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Natural EnergyinVERNACULAR ARCHITECTUREProf. Hassan Fathy

A Study of Design Principles & Methods

ARCH 716: SustainaMiriam Neet,

Tulu Toro

Sean Rig

November 1


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Prof. Hassan Fathy (1900-1989)

Prof. Hassan Fathy was a noted Egyptiwho pioneered appropriate technologbuildings in Egypt. He worked to reeuse of traditional building methods an

In 1926, Prof. Fathy received his architefrom the University of King Fuad I (UCairo) in Egypt. He designed numercommercial buildings early in his careeastern and western styles (Steele, In Mansouria, 1937, he exhibited his

repertoire of indigenous historical for built designs, after which he designe

mud-brick buildings (Steele, 1997, phis career Prof. Fathy held several gpositions including being the chairmaArchitectural Section of the Faculty oUniversity of Cairo in 1954.

He primarily applied a working knowledarchitectural and town design techniqcontemporary economic situation of times, he trained local inhabitants to own materials and build their own bu

Climatic conditions, public health considancient craft skills shaped his design

Based on requirements of hot arid reFathy incorporated elaborate passiveenvironmental control techniques thacultural and economical challenges.

The progressive maturity in his projectscategorized by intimate scholars in fiperiods:

1928-1937 Early Work 1937-1957 Mansouria & Beyo

1957-1962 Years in Greece 1962-1978 Return to Egypt 1980-1988 Late Work

He received the Union of International A

Medal, which is the Egyptian GovernNational Prize for Arts and Letters. Hdirected the Institute for Appropriate buildings in Egypt in 1977. His lifeloachievements were recognized, in 19Aga Khan Award for Architecture ChaAward.

Prof. Fathy insists that architects must thoroughly analyze

traditional building methods and forms using scientific principles

and an understanding of social and cultural requirements before

discarding any of them.

Prof. Fathys work demonstrates the application of these principles

and has shown how useful they can be in the development of

viable solutions to the problems of contemporary architecture

Walter Shearer, Sr. Program Officer

United Nations University


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Geographic Distribution of Projects

Prof. Hassan Fathys projects are primahot and arid climates similar to his coEgypt. Over his lifelong, industrious had the chance not only to travel abrextensively but also to practice his dein many different countries of the wo

Prof. Fathy traveled to Europe in 1957 self-imposed exile (Steele, 1998, phe exchanged ideas and experienceof academic and political figures of th

the Doxiades Organization in Athensproject for the city of the future, and climate and architecture at the AthenInstitute. He returned back to Egypt

Through his large network of acquaintaseized a number of international comimplemented his principles abroad.

In addition to his rich portfolio inside Egarchitectural works extend to many osuch as:

India (Shri Ahmed House in Hyderab Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Kuwait Lebanon Nigeria (Ambassadors Villa in Niame

Oman Palestine Pakistan (Mosque in Punjab) Sudan (Mosque and Conference Ce Tunisia and the United States (Aspen, CO; A


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Vernacular Context: Egyptian Architecture in mid-1900s

Drawing from a vast history of civilizatiovernacular architecture of Egypt convariety of architectural precedents. Bof urban dwelling traditions that remause through 1900s were primarily MOttoman houses (Al-Sayyad, 1997,

Vernacular houses are all variations of an inward-facing courtyard form, bin size - between 389 sq.ft. and 5,16tiny single-storey dwellings to large, e

multi-room compounds and small apblocks (El-Gohary, 1997, p. 1606).

Within a transition space (Mandara) offsimple sitting arrangement (Mastabaand transitioned the visitors to the indElaborate woodworks (Mushrabiya) oboth climatic shelter and social secluon their socio-economic and cultural dwellings were usually arranged aroappropriately-scaled courtyards (Hoshalls (Durqaa) lead the visitors to va(Iwan) decorated to reflect the staturprovisions of residents. Open-air sitformed the hearts of these houses w

family activities were centered.

