The BA Celebrates Egypt's Best Known Architect Hassan Fathy as Part of Its Anniversary
Posted on
Alexandria—
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, gave an opening speech on Thursday, 25 October 2007, in the seminar held at the BA, on the great Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy.
Dr. Ismail Serageldin referred to the fact that Hassan Fathy was the dominant figure in the architecture of Egypt in the 20th century. He was a controversial figure and one whose impact was widely acknowledged but not quite understood, although he had a continuous presence on the scene for almost 60 years.
During his presentation, Dr. Serageldin discussed Hassan Fathy's works and architectural paradigms. He added that appraising the intellectual contributions of Hassan Fathy is not an easy task. Perhaps his most significant legacy will be the humanism that he championed and the boost he gave to the self-image of architecture in the Third World generally, the Muslim World specifically, and in Egypt in particular. Hassan Fathy revealed his positions over the years with a remarkable clarity, courage and consistency.
It is worth mentioning that the BA held an exhibition featuring some of the projects of Hassan Fathy, who was recognized with the Chairman's Award of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1980. Hassan Fathy's Exhibition is held, together with Aga Khan Exhibition on the occasion of the Award's 30th anniversary. Hassan Fathy's exhibition is co-organized by L'Institut du Monde Arabe of Paris and the BA.