Hassan Fathy Biography

Hassan Fathy is one of Egypt’s most well-known and revered architects. He was far ahead of the thinking of the times and was widely known for his ideas. He is one of the few architects who gained his fame not through flashy and complicated structures but through simple, cost-effective designs for the people. Most of his fellow architects did not share his notions and preferred more modern methods. Fathy was most interested in improving the standard of living of the less fortunate. He used traditional mud and brick to build housing units in contrast to modern concrete and steel. Not only is this much more cost-effective but it also highlights one of his main ideas that people in the past knew how to build much better than the kind of destructive construction modern architects use. He was dedicated to creating housing units which were individualistic, sustainable, affordable, and a huge improvement for the lower class. Another significant factor in his work was creating designs that took Mother Nature and her wrath into consideration. For example, he created beautiful courtyards which provided passive cooling by focusing it around the north westerly winds. His ideas greatly contrasted most architects of the time but today his ideas are highly respected.