Hassan Fathy (Egyptian Arabic: حسن فتحي; March 23, 1900 – November 30, 1989) was a pioneering Egyptian architect renowned for his work in incorporating traditional building techniques and materials into modern architecture, particularly for the benefit of the rural poor. His innovative use of adobe and mud construction, alongside his commitment to sustainable and affordable housing, earned him international acclaim and numerous accolades throughout his life.
Early Life and Education
Hassan Fathy was born into a middle-class upper Egyptian family in Alexandria. From an early age, he exhibited a profound interest in the arts and architecture, which led him to pursue formal education in the field. He graduated from King Fuad I University (now Cairo University) in 1926 with a degree in architecture. His education provided him with a solid foundation in Western architectural principles, but it was his deep appreciation for Egypt’s rich cultural heritage that truly shaped his architectural philosophy.
Personal Life
Fathy married Aziza Hassanein, the sister of Ahmed Hassanein, and designed a villa for her in the southern style along the Nile in Maadi. This structure, although later destroyed to make way for a new corniche, exemplified Fathy’s commitment to blending traditional Egyptian architectural elements with modern needs. He also designed a Neo-Mamluk style mausoleum for Aziza’s brother in 1947 along Salah Salem, further showcasing his versatility and respect for historical architectural styles.
Architectural Practice and Philosophy
Hassan Fathy’s career was marked by a profound respect for traditional building methods and materials. He believed that architecture should be sustainable, affordable, and culturally relevant. This philosophy led him to reject Western building designs and materials, instead advocating for the use of adobe and traditional mud construction. He began teaching at the College of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1930, and by the late 1930s, he had designed his first adobe buildings.
Fathy’s approach was holistic, incorporating economic, social, and aesthetic considerations into his designs. He trained local inhabitants to produce their own building materials and construct their own homes, empowering communities and ensuring that his architectural solutions were both sustainable and self-sufficient.
New Gourna: A Landmark Project
One of Fathy’s most notable projects was the construction of New Gourna, a village on Luxor’s West Bank, built to resettle the village of Gourna, which fell within the archaeological areas of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. This project gained international recognition for its innovative approach to low-cost housing.
Fathy’s design for New Gourna addressed economic issues by utilizing locally sourced materials like mud bricks, which were both affordable and environmentally friendly. He also considered social factors, consulting with local families and advocating for the involvement of social ethnographers in the planning process. Aesthetically, Fathy drew inspiration from traditional Nubian architectural designs, incorporating features like enclosed courtyards and vaulted roofing.
Despite its innovative design, the New Gourna project faced numerous challenges, including resistance from the local inhabitants who were reluctant to relocate. Fathy candidly described the project as a “failure” in his publication, Architecture for the Poor, but the village’s enduring presence and partial preservation underscore its significance as a pioneering effort in sustainable development.
Later Career and Global Influence
In 1953, Fathy returned to Cairo, where he headed the Architectural Section of the Faculty of Fine Arts. His subsequent work included designing schools for Egypt’s Ministry of Education and collaborating with international planners on projects in Iraq, Pakistan, and Africa. In 1963, he settled in Darb al-Labbana near the Cairo Citadel, where he lived and worked for the remainder of his life.
Fathy’s participation in the first U.N. Habitat conference in 1976 and his involvement with the Aga Khan Award for Architecture further cemented his reputation as a leading advocate for sustainable and culturally relevant architecture. His work continued to inspire architects and planners around the world, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional techniques with modern principles.
Major Projects and Achievements
Throughout his career, Hassan Fathy designed nearly 160 projects, ranging from modest country retreats to fully planned communities. Here is a selection of 15 of the most significant projects of Hassan Fathy, Egypt’s best-known architect since Imhotep, and winner of both the Aga Khan Chairman’s Award for Architecture and the Alternative Nobel Prize in 1980.
1. New Gourna Village
The village of New Gourna, partially built between 1945 and 1948, is perhaps the most well-known of all of Fathy’s projects due to the international popularity of his book, Architecture for the Poor. The project, intended to resettle the residents of the village of Gourna, is significant for the questions it raises about sustainability and community involvement in architectural design.
