ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF MALDIVES AND ITSREVIVAL THROUGH TOURISM
Mohamed Mauroof Jameel1 and Yahaya Ahmad2
1
PhD Architecture Candidate, 2 Associate Professor
Centre for Urban Design, Conservation and Tropical Architecture (UCTA), University of
Malaya, Malaysia.

ABSTRACT
Developing countries like Maldives often reject cultural heritage in the wake of globalizationand fast development as a symbol of backwardness but as they progress they start to revive
what is left of it. Similarly since the 1960s, Maldives has been developing and transforming at
a fast pace and its architectural heritage started vanishing fast. The architectural heritage, that
include the traditional island settlements, traditional buildings, traditional building methods
and materials are changing and replaced by modern structures and materials. But after the
introduction of tourism in 1972 the architecture of the tourist resort emerged and with it came,
to some extent, a renewed appreciation and adaptation of traditional building methods andmaterials. Today tourism master plans argue that cultural heritage tourism could be promoted
along with the key attractions of sun, sand and sea.
This paper presents an overview of the architectural heritage of Maldives and the architecturaldevelopment of the tourist resort using reviews and findings from recent studies. The purpose
is to highlight the role of tourism in the revival and preservation of architectural heritage ofMaldives.
Keywords: architectural heritage, tourism, Maldives.
INTRODUCTION
Maldives has been inhabited for more than 4000 years and was known to have traded withcowry shells as far back as the Indus Valley civilization (Heyerdahl, 1986; Mohamed, 2012).
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean it has a culture that evolved through its survival in
the middle of the ocean and its interactions with the cultures across the ocean. From the
beginning Maldives has been a melting pot of many cultures from the Indian Ocean. Its
cultural heritage consists of an intangible heritage based on the unique language, performing
arts, arts and crafts, cuisine and a tangible heritage based on based on its maritime heritage andarchitectural heritage from pre-Islamic and Islamic periods.
The Maldivian craftsmanship and skills were admired from a very early period. The coir rope;a hand made product from coconut fibre was mentioned by early travellers and scholars of theregion as far back as 362 (Mohamed, 2008). Lacquer work; Liye laajehun, mat weaving;1

Thundu kunaa, embroidery; Kasabu work and weaving are famous Maldivian crafts with theirproducts included in the ancient trade, annual tributes and presents to foreign lands as far backas 362. Products from weaving and plaiting of coconut leaf are also important crafts and theirproducts like thatching and woven baskets; Mulhi and Gonu were used in everyday life
(Shafeegu, 1988).
Maldivians mastered the art of boat building from very early times and were also admired bymany early travellers and scholars who visited the region. Al Idrisi in 1150, the famoustraveler from Magrib, Ibn Batuta in 1343 and the great Chinese mariner Cheng He's chronicler
Ma Huan in 1425 are among those who admired the sewn boats of Maldives (Mohamed,2008). The Maldivian boats are planked boats similar to the dhows of the African and Arabregion with closest resemblances to the dhows of east Africa. They are well built and have
many types specializing for different needs.
The first Maldivians did not leave any archaeological evidences, as their structures would havebeen made from perishable materials like wood and coconut thatching. Despite its old history
and cultures, the first people to leave physical evidence were the early Buddhists and Hindus
when they started using coral stone structures in the 3rd century (Bell, 1940; Mikkelson, 2000).
Today, there known 78 pre-Islamic archaeological sites (Mohamed, 2008). The architectural
heritage, that survive are traditional settlements, traditional buildings and traditional building
methods and materials.
Since the 1960s, Maldives has been developing, transforming and embracing globalization atsuch a fast pace that its architectural heritage started vanishing fast. Traditional architecture
was not appreciated and became a symbol of backwardness for many Maldivians. The
traditional islands started transforming and many traditional buildings were replaced bymodern structures. Traditional building methods and materials were replaced by faster andcheaper systems. But, after the introduction of tourism in 1972 a different form of architecture:that of the tourist resort emerged, and with it came, to some extent, a renewed appreciation
and adaptation of traditional building techniques and materials. Resort architecture extended
and reinterpreted the traditional methods and materials of construction. Today tourism masterplans argue that cultural heritage tourism could be promoted along with the key attractions ofsun, sand and sea (MTAC, 2013).
This paper presents an overview of the architectural heritage of Maldives, the architecturaldevelopment of the tourist resort and analyses the role of the architecture of the resorts in therevival and preservation of architectural heritage of Maldives. It presents reviews and analysis
of non-numerical data from archival/historical sources, visual sources and interviews using of
qualitative research techniques. The data for architectural heritage were acquired throughliterature reviews and from past studies. Data for the tourist resort architecture were acquired
through literature reviews, the ministry of tourism database and interviews from the industry
professionals. Objective is to highlight the role of tourism in the revival of architectural
heritage of Maldives.

