Vernacular Realism: An exploration of intentions, ethics and romantism in Hassan Fathy’s New Gourna Village Part 2 Dissertation 2025 Mohib Ullah Khan Birmingham City University | UK The early 20th century saw Egyptian architecture caught between traditional forms and modern influences. Hassan Fathy’s work sought to bridge this divide through vernacular approaches, particularly in his New Gourna project. Drawing on local building traditions, he proposed an alternative vision of architectural development - one rooted in place and culture rather than imported solutions.Yet the project’s mixed legacy reveals deeper complexities. While external challenges played their part, certain limitations in Fathy’s own approach may have contributed to its difficulties. The tension between architectural ideals and practical realities emerges as a recurring theme, raising questions about how best to adapt traditional knowledge to contemporary needs.This historical case remains relevant today as architecture continues to navigate similar dilemmas. The balance between global standards and local identity, between professional expertise and community participation, persists as an ongoing challenge. Fathy’s experience suggests that successful architectural solutions require not just technical knowledge, but a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural contexts they seek to serve. Tutor(s) Rui Lebre