Generally, the countryside dwellings of

(Fellahin) steadily reserved their cultcustoms, and were usually not exce

stories (Al-Sayyad, 1997, p. 1605). dwellings had to be built to handle latemperature changes (16 F-27 F) (E1997, p. 1605) where roof-top, sleep(Sateh) were utilized during hot summand hot baking spaces (Forn) were tinto sleeping space in winter. Cattlecapital of peasants, occupied one orooms of the courtyards (Shabka, 19


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On Dynamics of Nature & Human Comfort

Fathy (1986, p. 11) notes that in an encontinuously changing pressure, wintemperature, humidity, and cloud covplaces a fixed building intended to comfortable internal environment oveof these external variables.

Vernacular building traditions in hot aridgenerally utilize materials with lower conduction and higher resistance chaorder to reduce and delay heat gain

In hot arid climates, the coefficient of thresistance should be about 1.1 kcal/Btu/hr.ft2.F) for an outer wall to havethermal resistance (Fathy, 1986, p. 2

The impact of solar radiation is minimizlighter exterior colors, large overhangwalls and openings where warm air ithrough convection vents.

Water vapor and air movement form thevaporative (or adiabatic) passive co

Thermal gain from solar radiation, venti

inhabitants of dwellings need to be rethermal loss should be increased throventilation systems in order to mainta

thermal equilibrium. The principle oinertia can also be used advantageodynamic heating and cooling of a buselecting the wall material and its thicthat the warmth of the day penetrateonly after nightfall when it would be wis dissipated before morning (Fathy

Therefore, in maintaining a comfortablefor its dwellers, buildings are designeensure protection against heat and padequate cooling.


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Climate Appropriate Design Principles & Methods

Positioning & Orientation -Solar path and prevailing winds are pr

determining factors for any site, with thobjective of establishing an optimum stake advantage of and prevent adversthe sun and winds (Fathy, 1986, p. 42)and other features of the site, like sloptrees, formation or a body of water, aremanipulating the microclimate.

Shading -In general, longer sides of the building

face the South whereby minimizing exto solar radiation during mornings and Excessive openings to the West shouldBlocks of buildings can be designed toanother.

-Permanent and temporary shading chof landscaping and plants on the site, ibe fully taken advantage of.

Layout -Traditionally open interior courtyard (Q

intensive planting provides evaporative -Vaulted, elevated alcoves (Iwan) of co

main living spaces often carpeted and -Upper level balcony around courtyard

sitting rooms (Maqad) function very w

are used depending on their diurnal antraits.

Building Materials -Since majority of energy is transmitted

the walls and the roofs the material sethe properties of envelop systems are important for comfortable interiors (Fat38).

-Wall materials should be of appropriatphysical and thermal characters in ordexcessive fluctuations in indoor tempehumidity. Heavy masonry walls increamass, assisting in reduction of heat ga

-Reflectivity and use of lighter colors fothe roof are extremely useful in reducigains.

Facade Treatments -Northern Facade spaces will capture c

during the summer but they will not recsolar radiation in winter. North facing always receive a more uniformly distribfrom glare.


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Climate Appropriate Design Principles & Methods

-Southern Facade will be exposed to thof solar radiation. Features like permaarcading, or deciduous trees tend to wextremely well for climatic control.

-East and West Facade exposures shocontrolled and limited. Uses in these sshould be chosen appropriately (Fathy44).

Opening Treatments -Blinds are tremendously helpful in pro

over the daily or seasonal changes, prnot only to sunlight adjustment but also

-Brise-Soleil (sun-breaker) is another sprotect the entire facade. Though it weffectively from thermal standpoint it munpleasant glare concerns from within

-Mushrabiya, sometimes in form of an is wooden lattice-work screen used to glare, control air flow, reduce air tempeincrease humidity and ensure privacy (p. 47).

Air Movement by Pressure -The velocity of the air can be changed

of passages in its path, hence, creatinpressures or vice versa, utilizing Ventu

-Claustrum is a series of small vent thaflow but prevent direct solar radiation. are primarily used at higher parts of th

-Wind-Escapes (Shuksheika) are smallow pressure air vents at top of high tocalled.

-Wind-Catch (Malkaf) is a device to capredirect air currents through baffles. Bsimilar system with openings on all sidGulf region (Fathy, 1986, p. 47).

