"Fascinating is how a western
trained understood the eastern context so well.
From there the temperate
west, to here the hot-dry east, is a fulfilling voyage.
Here, the architect is not combatting the sun, but in
Corb's words, has made a 'pact with it'.
My teaching and
research involved climate responsive architecture in the region. I revisited
with interest the sun's path through the skies of the Middle-East while
studying Hansen's designs. Sun moves, sends heat, but the buildings are
protected. This is desirable for a desert climate, and here lies his innovation
that bars the heat while making interiors daylit with soft light. Embracing new
technology of computer modelling, solar and shadow studies, along with
structural ingenuity, the architect was able to mitigate the harsh effects of climate
of the place in question. But the poetry is not abandoned. In devising all the
technological innovations for addressing the sun, he merges technology and art
skillfully.
The essence of
tradition in contemporary - a challenge, is well met here. Traditional
environmental strategies are exploited with new materials and methods. In Princess
Noura University, Hansen applied the basics of mashrabiya or rowshan
in the walls, roofs, and outdoors in an abstract, and in his own vocabulary, to
bring in soft light. New ways of passive cooling were also inspired from
traditional wisdom of thermal mass, deep shading, screens, perforated openings,
shaded courtyards and greenery. Advanced
application of double roof, and special glass are remarkable. Another recurrent
passive technique visible in the designs for the desert cities is the
evaporative cooling of the micro-climate through reflecting pools. An important
motto in landscaping was to 'go local'. Hence saving energy was of foremost
importance in creating cooler indoors in Hansen's architecture that was also fresh
and contemporary.
Riyadh Archive's vertical
louvers welcome just the right amount of sun since the size, type, angles and
spacing are based on solar studies, and the pattern of these creates a musical rhythm.
Janadariya Center echo the landscape of wadi and its undulating rock
formation. Dammam Tower's orientation and envelop is perfectly together with climate
consciousness.
Materiality is an eye-opener.
Hansen experimented with new materials, and often was instrumental in creating new
materials.
Connection of indoor-outdoor
is difficult in desert buildings - one has to shut off the outdoor immediately
after entering. But Hansen designs dealt with that problem successfully with transitional
spaces as well as giving views to outdoors.
The architect handled
various geometries - from the smooth curvilinear lines of the Hyperloop project
expressing speed, to the stark angular geometry of Transportation Center or Dubai
Expo pavilion with great ease. Three-dimensional expression of Expo pavilion abstractly
echoes the starry constellation, connecting viewers to the night sky of 'the place'.
The settings are so
dissimilar from where he came from - there, than where he worked mostly
- here. His was a challenging career in varied climate which is the main
force that shapes architecture. Hansen acclimatized well, and produced
extraordinary work.
Concept of Hansen's architecture rests on solid foundation
of the climate, culture, tradition and technology. Building forms and envelops showcase
ingenuity in addressing all these aspects and importantly, time - both present
and future. Interior spaces are modulated by structure, architecture and of
course, daylight. Abstraction of traditional geometric patterns in his work not
only gives the sense of locality, but is used to orchestrate light. Innovative
use of technology added a much-needed element indoors, the daylight. And this
is why Hansen's work is also specially lit in the architecture of today.
Lastly, people of most of these cities in the
Middle-East are accustomed to modern and contemporary architecture, and the key
challenge for bringing in something new was met by Hansen every time. And each
work, is of science and poetry synthesized." Zainab
Faruqui Ali, PhD, Chairperson,
Department of Architecture, BRAC University, Chair,
Education, Commonwealth Association of Architects
