less relevant in Dubai. Transport, rivers or proximity to raw materials do not constitute any of the major factors that are developing the city. Unlike many cities in Europe, Dubai does not have an industrial base, very little historic base and no major raw material base. Architectural approaches that are grounded on Heidegger's notion of place and its authenticity are not relevant for Dubai. Dubai has followed trends in the West to regenerate city centres through schemes to search for authentic local experiences and made-up heritage attractions.