Air Movement by Convection -Courtyard (Durqaa) is a ventilated rec

central to arrangement of spaces. -Loggia (Takhtabush) is a public privat

area functioning also as a wind funnel

Humidity Devices -Water Fountain is an effective humidifi

evaporative cooling feature which is al -Marble Plates (Salsabil) are decorative

which help humidification and passive


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Hamed Said House (1942-1945)

Prof. Fathys friend and artist Hamed Sinstrumental and critical in design prohouse reflected Saids directions simto achieve highest ends (Steele, 199

Building location was carefully chosen afriends camped out in a tent on the psome time (ArchNet, 1999). The orwas a domed studio, an Iwan and a Lstudy purposes. The expansion, latelarger studio and living spaces in 194

The simplistic design exemplifies manyFathys mature work including:

Sheltered within a shady oasis Design respect for existing environm Space planning around a courtyard s Arrangement of building segments p protection for some exterior walls minimizing western exposure Separation of public and private zon Seamless entirety Traditional Egyptian forms like arche domes Thick mud-brick walls and roof

Light color finishes on walls and roof Mushrabiya, blinds and evaporative

The Friends of Art and Life group still and exhibitions in the courtyard to foconnection between the people and tenvironment. It was truly a complethis clients wishes (Steele, 1998, p.

Hamed Said and his wife actually lived Cairos suburban sprawl swallowing haven once their house was located 1988, p. 55).


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Hamdi Seif Al-Nasr Resthouse (1944)

The Hamdi Seif Al-Nasr resthouse was designed in two-stories around an intcourtyard which was later altered to with a sheltered entrance for visitorsarrangement of Durqaa, Iwans and Qwith the lake views is one of the noblof Prof. Fathys design tradition (Stee59).

Even though the scope of the project wreduced the design still demonstrate

key principles including:

Sheltered within a shady oasis Design respect for existing environm Building raised to protect against floo Arrangement of building segments p

protection for some exterior walls minimizing western exposure

Multi-axes interior space planning seand private zones

Traditional Egyptian forms like archedome

Thick mud-brick walls and roof Light color finishes on walls and roof Arcaded entry positioned to be shad

Durqaa originally intended to be natventilated by a large Malkaf, whichto a staircase

Mushrabiya, blinds and evaporative Fountain in Qaa for cooling


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Kallini House (1945)

The Kallini House was never built, how remained as one of the best-resolve

his career (ArchNet, 1999). Formal c Durqaa, Iwans and Qaa is one of th

examples of [Prof. Hassan Fathys] cthe Qaa is covered

by a masonry dome rather than the wooden Shuksheika (Steele, 1988,

Prof. Fathy followed the framework of a ideas formed in this project, with inge

variations, for the next thirty years:

Connection between formal area and courtyard space formed by interse

wings Arrangement of building segments p protection for some exterior walls minimizing western exposure Multi-axes interior space planning se public and private zones Traditional Egyptian forms like arche dome in grand harmony, proportio Thick mud-brick walls and roof Light color finishes on walls and roof Arcaded entry positioned to be shad

Fountain in Qaa for cooling


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New Baris Village - Site & Market Complex (1970)

The New Baris Village site was determ existence of a highly productive wel extensive agricultural developments

(Steele,1988, p. 92). Prof. Hassan Fcommissioned to design the entire viaccommodate about 150 families witserving six neighboring villages.

The ancient ruins of Bagawat nearby th A.D.) further inspired Prof. Fathy to s local methods and materials to maxi

while improving application of his basprinciples.

In laying out the overall site plan Prof. F special attention to:

Orient main streets in North to South maximize shades during the day Utilize courtyards and streets to prov through convective loop (where r

air from wider streets mobilized costreets that was replaced by the acourtyard houses beside them, coloop)

Preserve the sense of cultural pride, architectural heritage

Among the many individual buildings th constituted the village center Prof. Fa studied and designed the Market Co

to regulate the interior climate for pe vegetables and grains. His provision

Detailed studies of temperature and Extensive use of claustra-work for ve maximized air movement Natural tower techniques to cool and produce, where air scoops catchin funneled through angled baffles ac

degree temperature reductions inbelow grade (Steele, 1989, p. 29).

Minimizing solar gain where higher w lower parts

Prof. Hassan Fathy applied appropriateboth for larger context and users, contrknowledge.


