Leading lights in the architecture and design community have called for the creation of an urban design review board. The aim is to ensure that the UAE's aesthetic heritage is not lost in the fast-pace of glass-and-metal expansion. Hink Huisman, managing partner of Directions International image consultants, said: "Defining the city's character does not mean having a 'barjeel' (wind tower) on top of every new building. "

Dubai's construction boom is great, but the urban planning right now is such that the translation of Arabic heritage into modern architecture isn't happening." Huisman, whose design consultancy firm has offices in the world's major cities, said the existence of a review board would usher in more eco-friendly buildings that will give the city its character. "I'm not very impressed with the current trend where the builders and designers aim more for the Guinness Book of World Records rather than the people who will dwell in those buildings."

Mariam Al Omrani, an architect who heads the Interior Design Unit at Dubai Municipality, agrees. "Dubai is in flux. We're in the best position to use the best materials and implement green building designs. But I think our challenge is to retain its unique character amid the constantly changing cityscape." Al Omrani cited Dubai's new Building Code ordering architects and building owners to use thermal insulation material to minimise air-conditioning costs. As for the 'loss of aesthetic heritage' in the new buildings, Al Omrani was philosophical: "Many buildings here, such as the Burj Al Arab, highlight the seafaring heritage of Dubai. Other new buildings try to express other unique aspects of this place. But every modern city has negative aspects? the negative allows you to see the positive in it, too." Dr Yasser Elsheshtawy, professor at the Department of Architecture Engineering of the UAE University in Al Ain, said: "When people come to Dubai, they should know they're here because of the aesthetics they see in its structures.

Right now, it's just glass, metal and some nylon." He said the present building guidelines should be updated. "Dubai's character is defined by the magnificence of its building designs. But if every building is exotic, you'll have lots of 'visual noise'? which could give visitors here a sensory overload. "In Las Vegas, every building is different, described by superlatives ­ the biggest, the most unusual, and so on. But we don't want to see Dubai turn into a theme park, where the urban character is defined by the lack of it." Hazem El Khatib, a professor at the American University of Dubai and managing partner of Design-Design LLC, said Dubai needs to evolve it own distinct architectural culture. "Design creates a heart for a tourist destination. This takes time to evolve, but that should not stop us from starting now." Barry Gray, managing director of Gray Business Communications, said: "How much of the present architecture will endure in 50 or 100 years' time? What is the distinctive character of the city that would lead people to say that it hosts a fine piece of architecture? These are questions the city's urban planners must answer."

Dr Mohsen Aboulnaga, chairman of the College of Design and Applied Arts at Dubai University College, highlighted some lapses in urban planning. He said architects may also need to undergo a licencing examination. 12_huisman.jpg (70x100) Huisman 12_omrani.jpg (70x100) Al Omrani 12_elsheshtawy.jpg (70x100) Dr Elsheshtawy