A Comparative Study of the Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Residential Unit Design in Iran and the UAE

Abstract

Rapid social, economic, and technological changes have caused fundamental shifts in lifestyle and the design of residential spaces. Modern lifestyles, characterized by individualism, consumerism, the pace of life, and technology-centricity, have had a direct impact on the structure, function, and spatial organization of residential units. Iran and the United Arab Emirates, despite sharing similar cultural backgrounds, have followed different paths of urban development, and the influence of modern lifestyles on housing design in each country differs accordingly. In Iran, housing design in major cities has moved toward smaller, more functional, and less expensive spaces, while cultural and traditional values have been partially preserved. In the UAE, rapid economic growth and a multicultural population have led to residential architecture being heavily influenced by global lifestyles, consumerism, and technology. Lifestyle changes in both countries have resulted in a redefinition of private and communal spaces, the reorganization of interior spaces, and greater attention to welfare facilities and modern technologies. The aim of this study is to comparatively examine and analyze the influence of modern lifestyle on residential unit design in Iran and the UAE, identifying similarities and differences in spatial, functional, and cultural patterns. The research methodology is descriptive-analytical with a comparative approach; data were collected from scientific sources, urban development documents, and real-world examples in Tehran, Tabriz, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, and analyzed through comparative analysis. Research findings show that in Iran, modern residential design, while retaining some traditional values, has led to smaller communal spaces and larger private spaces. Space optimization, cost reduction, and attention to functional use are evident. In the UAE, large, luxurious, and technology-driven residential units reflect a global and consumerist lifestyle. Private spaces have gained greater importance while communal spaces have diminished, with design largely shaped by international standards. A comparative analysis reveals that both countries have experienced similar increases in private spaces; however, in Iran, economic and cultural constraints have preserved some traditional elements, while in the UAE, changes are extensive and free from local constraints. These findings highlight the necessity of considering culture and indigenous conditions in modern residential design, and can serve as a guide for architects in creating residential units compatible with modern lifestyles.