Atrium, Arab Fund for Development

Visited the modern headquarters of the Arab Fund for Development this morning. The building's shape resembles an old style house which is built around an atrium with a waterwell in the centre, or, as is here, a fountain. It's unique in that a lot of the rooms have been decorated and furnished in the style of other Arab countries - simply beautiful and a good way to preserve these traditional techniques. Think no nails in patterned wooden doors abd screens, handcut and laid tiles and plaster ceilings. Our guide was an old Kuwaiti gentleman who worked on the entire project. He said the vision for the project was that of the Chairman of the Fund and he lamented that there was no longer the spirit to do this type of design and craft anymore. We were joined by two English, an Italian and an American woman, all who had arrived more than 29 years or more ago. When life was simple, when people weren't materialistic and arrogant they said.

Money can and does change people.