The conservation of historical buildings in developed countries has been very common, well carried out, and accumulated a wealth of experience. Conversely, the developing countries do not have this experience, qualified experts or professionals to handle the restoration process of historical buildings independently. So, unless the developing countries received comprehensive support from the related cultural societies and institutions in developed countries for the conservation of its historical heritage, many problems will arise and excessive sums of money will be incurred. The Omani-French museum is a case in point. Through discussing the renovation process of the aforesaid building-as a case study-this paper will highlight some critical issues such as the importance of involving an integrated team of highly qualified professionals. The precautions to maintain the wellbeing of the building against any further problems arising or required modifications must also be included in the mission of the said team. Authentic treatment of historical buildings must be highly considered, taking in consideration the new standards of rehabilitating process. Any modern techniques or plants needed must be added with great care to blend with the essence of the original environment.

In the twentieth century, majority of the countries were tempted to adopt up-to-date building designs. The fashionable designs neglected the context of its environment, cultural values, social performance and even economic perspective and sustainability. The year 1970 represented the starting point of shifting Sultanate of Oman from being a closed, listless society to a modern state. The aim to build a modern society did not compel this historic country to neglect its heritage or cultural principles. The main hypothesis of this research is that Oman has wonderful experience in cultural sustainability between traditional and contemporary residences. This research aims to derive lessons and principles from such successful models of Oman. This work is dependent on a theoretical foundation of previous related references, analysis, interpretation and a comparative case study. Some tools used were interviews, analytical site visits and questionnaire. The research succeeded in revealing the procedure used by Oman to keep the identity and continuity of its buildings. The wonderful response of both traditional and contemporary Omani residence to the surrounding, cultural aspects, and human needs is shown. This research provides a current example to researchers, students, designers and decision makers of a humanely oriented house design.

In developed countries, the issue of green architecture and sustainability practices has been a major concern to building professionals and the community for many years. On the contrary, in the developing countries, the same issues are beyond public awareness. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the countries whose national economy is mainly based on nonrenewable energy resource, oil. In addition, the recent plummet in the price. of fossil fuel ushered Oman to seek alternative energy resources, and to think of adopting new policies. Unprecedented in the Third world, the national competition for Eco House Design was announced. Five examples of Eco Houses were designed and constructed during the first phase. This research aims to shed light on this remarkable Omani experience among the developing countries. The methodology of the research is incumbent on a theoretical foundation of previous related references analysis and a cross comparative case study. Other tools were used like interviews and site visits. The research succeeded in outlining the design criteria of eco-friendly architecture and clarifying the starting point taken by the Oman to adopt the green and issues. In addition, two examples of the Ecohouses in arid zones were provided. In the future, further steps have to be taken to re-direct the Omani society to adopt the green attitude.

The recent drop in oil prices has lead Oman, a country with an oil dependent economy, to consider new sustainable policies and attitudes.The Sultanate’s five-year plan (2011-2015) began the development of renewable energy and environmental protection. One of the state’s approaches was hosting the National Eco-House Design contest in 2011 between higher educational institutions. However, disseminating the eco-house concept will take decades to be effective. This commentary argues for the potential of the Smart -Eco house to provide a quick and effective solution to support the present nationwide policy of promoting more sustainable practices. Based on relevant literature review, a questionnaire was written, and interviews were conducted with high ranking government policymakers and directors of smart home companies. The paper aims to draw the attention of the government, experts, decision-makers, and educational institutions to integrate the Smart – Eco house into their efforts towards efficient building energy performance, supporting the national economy, energy infrastructure, and the country’s environmentally sustainable policies.

No abstract