Ahmad Hamid on Architecture

How would you characterize modern Islamic architecture, if this term exists?

Modern Islamic architecture in my practise would be encompassing both ‘the art of living and the science of well being’, theses are my terms to define generally a new paradigm for the ‘good life’. This formula is not exclusive to a people than another, with respects to the evident presence of globalization, it would be in universal service to both, man and habitat.

You have dealt with urban and rural projects alike, focusing on the development of context-appropriate, economically-sustainable solutions. In recent years attention turns to green urban regeneration. Do you think that it is imperative for the city or it’s just a new fashion with economic outcomes and covertly interests?

Green approaches to living and more so to the urban quality of life, drives planning and architecture out of an urgent sense of necessity, away from fashion and prevailing trends, it might even be the cause to reverse the fashion and trend as we are beginning to witness now suddenly..in the fashion and design production circles.

You say that your 30 years of architectural practice have been driven by the inextricable relationship between art and architecture, as well as the conviction that the positive influence of art and design extends beyond function, encapsulating an entire mode de vie. How have these ideas influenced your work?

If art & design communicate to ‘the sublime’ then they do have a positive effect on our being, they can even be therapeutic. This role of design’s positive effect is in no way similar to the Victorian moralistic approach of the art & craft movement in England and elsewhere. This is why I have worded ‘the sublime’ in relation to the focus of this alloy ‘art & design’, human life is very multilayered, made of  issues that  are complex to say the least, hence the subtle stimulating role of architecture that is based on this alloy. No direct cause and effect results are to be expected but a long term transformation allowing for the seeds that are germinating through the designs and architecture thus built, to bear fruit eventually.

Humans need tenderness, affection and care, if this is translated through the design disciplines, it is inevitable that society at large can be heart fully touched, accordingly change can be gestated. Even the remote in place or time in men or women can come to unison.

My practice that is based on the ‘artisinal design studio’, has always indicated for me that harmony results from bringing the latest in science artfully to the assimilative capacity of man, this is nothing but the field of good design, no acrobatics nor somersaults nor shocks of exhibitionism, art and design can be sober, friendly, innovative  and more so even pleasurably memorable.

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