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ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
The architectural heritage, that survive are traditional settlements, traditional buildings andtraditional building methods and materials. The traditional settlements includes the traditionalisland settlements and architectural heritage of MaleÕ, which has almost disappeared. The
traditional buildings include the structures within the traditional house compound, thetraditional mosques, structures for special purpose and the pavilions.
Traditional settlements
The traditional islands are built natural landscapes that illustrate a traditional way of life,
evolving over hundreds of years through harmonious interaction between people and nature.
They are low lying coral islands, surrounded by a reef that is breached in a few places to allow
access to the island by boats. The typical layout of a traditional island have the reef entrance
called Neru and landing area for boats and a main road lined with houses and other structures.
The landing area on the beach have, Dhoni Haruge'; Boat houses, Holhu Ashi; small beachpavilions and sometimes small jetties. The main buildings of the island includes the traditional
houses, the mosques, pavilions and Haruge'; structures for special purposes (Jameel, 2012).
MaleÕ is the capital of Maldives with history of more than 900 years but today it is heavily
built up and densely populated and its architectural heritage is hardly visible. According tolegend a prince from the Malabar coasts visited MaleÕ around 1117 and was welcomed by its
natives ÔGiraavaru PeopleÕ. He united the country under one rule and made MaleÕ the capital.
MaleÕ was the centre of the 800 year old sultanate where sultans rule the country from themain palace (Maloney, 1980; Mohamed, 2008). During that time it was a walled city withbastions, gates, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and harbours. Unfortunately what is left of oldMaleÕ are few mosques and buildings. MaleÕ old Friday mosques is most importantarchitectural heritage of the country.
Traditional buildings
The traditional houses with its compound have most to contribute to the architectural heritage
but they do not survive due to the type of materials used in construction. The traditional housecompound; Goathi is the extension of the traditional house and consist of the GeÕ; main house,
BadhigeÕ; kitchen, Koshaaru; granary, Valhu; well and Gifili; an open-air toilet area andsometimes ÔUndhoaligeÕ; swing house. It offers an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is common to
many tropical countries. Most daytime activities take place in the compound under the shadeof the large trees or semi outdoor spaces like the veranda; ÔFendaÕ of the house or
UndhoaligeÕ. Large trees such as mango and breadfruit are common trees in the courtyardwith seating often hung from these trees as swings or Joalis; traditional hammock chair. Other
plants that are common in the compound are coconut, fruit bearing trees, areca palms withbetel plants and plants used for cooking. Plants of fragrance such as jasmine are also foundnear the entrance of the houses.
The main house is the central element in the compound. It primarily comprise of BeyrugeÕ;outer chamber and EtheregeÕ; inner chamber. Depending on the affluence and size of family
the house gets extended with verandas; ÔFendaÕ towards northern and southern sides. The
outer chamber is the area for men and children. Two platforms; Bodu ashi and Kuda ashi, acoir rope strung bed and big wooden chests are common furniture in the outer chamber. The
inner chamber with two beds referred as north bed and south bed is the domain of the women.