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New Baris Village - Public Buildings (1970)

Prof. Hassan Fathys designs in the Ne Village included many public building sizes and uses, such as a large mos administration, police and post office Moorish Cafe, in addition to the Ma

In all of these buildings he applied ap technologies to the furthest extent po

Unlike the troubled New Gourna experi the New Baris Village was more rele

needs of the population, and there [w

open squares baking under the sun, courtyards within each building as in

in the past (Steele, 1988, p. 92).

In laying out and designing each one o individual buildings he consciously a

Create intimate compact, well-conne intimately scaled spaces where pu

private functions could take place Locate corridors not only for function

air movement and distribution Orient main streets in North to South maximize shades during the day Utilize courtyards and streets to prov through convective loop (where r

air from wider streets mobilized costreets that was replaced by the acourtyard houses beside them, coloop)

Arrange building segments to provid protection for some exterior walls minimizing western exposure

Use traditional Egyptian forms like a and domes Thick mud-brick walls and roof Light color finishes on walls and roof Arcaded entry positioned to be shad Malkaf for harnessing winds and fun Mushrabiya, blinds and evaporative Fountains in Qaa for cooling

N B i Vill H (1970)


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New Baris Village - Houses (1970)

Prof. Hassan Fathy also designed many types and scales of houses as part of

Baris Village.

In Prof. Fathys design the houses were around courtyards which [were] joined Takhtaboosh to adjoining open areas

eventually to the pedestrian way itselfcombined convective system [provideairflow (Steele, 1989, p. 29).

In single family designs, Prof. Fathy maduse of old local traditions in configura

adjacencies and separations in additimasterfully applying traditional buildinand methods. These houses were tyconfined within massive exterior wallssecluded exterior courtyards and spaextensions of interior spaces.Generalcourtyards are well-protected from thework toward cooling the outside air arbuildings from where cooler breezes win. Main living rooms under vented dadjoining vaulted loggia (Iwans) took the movement of cooler breezes.

In multifamily designs Prof. Fathy maste provided the residential units with not

adequate spaces within minimal floor also widely varying interior form and dthrough artful and ingenious spacial c

For the individual design of each house applied a series of recurring principles

Orienting buildings on North-South ax maximize shades during the day Clustering buildings closely in order t exposed surfaces to heat gain duri Arranging building segments to provid protection for some exterior walls a minimizing western exposure Creating shaded and well-protected c only for circulation but also air mov Using traditional Egyptian forms like a

and domes Thick mud-brick walls and roofs Light color finishes on walls and roofs Arcaded entries positioned to be shad Mushrabiya, blinds and evaporative c Fountains in Qaa for cooling

F d Ri d H (1973)


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Fouad Riad House (1973)

In 1970s, the Egyptian Government edict... to prohibit the stripping of t

remaining top soil, thus bringing th old practice of brick-making to an

1988, p.92). The Fouad Riad Houtherefore, one of the first houses tHassan Fathy designed in stone mthe banned flood area of the Nile.

Dr. Fouad Riad initially intended to u only during weekends and vacatio

adopted it for permanent residenc

family (Steele,1989, p. 23).

Prof. Fathy intentionally laid off a stro supervisory hand during construct notion of traditional forms coming

popular collective will to permeateoutcome as seen in the incompletrough stonework. The rough stonefrom his visit to the Red Sea villagstone rather than mud brick. In thehouse Prof. Fathy aimed to:

Orient the building parallel with theand arches of loggia towards oc

Give a blind side to the public road face to the sea

Compress to the sea-facade with slotted vaulting to capture cool

Use claustra-work for light, air or v Allow for outdoor rooms on ground

as on the roof accessed by stairand courtyard

Incorporate existing stand of matu Push building up to the wall to giv on restrictive site between drain boundary wall Use traditional Egyptian forms like vaults Light color finishes on walls and ro Arcaded entry positioned to be sh Mushrabiya, blinds and evaporativ Fountains in Qaa for cooling

President Anwar Sadat Resthouse (1981)


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President Anwar Sadat Resthouse (1981)

One of the most sophisticated and amb residences designed by Prof. Hassa Presidential Resthouse near Lake N

The resthouse was a single walled c(ArchNet,1999), actually made up oseparate buildings sequentially organaccording to the status of each (Ste33). Prof. Fathy created a series of wgarden courtyards that separated aninterconnected these living quarters time.

