Modern Heritage Research Grants

Digital Modern UAE is a research project proposal dedicated to preserving the lost modern architectural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Rapid modernization from the 1950s to the 1980s produced significant buildings that embodied both global modernist influences and local cultural adaptations. Many of these structures have been demolished or altered, creating gaps in architectural memory. This project addresses that loss through archival research, oral histories, and critical documentation, leading to architectural reconstructions in both digital and physical forms. Using 3D modeling, AR visualizations, and 3D printing, selected case studies will be reimagined and presented within their historical urban contexts. The project will produce an interactive online archive, immersive exhibitions, and educational tools, fostering engagement among scholars, students, policymakers, and the public. Ultimately, it seeks to bridge heritage preservation with innovative digital methods, offering a model for documenting and revitalizing modern architectural memory in rapidly changing urban environments.