3

The house has two entrances from the outer chamber giving access to the front and the back of
the compound.
The kitchen stands totally separate from the main house and granary. With no chimneys,
smoke extraction and ventilation was often through perforated walls that are made out ofcoconut fronds; Fanthoshi. Wooden trellis was placed above the hearth for drying fish andwalls were sometimes lined with open shelves for cooking utensils. Most of the foodpreparation work was done out in the semi open areas. The granary, where grains and otherfoodstuff are stored was an important part of the household in agricultural islands. This is anindependent unit with timber walls and floors, mounted on large blocks of coral stone to keep
it from the ground and has a thick plaited thatched roof sheltering it from the rain. The water
wells located near the kitchen and open-air toilet are used for bathing, washing and cleaning
fish. These shallow water wells are an important component of a house.
The traditional mosques are the oldest architectural heritage in the country. Today four typesof traditional mosques survive. They are built between 14th century and 20th century and are
categorized by their use of material and type of construction (Jameel, 2012). They are as
follows:¥ Mosques using Veligaa or coral sand stone masonry construction technique. An example ofthis type of mosque is Gen Miskiy in Fuvahmulah. The date of construction is unclear but
believed to be built in the 1400s.
¥ Mosques using both Veligaa or sand stone and Hiriga or coral stone masonry construction
technique. Typical example of such a mosque is Vadhoo old Friday mosque believed to bebuilt in late 1500s.
¥ Mosques using Hiriga or Porite coral stone ÒcarpentryÓ construction technique. Examples ofthis type of mosques are MaleÕ Old Friday Mosque built in 1657, MaleÕ Eid Mosque built in1815 and Fenfushi Old Friday Mosque built in 1695.
¥ Mosques using chipped coral rubble masonry for construction. Examples of this type ofmosques are MaleÕ Bihuroazu Kamana Miskiy rebuilt in 1919.
The traditional mosque is also set within a mosque compound with water wells, a sundial dial,
cemetery and occasionally small minarets and bathing tanks. It is of different sizes built fromthe time of conversion to Islam until the 1950s. The typical mosque has a rectangular prayer
hall and a combination of the veranda like antechambers called Dhaala/Fenda and occasional
Mihrab chambers. It is built on a raised plinth and entered through rising stairs from theeastern side. On both sides of the stairs are timber ledges, which are used as seating for theelderly and the disabled. The roof form is tiered, hipped and steeply sloped with large
overhangs and are finished with plaited coconut thatching, clay roofing tiles or metal roofing
sheets. All mosques have a timber coffered ceiling and many with a central stepped recessedarea called Laage'. The window openings have diagonal lattice timberwork called Miskthu
Jaali. The types of doors vary depending on the type of traditional mosques but mostly havesliding doors. The iconography of decoration is based on organic and geometric patterns withcalligraphic writings from the Quran in Thuluth Arabic script (Jameel, 2012).
The water wells in the mosque compound used for ablution and are located near the entrancesof the mosque building. They are about a meter across and 3 meters deep with steppingstones
leading up to the mosque entrance. The sundial showing prayer times and Qibla is located in aclear area near the entrance of the mosque compound and is mounted on a pediment. The

