Modern Heritage Research Grants

This project investigates Abu Dhabi’s modern architectural heritage from 1960 to 1990, a period marked by rapid urbanisation and the emergence of a distinctive modernist language tied to state-building and infrastructural growth. Despite its cultural value, much of this heritage remains undocumented and vulnerable due to limited awareness, policy gaps, and physical deterioration. The study will document and analyse a selected sample of modern buildings in Abu Dhabi using GIS-based spatial analysis integrated with archival research and oral histories. Methods include targeted field visits, architectural photography, condition assessment, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. The research will map relationships between heritage sites and urban infrastructure to identify patterns of vulnerability and significance. Outputs include a geospatial database of documented sites, a policy brief to guide conservation priorities, and an academic article. This focused study aims to establish a replicable model for preserving Abu Dhabi’s modern architectural heritage within broader urban heritage frameworks.