The main, arcaded, formal and public c dominated by the main dome and th Primary residence on south east cor

arranged around a private courtyard living room. In the design of this residFathy:

Oriented the massing of the building exterior spaces as much as possib Utilized thick mud brick walls and roo cost and environmental advantage

scale Clustered buildings closely in order t exposed surfaces to heat gain dur Arranged building segments to provid

protection for some exterior walls minimizing western exposure Created shaded and well-protected c only for circulation but also air mo Use many traditional Egyptian forms vaults, domes, Malkaf, Mushrabiy Used claustra-work extensively for c and air movement Used light color finishes on walls and

Shaded the courtyards with domed a Provided fountains in Qaas for evap

Conclusions


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Conclusions

Vernacular Influence & Meaning

Prof. Hassan Fathy was an exemplary pras well as teacher of vernacular architEgypt. With the exception of few projehe responded to differing requirementsand clients, he always adhered to the traditions. He consciously chose to gothe rural areas, and analyzed and advtraditional mud brick construction techhad been applied there for centuries. his practice was an extension of the vearchitecture.

Beyond mere reinterpretation and reasseelements his projects helped resurrectof pride and ownership of Egyptian vearchitecture for the poor and the undeliving in the rural areas.

Cultural Influence & Basis

The cultural context of Prof. Hassan Fathalways formed the bases of his designstructures to house Muslim families, reactivities and interactions were built asreflections of social dynamics. Architelike walls, openings and screens were strategically to serve for cultural requirphysical, visual and auditory access oFor example, many of his houses incocourtyards, one for private and one for

Influence of Climate & Topography

Prof. Hassan Fathys design principles wvery well-thought out, meticulously detthoroughly structured. His professionaresearch and analyses in the fields of indoor climatic controls, local building materials eventually culminated in his directing of Institute for Appropriate TeEgypt.

Prof. Fathys principles were skillfully orgrespond effectively to the of solar, windhumidity dynamics of primarily hot arideffectively. His projects were streamlin

to shade, cool and vent spaces in ruraconditions.Almost all of his projects were built on-gr

basement levels primarily due to econoreasons. A potion of his buildings werelevated above street levels against flo

Conclusions


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Conclusions

Building Forms, Materials, Methods &Sequence

In his interpretations of the local vernacular Prof.Hassan Fathy conformed to the authentic forms,materials and symbols for the most part. Heused and refined many traditional buildingfeatures such as formal (public) and informal(private) courtyards, fountains, arcades, vaults,pendentives, squinches, lightly-colored thickmud brick walls, domes as well as wind-catchersand wood lattice screens to the fullest extent

possible.Although Prof. Fathy designed few projects with

other kinds of building materials and techniquessuch as stone masonry or concrete construction,mud brick technology dominated his practicefor a variety of reasons including lower costs,convenience of availability, environmentaladvantages as well as symbolic values. While

his buildings made extensive use of masonrymethods the stone construction remaineduncommon among his clients.

Being a scarce and expensive building material,wood was used very carefully and conservativelyin his projects. The level of care in woodworkbecame especially apparent in opening

treatments such as screens, shutters, railings,shades as well as casements, stairs, column,ceiling articulations and so on.

Over the years Prof. Fathy not only consciouslyexplored, improved and perfected thesetechniques but also formed the foundation ofa national architectural vocabulary for Egypt,where controlled use of forms and materialsfurther added to the minimalist, simplistic butunified character.

Methods & Strategies for Heating & Cooling

Even though Prof. Hassan Fathy did not originallyinvent most of the traditional solar, wind andhumidity controls he greatly contributed to the

sophisticated and deliberate utilization of thesetechniques by the rural inhabitants. He utilizedand improved on various methods and s trategiesfor heating and cooling aspects of buildings.

For reducing heat gain in summer, Prof. Fathycarefully incorporated; site selection of cooler,

breezier sections of landscape; solar orientationto minimize effects of southwestern exposures;building massing to provide shaded walls andopenings; operable or fixed solar shades,screens around windows and openings; light-color walls and roof finishes.