4cemetery is lined with tombstones and Mausoleums. The tombstones are made from intricately
carved one-piece coral stone. Mausoleums are tombs of revered people are placed within an
enclosed shelter. Boundary walls and entrance gates are occasionally found in mosqueslocated in populated areas. The landscaping with paths leading to the mosque building andwells are neatly laid with white sand and special plants like Jasmine and Basil (Jameel, 2012).
The beach pavilions; ÔHolhu ashiÕ are the most popular type of pavilions in Maldives and arestill found through out the country. These structures are located near the beach side and areimportant places of social interaction where people would rest, listen to news/gossip, exchange
views and play games. They are raised platforms, often with a roof above. The posts andplatforms are usually made from screw pine trunks and the roof is made from coconut thatch.
Other pavilions include ÔAshigeÕ; a meeting place inside islands often used for prayers by
women or elders, ÔMaizanÕ; public meeting pavilions, ÔMariyaadhugeÕ; a formal meeting
pavilions in palaces and stately houses.
The structures for special purposes include boat houses; odi/dhoni harugeÕ, permanent andtemporary structures build for functions, recitals, education etc. They include recital halls;
ÔMauloodh harugeÕ and schools; ÔEdhurugeÕ. These structures are usually simple structures
built with timber frames and coconut thatched walls and roof.
Traditional building methods and materials
Since early structures were built using perishable materials such as timber and coconut thatch,
there are very few old buildings in Maldives but much of the architectural heritage is seen
through the traditional building forms, building methods and materials. The traditionalbuilding forms and methods were developed over many centuries as a result of the experienceof many generations. Experiences are that of responding to climatic conditions, available
materials, changing technology and changing socio-cultural needs including the religions ofdifferent periods. Due to the limited availability of materials that time, there was a great needto find the method for handling the material and an aesthetic that was right for each other.
Traditional methods of responding to the climate were effective and sophisticated in Maldives.
Most buildings are aligned with the gable ends towards east and west to minimise direct
sunlight and avoid driving rain. The overhanging roof becomes the dominant element in theprotection of heat and driving rain and at the same time giving protection to doors andwindows. Thatched walls and roofs provided good insulations and stopped condensation andfungal growth due to its ability to ÔbreathÕ.
Coconut thatching is the most widely available and oldest form of roofing in the humid tropics
from the pacific regions to the Indian Ocean. Woven coconut leaves were used as roof andwall thatching. In Maldives the traditional roofing material was coconut thatch until
corrugated metal roofing became common in the 1960s. The early walls were also made ofcoconut thatch or combined with timber panelling. Coconut thatching mats are laid inoverlapping layers and tied to horizontal battens. Thatching was applied to roof structures at aslope of more that 30¼.
There are two ways of preparing coconut thatching. In the first method the leaf blades are
stripped from the stem and then stitched tightly using three coir ropes to form mats. The
principle for making the most durable mats is to make sure that the leaf blades are squeezed

5tightly and neatly together as they are stitched together. The second method is to split the stemin two so the leaf blades hang from one side. The two pieces are laid back to back and the leaf
blades woven together to form a mat. This technique, which is commonly practiced in many
countries including Sri Lanka and south India, is not as durable as the first as the rapid
discharge of rainwater is impeded by the weaving pattern.
The most common type of timber used in the traditional construction is timber from coconut
palm, used mostly for the super structure of post and beam. Such timber was favoured for its
abundance, strength and durability. For the infill boards, doors and windows timber from
Artocarpus Altilis (Bread fruit tree) locally known as ÔBambukeyoÕ is common. Other local
timbers that are used are Cordia Subcordata known as ÔKaaniÕ, Hernandia Ovigera known asÔKandhuÕ, Thespesia Populnea (Bendy tree) known as Hirundhu and Hibiscus Tiliaceus (Sea
Hibiscus) know as Dhiggaa.
Round timber construction or timber pole construction were often used for the panelling of thewalls. Coconut fronds; ÔFanthoshiÕ, Ochrosia Oppositifolia locally known as ÔDhumburiÕ,Thespesia Populnea (Bendy tree) known as Hirundhu and Hibiscus Tiliaceus (Sea Hibiscus)know as Dhiggaa are the main types of timber used for wall panelling. Timber panelling,timber doors and windows were often used in houses of the affluent and sometimes, imported
teak are used. Timber structures of the mosques were highly decorated with lacquered
finishes.
Coral stone was the only long lasting materials available for construction during the early
periods and thus became the favoured material for all monumental buildings like mosques.
Porite corals from Scleractima family are the types that were mined for construction in
Maldives (Naseer, 1997). In Maldives, coral stone construction techniques varied during
different historic periods. During the classical pre Islamic period and medieval Muslim period
coral stone was shaped and set in mortar. Examples are found in archaeological sites like
Kashidhoo Archaeological site excavated by Mikkelson (Mikkelson, 2000) and in structures
like Boadha Miskiy in Koagannu, Hulhumeedhoo built around 1403. Coral stone construction
became refined with the increase of travel and trade in the Indian Ocean during the earlycolonial periods around 17th century. Boat building skills and construction techniques
acquired through exchanges of the period fused with the existing techniques of the earlier
periods lead to a sophisticated shaped and interlocking coral stone construction system without
mortar that has intricate decorative carvings and mouldings. Many early visitors to the country
admired the coral stone mosques of Maldives. An early description of coral stone construction
was by Francois Pyrard de Laval, the French traveller in 1617 who described in detail themosque, and admires the skill of the people in coral mining and preparation of the Porite
corals for construction (Pyrard, 1619).
New coral stone construction techniques were introduced during the British colonial period oflate 19th century. Masonry techniques using coral rubble with lime mortar and plaster became
the type of construction for mosques and other monumental buildings during this period.
Porite corals were mined from the sea and broken into rubbles and kept in the rain and sun
until they were dried. Corals of the stony coral family were mined and burned to make lime.
The rubble was set in lime mortar and finished with fine lime plaster and lime wash. The likeof Bihurozukamana Miskiy in MaleÕ, built in 1920s are good examples of this type of6