2. Hamdi Seif al-Nasr House in Fayum, Egypt
The Hamdi Seif al-Nasr rest house, located on a peninsula projecting into Lake Fayum, was intended for use during the landlord’s periodic visits. The design features an arcaded courtyard and a high formal vertical dome, emphasizing the interplay between public and private spaces.
3. New Baris Village in Kharga, Egypt
The village of New Baris, located in the geographical center of Egypt, was planned to house 250 families, including farmers and service personnel. This project, completed during Fathy’s mature phase, highlights his ability to build sustainably and affordably.
4. Andreoli Residence in Cairo, Egypt
Built for Katarina and Gerry Andreoli in the 1980s, the Andreoli Residence in Fayyum is a notable example of Fathy’s residential work. The house is located near Tunis al-Gabal village.
5. Shahira Mehrez Apartment in Cairo, Egypt
Fathy’s first residential project upon his return to Egypt, this small-scale apartment redesign for Shahira Mehrez showcases his ability to personalize and transform existing architectural frameworks.
6. Ceramics Factory in Qina, Egypt
A community-oriented project following New Gourna, the Ceramics Factory in Garagos represents a logical and efficient production design for pottery, aimed at improving the standard of living in the village.
7. Khalil al-Talhuni House in Shuna Janubiyya, Jordan
This house is a fine example of Fathy’s attention to residential spaces used for hospitality, balancing exterior arcaded areas with the private interior.
8. Dar Al Islam in New Mexico, USA
Dar al-Islam, a nonprofit educational organization in Abiquiu, New Mexico, was Fathy’s last community project. Co-founded by Nuridin Durkee and Sahl Kabbani in 1979, the project included a mosque and madrasa constructed using adobe techniques.
9. Beit ar-Rihan in Kuwait City, Kuwait
A private residence for the al-Sabah family, completed in 1981, Beit ar-Rihan is constructed entirely in brick. The residence underwent restoration in 1988 by Jordanian architect Badi al-Abed.
10. Hamed Said’s Studio in Cairo, Egypt
The first documented application of mud-brick construction by Fathy, this studio and sleeping space for artist Hamed Said, built in 1942, features a large vaulted loggia and emphasizes a connection with the surrounding palm grove.
11. Abd al-Rahman Nassif House in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia
Built using stone blocks from demolished traditional tower houses, this residence features an octagonal shukshieka, showcasing Fathy’s adaptation to regional architectural elements.
12. Sadat Resthouse in Garf Hoseyn, Egypt
Intended for official trips around Lake Nasser, the Sadat Resthouse consists of three separate buildings organized sequentially based on their status.
13. Akil Sami House in Dahshur, Egypt
Built using local limestone, the Akil Sami House features a Takhtabush and courtyard area with a wooden pergola, reminiscent of earlier works by Fathy.
14. Casaroni House in Giza, Egypt
Also known as “Mit Rehan,” the Casaroni House is one of Fathy’s most elegant residential works, built near the Greiss house on Shabramant Road.
15. The Fathy House in Sidi Krier, Egypt
Designed for himself, this house combines traditional forms with influences from other cultures. Fathy aimed for it to be a successful prototype of a low-cost structure that is both beautiful and functional.
Hassan Fathy’s contributions to architecture were recognized with numerous awards, including the Aga Khan Chairman’s Award for Architecture and the Right Livelihood Award in 1980. His legacy as an advocate for sustainable and affordable housing continues to inspire architects and planners worldwide.
Legacy
Hassan Fathy passed away on November 30, 1989, in Cairo. His legacy as “the architect of the poor” lives on through his innovative designs and his commitment to sustainable, affordable, and culturally relevant architecture. Fathy’s work continues to inspire architects and planners worldwide, and his contributions to the field are celebrated in documentaries, publications, and exhibitions.
Fathy’s entire archive, including architectural plans, photographs, and documents, is housed at the Rare Books and Special Collections Library at the American University in Cairo. This collection serves as a valuable resource for those interested in understanding and preserving his groundbreaking work.
Conclusion
Hassan Fathy’s life and career were marked by a deep commitment to improving the living conditions of the rural poor through architecture. His innovative use of traditional materials and techniques, combined with his holistic approach to design, set him apart as a visionary architect whose work continues to influence the field of sustainable development. As we celebrate his legacy, we are reminded of the importance of culturally relevant and environmentally sustainable architecture in creating a better future for all.
