The Multiplex Typology: Living in Kuwait's Hybrid Homes

The Kuwaiti State established a means of wealth distribution through housing programs, but an unplanned hybrid typology has emerged due to economic, sociocultural, and regulatory constraints. The Multiplex Typology explores everyday life in these hybrid homes and calls for alternative approaches to housing that are sustainable, culturally rooted, and responsive to future change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: DOM Publishers

After the discovery of oil, the Kuwaiti State established a means of wealth distribution for its citizens through housing programs aimed at improving standards of living. It allocated residential neighborhoods for Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis through the introduction of two main architectural typologies: the apartment and the villa. However, in response to certain economic, sociocultural, and regulatory constraints, an unplanned hybrid typology has recently emerged. The multiplex, specific to Kuwait and yet not officially recognized by the state, has become the informal expression of specific living needs that is now ubiquitous across Kuwait.

Here, for the first time, the authors of The Multiplex Typology explore everyday life in these hybrid homes, arguing that the one-size-fits-all housing model of the past is both outdated and unsustainable. But this book is not merely a documentation of the current state of living in Kuwait, nor a straightforward analysis of Kuwaiti domestic architecture today. It is also an urgent and timely call for alternative approaches to housing that are sustainably driven, culturally rooted, and responsive to future change.

The apartment and the villa, the two primary architectural typologies that were introduced to designate residential areas for Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis, respectively, are the focus of the first section of the book. The authors examine the social, economic, and regulatory factors that have shaped these typologies and the ways in which they have impacted the living conditions of their inhabitants. They also discuss the challenges that have arisen as a result of the unplanned hybrid typology, such as the proliferation of multiplexes and the lack of regulation and oversight.

In the second section of the book, the authors delve into the everyday lives of residents in multiplexes. They conduct interviews with residents to gain a deeper understanding of their living experiences, challenges, and aspirations. The authors argue that multiplexes are not just a result of economic and regulatory constraints but also a reflection of the changing social and cultural dynamics of Kuwait. They highlight the ways in which multiplexes have become a symbol of modernity, convenience, and individualism, but also of social inequality, segregation, and environmental degradation.

The third section of the book explores the potential for alternative approaches to housing that are sustainable, culturally rooted, and responsive to future change. The authors argue that the one-size-fits-all housing model of the past is not only outdated but also unsustainable in the face of rapidly changing environmental and social conditions. They suggest that alternative approaches should be based on a deeper understanding of local culture, traditions, and needs, and should be designed to promote social cohesion, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.

The book concludes with a call to action for policymakers, developers, and citizens to embrace alternative approaches to housing that are sustainable, culturally rooted, and responsive to future change. The authors argue that such approaches can help to create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities, and can contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of Kuwait and the world.

In conclusion, The Multiplex Typology is a groundbreaking exploration of everyday life in hybrid homes in Kuwait. The book provides a timely and urgent call for alternative approaches to housing that are sustainably driven, culturally rooted, and responsive to future change. By examining the past, present, and potential future of housing in Kuwait, the authors hope to inspire a new generation of architects, policymakers, and citizens to work towards creating more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient communities.

Weight: 870g
Dimension: 234 x 213 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869228204