construction. Coral and sand mining declined after mining from the house reef of inhabitedisland was banned in 1992.
The coir rope was well known from an early period. ÔAt one time this rope was considered thebest in the world for use on sailing ships and was sought after by merchants from Arabia,
China and EuropeÕ. Coconut husk is soaked and the fibre extracted and dried. The fibre
strands are woven by hand to form ropes of varying thickness. Rope making is a speciality of
the women of the islands, and different regions of the country are known for different qualityof ropes.
A different type of weaving and plaiting using screw pine leaves was also an important part of
the Maldivian traditional culture. Woven screw pine leaves called Sataa and Saanthi wereused in lining the interior of wall panels and used as mats for sleeping and seating (Shafeegu,
1988).

ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF TOURIST RESORTS
In the late 1960s the UNDP advices the Maldivian government that Maldives has no potential
for the development of tourism at that time but in 1972, it was introduced by local pioneers
and an Italian George Corbin (Neville, 2012). Since then tourism has been developing fast
bringing prosperity and fast development to the country. It is now the biggest industry in the
country with more than 800,000 tourists visiting in 2014 (MT, 2014).
Today there are 105 tourist resorts with a bed capacity of 22935, 17 city hotels with a bed
capacity of 1488, 113 guesthouses with a bed capacity of 1542 and 57 safari boats with a bed
capacity of 932 (MT, 2014). Following are some of the milestones of architecturaldevelopment of the resorts;
First resort was Kurumba Village, built in 1972.
First water bungalow was built in Gangehi Island Resort, in 1985.
First on-water restaurant complex was built in Paradise Island Resort and Spa, in
1990s.
First Spa was built in Kanuhura Resort and Spa, in 1990s.
First underwater restaurant was built in Conrad Maldives, previously Hilton Maldives,in 2004.
First Underwater spa was built in Per Aquum Niyama, in 2003.
Resort architecture has gone through four phases of development. The styles of architectureand facilities responded to the tourism development master plans, changing demands and needof the industry.
Development phase 1: 1972 Ð 1982
Examples:Kurumba Village - 1972
Bandos Island Resort - 1972
Club Med Faru - 1973
Baros Holiday resort - 1973
Alimatha Aquatic Resort Ð 1975

