Abbas Sherif Alaskari Says Modern Architecture Is Losing Its Soul—Here’s Why He’s Right

In an era where glass towers dominate skylines and smart homes promise frictionless living, Abbas Sherif Alaskari, a seasoned architect engineer based in Dubai, is asking a provocative question: What happened to the soul of architecture?

With more than a decade of experience designing spaces across the UAE—from eco-resorts in Ras Al Khaimah to cultural centers in Abu Dhabi—Abbas isn’t just criticizing for the sake of debate. He’s pointing to a growing concern shared by many architects, urban planners, and citizens: modern architecture, in its rush for innovation and efficiency, is becoming emotionally and culturally detached.

“We’re building faster, higher, and smarter,” Abbas says, “but many of these structures don’t speak to the people who live in them. They don’t reflect their culture, their climate, or their story.”

Function Over Feeling

At the core of Abbas’s concern is a shift in architectural priorities. Where buildings once expressed cultural values and local identity, many now seem to be optimized primarily for profitability or global aesthetic conformity. “Walk through any major city, and you’ll start to notice a trend—steel, glass, minimalism. It's sleek, but is it meaningful?” Abbas asks.

This “international style,” while efficient and visually striking, often lacks any regional or emotional context. In places like the UAE—rich in heritage and diverse landscapes—this design disconnect is especially glaring.

Culture Isn’t a Trend

Abbas advocates for a more rooted approach. Drawing from traditional Emirati architecture, he incorporates elements like wind towers (barjeel), Mashrabiya screens, and natural courtyards into his contemporary designs. These aren’t just nostalgic touches—they are functional, sustainable, and deeply cultural.

“The danger,” he warns, “is when culture is used as decoration rather than foundation. If we only mimic traditional patterns on facades without understanding their original purpose, we reduce history to ornament.”

Technology with Purpose, Not Just Prestige

Modern architecture also celebrates technological advancement—smart systems, AI-powered environments, energy-efficient materials. Abbas isn’t against innovation; in fact, his residential projects often feature cutting-edge systems. But he stresses the intent behind the technology.

“It’s not about whether a home can respond to your voice,” he says. “It’s whether that home helps you feel grounded, safe, and connected. Smart should serve the soul, not replace it.”

The Emotional Impact of Space

One of the more overlooked aspects of modern architecture, Abbas argues, is its emotional effect. Research increasingly supports the idea that architectural design can influence mental well-being, social cohesion, and even productivity. Yet, too many spaces today are designed for efficiency or branding rather than human experience.

“Great architecture doesn’t just impress you—it embraces you,” Abbas says. “When you enter a traditional Emirati majlis or a shaded desert courtyard, you feel something. That’s the soul we’re missing in many new buildings.”

A Call for Conscious Design

Abbas Sherif Alaskari’s stance may be controversial in an industry obsessed with innovation, but it’s gaining traction among those looking to balance progress with meaning. His message is simple yet urgent: Architecture should not just reflect the era—it should respect the place.

As cities across the world continue to grow vertically and digitally, the question Abbas poses resonates more than ever: Are we building spaces to live in—or just structures to look at?

It’s a debate worth having. And Abbas, with one foot in heritage and the other in the future, is determined to lead it.