Rock House, Kuwait
Sandwiched between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the small, oil-rich emirate of Kuwait is now one of the less high-profile Middle Eastern countries. Back in the 1970s, though, it was the poster child of the region, largely thanks to its oil boom and liberal stance on Western ideals and influences. It became an unassuming beacon of culture, attracting influential cultural figures such as architects Walter Gropius and IM Pei, who realised buildings in Kuwait, and artist Andy Warhol, who was invited to exhibit his work. (Photos © Matthieu Salvaing)