7

Kuramathi Tourist Resort - 1977
Kuda Hura Four Seasons - 1977
Kuredhu Island Resort Ð 1978
Fun Island Resort Ð 1980
Rihiveli Beach Resort - 1980
Biyaadhoo Tourist Resort - 1982
This was the unplanned phase based on individual initiatives. The resorts of this period had
simple structures and layouts. Structures comprise of a jetty, reception/admin area, guest
accommodation/toilets, restaurant/kitchen/store, staff quarters, powerhouse and a dive school.
Guest accommodations were simple connected rooms with attaches toilets or individual rooms
with toilets. Stylised bungalows and open-air toilets emerged later during this period.
Construction during this stage was basic with coral stone masonry or thatched walls,
corrugated metal or thatched roof, white sanded or cemented floors. The furnishing andinterior decorations were also basic and simple (Kundur 2012).
Kuda Hura Four Seasons, Baros Holiday Resort and Kuramathi Tourist Resort originally had
camping units during this period. The guest rooms were very simple in design with thatchroofs sand floors. The toilets and showers and washbasin areas were built in a common blockto group of rooms.
Development phase 2: 1983 - 1995
Examples:
Makunudhu Island - 1983
Sonevafushi resort - 1983
Nika Island Resort - 1983
Kudahithi Resort -1984
Veligandu Island - 1984
Kandoomaa Island Resort - 1985
Ari Beach Resort - 1988
Rangali Finolhu - 1992
Lily beach Resort -1994
Holiday Island - 1994
The first master plan was introduced in 1983 laying the foundation for sustainable
development. It called for development controls, measures of environment and reef protection.
By 1984 resort registration and development approvals controlled building heights, built up
space, nature of rooms facing the beach, beach setbacks and quality of services and facilities(MT, 1996; Kundur 2012). Resorts became more stylised with more comprehensive designs
and the structures of this period comprise of a guest jetty, service jetty, reception/admin,
shops, guest accommodation/toilets, restaurant/kitchen/store, staff quarters, powerhouse/boats
section and a dive/surf schools. Guest accommodation also became more stylised withbungalows style structures with verandas and open-air toilets. First water bungalow was built
in Gangehi Island Resort, in 1985.
Construction during this phase improved with plastered masonry walls, thatched roof, open
timber structures white sanded floors. The furnishing and interior decorations were also
refined.

8

Development phase 3: 1996 - 2006
Examples:Kuda Hura Four Seasons was upgraded to be the first five star resorts in c.1996.
Rangali Finolhu was upgraded as Hilton Maldives to be the second five star resort in1997.
Sun Island Resort -1998
Reethi Beach Resort - 1998
Hakura Club -1999
One and Only Kanuhura - 1999
Meedhupparu Island Resort - 2000
Royal Island Ð 2001
Cocoa Island (Makunufushi) upgrade - 2001
Dhonakulhi Hideaway Resort and Spa - 2005
Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru Ð 2006
The second master plan was introduced in 1996. Through competitive bidding and new
development guidelines, innovative designs and quality services became popular. Resort
development became sophisticated with complex designs. (MTCA, 2007; Kundur, 2012). The
structures of this period comprise of jetties and harbour complexes, reception/admin/shops,
guest rooms/toilets, restaurant/kitchen/store, swimming pools, entertainment centres and clubrooms, open air courts and playing field, staff quarters, powerhouse/boats section, dive schools
and water sports centres. High quality water bungalows with large private decks became
popular during this period.
Construction became sophisticated with prefabricated building systems and timber panelling.
New methods of building over water like piling systems were introduced. Different types ofroofing materials, flooring, furnishing and decorations were also introduced.
Development phase 4: 2007 Ð 2012
Eaxmples;Alidhoo Cinnamon Island - 2007
Herethere Island Resort - 2007
Medhafushi Hilton - 2008
Handaha Park Hyatt - 2009
Villingili Shangrilla - 2009
Olhuveli Six Senses - 2011
Muddhoo Dusit Thani - 2012
Meradhoo Jumeira - 2012
The third master plan was introduced in 2007 and renewable energy, nationwide
environmental protection and waste management became priority (Kundur, 2012). Famousinternational hotel brands started arriving and with it came their own design and standards
Development phase 5: 2013 - 2015
ExamplesMushimasmigili Safari Island - 2013
Fushi Velavaru Velaa Private Island - 20139