For disposing access heat and cooling effects, hisdesigns ingeniously integrated shadedcourtyards enabling convective cooling; waterfountains and decorative features providingevaporative cooling; controlled openings taking

advantage of cooler breezes or creating airmovement through pressure differentials.

Daily & Seasonal Uses

In majority of his projects Prof. Hassan Fathyutilized flat roofs that were accessible by interiorstaircases. These roof areas, in addition to openair courtyards and balconies, were actually usedfor family activities and sleeping places duringthe warmer nights of the hot and arid desertnights. And, a good portion of his buildings weredesigned as summer houses, rest houses or out-houses with complimentary seasonal uses.

Sustainable Characteristics of Buildings

All of Prof. Fathys projects, with the exception of

few that were designed abroad or for wealthierclients, were built to make use of local andrenewable resources, independent of anyindustrial (energy-intense) materials or methods.

He expressed his own aspirations from thelocal vernacular traditions by stating that theyconstructed their houses, with the materialsthey found in place, earth and stone, withoutmeans of transportation, without industrialmaterials, without bulldozers, without money norentrepreneurs, but ready to use their hands andbrains and ancestral techniques of constructionand building in mud brick (Steele, 1998, p. 92).

New Insight to the Study of Architecture andSustainability

Examining Prof. Hassan Fathys architecturalprinciples and practice certainly reveals a richvariety of alternative techniques viable not onlyin forming effective shelters against externalforces of natural energy but also in controllinginternal microclimates efficiently for comfort.

Prof. Fathys examples clearly illustrathe conditions for human comfort arid climates can successfully be amaintained through careful designsimple passive technologies that don control and management of theenergy.

At a deeper level, Prof. Hassan Fathreminds us that instead of repeatinaccepted and applied building tecpossible to achieve equally succe

by using and improving on local vemethods.

Vernacular on 21st Century Arch

In most cases, vernacular architectuthe totality of continuous experimediscovery and adaptation of time-ttechniques. Close examination alocal techniques in meeting the reof current demands is vitally relevestablishing and sustaining regionpractices, as well as nurturing andcontextual diversities.

Critical Assessment of AssumptCulture, Architecture & Sustaina

In retrospect, it is the privilege and ddesign professionals to be aware and rich heritages of various cultuvernacular practices. The design should always maintain a sincereland consciously critical evaluationand architectural contexts while reintegrating into the existing fabric man-made environment as approppossible. A key goal for any desigshould be to achieve settings and always in harmony with the natura

References


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e e e ces

Al-Sayyad, N. (1997). Cairo, Egypt in (1997). Encyclopedia of Vernacular Aof the World. Cambridge; New York, Cambridge University Press, Vol. 2:

Al-Sayyad, N. (1997). Egyptian: Rurain Oliver, P. (1997). Encyclopedia o

Architecture of the World. CambridgNY: Cambridge University Press, Vo

ArchNet (1999). Aga Khan Hassan Fa Boston, MA: MIT School of Architec

Planning, Design Lab. (http://www.a

El-Gohary, A. (1997). El-Hekr: (Egypt; P. (1997). Encyclopedia of Vernacu

of the World. Cambridge; New York,Cambridge University Press, Vol. 2:

Fathy, H. (1973). Architecture for the P Experiment in Rural Egypt. Chicago University of Chicago Press.

Fathy, H. (1986). Natural Energy and Architecture: Principles and Exampl

Reference to Hot Arid climates. Chic

University of Chicago Press.

Shabka, S. (1997). Fellahin (Egypt; N

(1997). Encyclopedia of Vernacular the World. Cambridge; New York, N

University Press, Vol. 2: 1607-1608.

Steele, J. (1988). Hassan Fathy. Lond Editions; New York: St. Martins Pres

Steele, J. (1989). The Hassan Fathy C Catalogue of Visual Documents at T

Award for Architecture. Geneva, SwKhan Trust for Culture.

Steele, J. (1997). An Architecture for P Complete Works of Hassan Fathy. NWhitney Library of Design.


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When the full powa human imaginais backed by the weof a living traditiothe resulting work greater than any t

an artist can achiewhen he has no trato work in or when willfully abandontradition. (Fathy, 1973, p