The contemporary results are interesting for their shock value, but they make little sense when evaluated as environments for a steadily growing population that needs to be sustained over a long period of time. The challenge is clear. The society is predominantly new and it is heterogeneous. The climate is both harsh and inviting. The landscape is open and vast.
Water is scarce.
The sun is penetrating and pervasive. The historical elements of a regional desert architecture still may be found and used as a guide in response to the climatic factors. However, we are missing a dialogue between these time-tested responses and the expectations of the new society for technological innovations and improvements. Few of the new inhabitants are familiar with the elements that characterize the regional responses of the past. Architectural traditions in the desert include massive enclosing walls, simple compact forms, small exterior openings with carefully filtered natural light, additive spatial compositions, and protected courtyards.