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<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br>This second monograph represents circumstances and projects which have occurred beyond the span of Hansen's original monograph. Through sketches, diagrams, rendering, photographs and narratives, this book portrays the criteria and conceptual thinking that was primary in finding an inclusive architectural solution for a diverse selection of projects. Though, Hansen has always attempted to create a comprehensive matrix of interrelated design criteria on his client's vision, site, context, sustainability, climate, culture and tradition, some issues must be weighted above others. And sometimes, a story must be told that is inexorably tied to the essence of the land or building. These commentaries can even provide deeper meaning than the determinants of the building themselves.<p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p/> <p/> <p/> <p/> <p/> <p/><br>"Fascinating is how a western<br>trained understood the eastern context so well. </p> <p/>From <i>there</i> the temperate<br>west, to <i>here</i> the hot-dry east, is a fulfilling voyage.</p> <p/> </p> <p/><i>Here</i>, the architect is not combatting the sun, but in<br>Corb's words, has made a 'pact with it'.</p> <p/>My teaching and<br>research involved climate responsive architecture in the region. I revisited<br>with interest the sun's path through the skies of the Middle-East while<br>studying Hansen's designs. Sun moves, sends heat, but the buildings are<br>protected. This is desirable for a desert climate, and here lies his innovation<br>that bars the heat while making interiors daylit with soft light. Embracing new<br>technology of computer modelling, solar and shadow studies, along with<br>structural ingenuity, the architect was able to mitigate the harsh effects of climate<br>of the place in question. But the poetry is not abandoned. In devising all the<br>technological innovations for addressing the sun, he merges technology and art<br>skillfully.</p> <p/> </p> <p/>The essence of<br>tradition in contemporary - a challenge, is well met here. Traditional<br>environmental strategies are exploited with new materials and methods. In Princess<br>Noura University, Hansen applied the basics of <i>mashrabiya</i> or <i>rowshan</i><br>in the walls, roofs, and outdoors in an abstract, and in his own vocabulary, to<br>bring in soft light. New ways of passive cooling were also inspired from<br>traditional wisdom of thermal mass, deep shading, screens, perforated openings, <br>shaded courtyards and greenery. Advanced<br>application of double roof, and special glass are remarkable. Another recurrent<br>passive technique visible in the designs for the desert cities is the<br>evaporative cooling of the micro-climate through reflecting pools. An important<br>motto in landscaping was to 'go local'. Hence saving energy was of foremost<br>importance in creating cooler indoors in Hansen's architecture that was also fresh<br>and contemporary. </p> <p/> </p> <p/>Riyadh Archive's vertical<br>louvers welcome just the right amount of sun since the size, type, angles and<br>spacing are based on solar studies, and the pattern of these creates a musical rhythm.<br>Janadariya Center echo the landscape of <i>wadi</i> and its undulating rock<br>formation. Dammam Tower's orientation and envelop is perfectly together with climate<br>consciousness. </p> <p/> </p> <p/>Materiality is an eye-opener.<br>Hansen experimented with new materials, and often was instrumental in creating new<br>materials. </p> <p/> </p> <p/>Connection of indoor-outdoor<br>is difficult in desert buildings - one has to shut off the outdoor immediately<br>after entering. But Hansen designs dealt with that problem successfully with transitional<br>spaces as well as giving views to outdoors.</p> <p/> </p> <p/>The architect handled<br>various geometries - from the smooth curvilinear lines of the Hyperloop project<br>expressing speed, to the stark angular geometry of Transportation Center or Dubai<br>Expo pavilion with great ease. Three-dimensional expression of Expo pavilion abstractly<br>echoes the starry constellation, connecting viewers to the night sky of 'the place'.<br></p> <p/> </p> <p/>The settings are so<br>dissimilar from where he came from - <i>there</i>, than where he worked mostly<br>- <i>here</i>. His was a challenging career in varied climate which is the main<br>force that shapes architecture. Hansen acclimatized well, and produced<br>extraordinary work.</p> <p/><p>Concept of Hansen's architecture rests on solid foundation<br>of the climate, culture, tradition and technology. Building forms and envelops showcase<br>ingenuity in addressing all these aspects and importantly, time - both present<br>and future. Interior spaces are modulated by structure, architecture and of<br>course, daylight. Abstraction of traditional geometric patterns in his work not<br>only gives the sense of locality, but is used to orchestrate light. Innovative<br>use of technology added a much-needed element indoors, the daylight. And this<br>is why Hansen's work is also specially lit in the architecture of today. </p> <p/>Lastly, people of most of these cities in the<br>Middle-East are accustomed to modern and contemporary architecture, and the key<br>challenge for bringing in something new was met by Hansen every time. And each<br>work, is of science and poetry synthesized.<i>" </i><i></i><i></i><i>Zainab<br>Faruqui Ali, PhD, Chairperson, <br>Department of Architecture, BRAC University</i><i>, Chair, <br>Education, Commonwealth Association of Architects</i> <p/></p><i> </i></p> <p/><i> </i></p> <p/> <p/><br><br>It's a gorgeous book with many inspirational images; more so because they have been built. The sculptural aspects and the manner in which the exterior transitions into the interior and the grand gathering spaces in each building are well conceived. The extensive use of glazing and natural and artificial light is very appealing to the lighting designer in me. While personally unfamiliar with the culture in the Middle East, it's clear David and his teams have absorbed the cultural milieu and integrated it into each project. --Michael Mell, President THEATER DESIGN<br>

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