Architecture for the People or by the People? Exploring Agency in the works of Hassan Fathy and Yasmeen Lari
Disciplines
Architectural History and Criticism
Abstract (300 words maximum)
In the struggle of creating affordable housing in today’s economy, architecture becomes more than just bricks and mortar, it becomes a question of who holds the power for rebuilding lives and communities. This paper explores the contrasting approaches of agency in some of the projects of Hassan Fathy (1900-1980) in Egypt and Yasmeen Lari (1941) in Pakistan. Lari and Fathy were both recognized for their humanitarian efforts and have been awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for their innovative works in Egypt and Pakistan. The research finds that Lari’s design and building methodology using her architectural concept of “Barefoot Social Architecture” gives agency to the people through involving them in the construction process of flood-resistant houses particularly through using sustainable and vernacular materials like mud and bamboo. This empowers the community’s self-reliance, sense of ownership, and environmental sustainability in the face of natural disasters. In Contrast, Fathy keeps agency in the hands of the architect through his concept of “Architecture for the poor” and guides the community through his own vision of traditional and vernacular architecture according to the community’s needs. This is particularly apparent in his projects like New Gourna Village, where he guides the community through his interpretation of their needs. Through comparing Fathy and Lari’s distinct approaches towards agency in architecture, this paper highlights the broader implications for future architectural practice particularly in the context of poverty and natural disasters. It questions whether architecture should be a collaborative process between the architect and the community, or an assertion to the architect’s authority. It also demonstrates how the distribution of agency can influence both the success and the sustainability of the project in today’s time.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM - Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Ehsan Sheikholharam Masshadi
Architecture for the People or by the People? Exploring Agency in the works of Hassan Fathy and Yasmeen Lari
In the struggle of creating affordable housing in today’s economy, architecture becomes more than just bricks and mortar, it becomes a question of who holds the power for rebuilding lives and communities. This paper explores the contrasting approaches of agency in some of the projects of Hassan Fathy (1900-1980) in Egypt and Yasmeen Lari (1941) in Pakistan. Lari and Fathy were both recognized for their humanitarian efforts and have been awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for their innovative works in Egypt and Pakistan. The research finds that Lari’s design and building methodology using her architectural concept of “Barefoot Social Architecture” gives agency to the people through involving them in the construction process of flood-resistant houses particularly through using sustainable and vernacular materials like mud and bamboo. This empowers the community’s self-reliance, sense of ownership, and environmental sustainability in the face of natural disasters. In Contrast, Fathy keeps agency in the hands of the architect through his concept of “Architecture for the poor” and guides the community through his own vision of traditional and vernacular architecture according to the community’s needs. This is particularly apparent in his projects like New Gourna Village, where he guides the community through his interpretation of their needs. Through comparing Fathy and Lari’s distinct approaches towards agency in architecture, this paper highlights the broader implications for future architectural practice particularly in the context of poverty and natural disasters. It questions whether architecture should be a collaborative process between the architect and the community, or an assertion to the architect’s authority. It also demonstrates how the distribution of agency can influence both the success and the sustainability of the project in today’s time.