Continuity and Change of Muscat House - Influencing Factors and Responses

Oman’s architecture and culture are steeped in history through thousands of years; some of the Sultanate's historical heritage are included in UNESCO world heritage sites. In 1970, following a period of decline over the previous century, Oman began to steer on a steadfast track of renaissance and recovery. In spite of unprecedented changes in all aspects of the Omani people's life, the people and their leadership had the ability to adapt to the challenge of a changing world without compromising social values. This research aims to give an answer to the question that was repeated strongly after the post modernism era as to what extent do we allow our heritage to interact with our modern lifestyle and the explosion of the information age? This paper demonstrates one of the successful experiences of achieving such balance between heritage and contemporary. The Omani current architectural style is maintaining the form and design objectives of traditional architecture that responds to the people culture and achieving identity & national pride. Furthermore, the contemporary vernacular Omani architecture does not lose the benefits of modern technology that mainly achieved through the structural systems and materials.