Randheli Chval Blanc - 2013
The fourth master plan was introduced in 2013 and with it came luxury hotel brands andunique individualistic designs by famous designers (Kundur, 2012). The quality of
construction and finishes are of the highest standards often by international contractors.

ANALYSIS
The following analysis describes the of use of different elements of architectural heritage inresort architecture. It shows the contribution of resort architecture in the revival ofarchitectural heritage of Maldives.
Use of traditional architectural forms in the resorts
Traditional islands: The traditional island forms or layouts are not used in the resort
architecture. However many elements of the traditional island are used. The most commonlyused element is the traditional jetty. Many resorts of the early phases had jetties built in the
traditional manner. Examples are found in Club Med Faru, Baros Holiday resort, Alimatha
Aquatic Resort and Rihiveli Beach Resort.
Traditional house: The traditional house form is often adapted and used in many resort ofphase one, two and three. The concept of open-air toilet comes from the traditional Gifili. The
hammock type of chair is commonly used. Examples are found in Rihiveli Beach Resort, Ari
Beach Resort and Kandoomaa Island Resort.
Traditional mosque: The form of the traditional mosques is not used in resort architecture
however many detailing such as the plinth moulding shapes, are reinterpreted and used incontemporary manner among the decorations of a few resorts from phase three. Examples are
Reethi Beach Resort. The coral carvings designs and details are often found in many interior
designs as decorative elements.
Beach pavilions and Haruge: The forms and details of beach pavilions and Haruge are often
used in the architecture of the resort. They are of course reinterpreted and modified to suit theneeds of the resorts. Raised platforms are not common but the A-frame shape of boathouses
was used many times in resort architecture. Examples can be found in the second facestructures of Ari Beach Resort built in the early 1990s.
Use of traditional building methods and materials in the resorts
Thatched construction: Coconut thatching is the most popular form of roof construction inresorts construction. It was also used in the wall panelling of the early resorts. It is still foundin interior decorations. Coconut thatching is an important renewable and ecologically soundlocal material that blends well with the natural environment of Maldives. It is an important
local industry that is sustained because of the tourist industry.
Timber components: Local timbers are no longer used because of the limitations inavailability. Traditional methods of panelling and use of round timber was popular in the earlyphases of resorts like Rihiveli Beach Resort. Nevertheless timber panelling is popular in resort
constructions but traditional methods are hardly seen now.

10

Coral stone construction: Coral-stone walls were common in the early resort construction
however since the ban on coral stone mining in 1992 the new resorts do not use coral stone.
Coral stone construction is no longer possible in Maldives but still recycled stone are
selectively used indoors and outdoors in some of the resorts like Four Seasons Landa
Giraavaru.
Marine structures: Reinterpretation of maritime themes can be seen among some of the resorts.
Example traditional boats and its details are applied in the design of water bungalows.
Wooden timber decks are also built taking advantage of boatbuilding techniques. Some of thethemes can be observed in Cocoa Island (Makunufushi) upgraded, Hakura Club and Ari Beachresort.
CONCLUSION
The architectural heritage of Maldives that was inherited by our forefathers which provides thehard evidence of our past is vanishing fast due to fast development and lack of appreciation by
the local people. However it was observed that some parts of the architectural heritage arebeing revived and reinterpreted in the architecture of tourist resorts. It was observed that thearchitecture of the earlier resorts contributed more towards the revival of architectural
heritage. Today tourism is the biggest contributor to renew appreciation and revival or
architectural heritage of Maldives.
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