Innovation Cultural: Examining the Role of Cultural Context on Architectural Innovation in Iraq 1940-1960

Abstract

innovation is a multifaceted phenomenon characterized by its material, pragmatic, and expressive dimensions. Recent studies suggest that innovation is an individual trait resulting from personal intention, and that understanding this cultural context is primarily what endows the innovative product with a distinct relative connection to its social, technological, and cultural environment. The principal issue lies in the complexity of identifying what constitutes an innovative architectural product due to the intricate nature of architecture and its cultural context. This research aims to discuss the concept of "innovation culture," through which architects, regardless of their preferences, can achieve innovative and cohesive outcomes relevant to their contexts. For practical analysis, the study will examine contemporary residential design practices in Baghdad from 1940 to 1960, a significant period in the study of modern Iraqi architecture.