Hassan Fathy : the re-interpretation of traditional architecture

Abstract

The role that traditional architecture should play in the contemporary context is an important issue within todays society. Regionalism in architecture is a response to the culture and people of a place and hence retains a sense of identity and continuity. Fathy's regional approach to architecture redefines and maintains this continuum in built form by re-establishing traditions which are appropriate in the contemporary architecture of the region. The architectural language and forms used by Fathy have been tried and tested over the centuries as well as empirically with reference to modern technology and theory. The resulting architecture has true meaning as a manifestation of the people and context and can, therefore, be termed culturally authentic.