Disciplines
Architectural History and Criticism
Abstract (300 words maximum)
This paper discusses a comparative analysis of the architectural views of the Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy and the Swiss French architect Le Corbusier in terms of aesthetics, national identity, and materiality. This analysis will be reviewed from various perspectives regarding politics behind their projects, their architectural visions, and an analysis of their main projects: Fathy’s New Gourna Village and Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh Capitol Complex. In the 20th century, Fathy, emphasized on sustainability, vernacular architecture, social awareness, and the Egyptian identity. However, Le Corbusier worked on modern urbanism, functionalism, and the usage of industrial materials. In terms of aesthetics, Fathy favored the usage of local materials and traditional environmental techniques from the diverse building cultures in Egypt. He emphasized on building communities that are sustainable with a great highlight on the sense of belonging. On the contrary, Le Corbusier was fond of the usage of geometric shapes and minimal ornamentation, which emphasized his vision of modern aesthetics. Concerning national identity, Fathy refused modernism and celebrated the local Egyptian heritage with a connection to the past, while Le Corbusier focused on creating universal principles of modernism that can be applied in various locations worldwide. Finally, the materials used by Fathy were sustainable and locally available like mud brick, lime plaster, wood and palm fronds. Le Corbusier, however, mainly used industrial materials like steel and reinforced concrete. Therefore, this paper will contribute to an in-depth understanding of two of the most iconic architects from Egypt and France, which will help future architects consider the usage of the local materials and tectonics to preserve the national identity.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM - Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ehsan Sheikholharam Mashhadi
Included in
Modernism and National Identity in Architecture
This paper discusses a comparative analysis of the architectural views of the Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy and the Swiss French architect Le Corbusier in terms of aesthetics, national identity, and materiality. This analysis will be reviewed from various perspectives regarding politics behind their projects, their architectural visions, and an analysis of their main projects: Fathy’s New Gourna Village and Le Corbusier’s Chandigarh Capitol Complex. In the 20th century, Fathy, emphasized on sustainability, vernacular architecture, social awareness, and the Egyptian identity. However, Le Corbusier worked on modern urbanism, functionalism, and the usage of industrial materials. In terms of aesthetics, Fathy favored the usage of local materials and traditional environmental techniques from the diverse building cultures in Egypt. He emphasized on building communities that are sustainable with a great highlight on the sense of belonging. On the contrary, Le Corbusier was fond of the usage of geometric shapes and minimal ornamentation, which emphasized his vision of modern aesthetics. Concerning national identity, Fathy refused modernism and celebrated the local Egyptian heritage with a connection to the past, while Le Corbusier focused on creating universal principles of modernism that can be applied in various locations worldwide. Finally, the materials used by Fathy were sustainable and locally available like mud brick, lime plaster, wood and palm fronds. Le Corbusier, however, mainly used industrial materials like steel and reinforced concrete. Therefore, this paper will contribute to an in-depth understanding of two of the most iconic architects from Egypt and France, which will help future architects consider the usage of the local materials and tectonics to preserve the national identity.