Abstract
The physical and spatial variations in response to cultural differences have
generally been ignored in the contemporary theories and design of architecture
worldwide. It is apparent that the design of the physical environment has departed
from its context, and becomes a source of initial problems and disasters.
This situation is well manifested in third world countries, where modern
technological and economical co-operation, on top of the past colonialism, have
escalated the process of architectural westernization.
Thus this study is intended to correct the existing situation in the Sudan by
turning to the rich Sudanese culture, and understand the Sudanese subtle daily
life, needs and expectations through a proper understanding of the Sudanese
cultural institutions. The study utilizes three interrelated methods
(questionnaire, observational and cultural analysis), to uncover the hidden aspects
of the Sudanese culture. The data collected in the survey from a sample of
respondents is analysed, in order to understand the Sudanese attitudes towards
the existing built environment and to identify their expectations in an ideal built
environment that can satisfy their socio-cultural needs.
The findings show a general dissatisfaction with the existing residential settings
mainly from a planning pattern point of view. Furthermore, the result uncovers
the wide gap between the westernized built environment and the indigenous Sudanese
one. Finally, the findings show explicitly that designers have to pay attention
to variations between distinctive cultures as well as to subcultural variations.
