HANA KASSEM
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, P.C.
SAY IT LOUD - NOW Exhibitor
New York Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The client, the context and the program are the three elements that drive my inspiration for each project. An undercurrent of my work lies in the exploration of universal responses to environments juxtaposed with culturally specific ones.
HANA KASSEM
Bio:
The great designer, Hana Kassem, Principal at KPF, applies a human-centric approach to design anchored in Equity. With a focus on Sustainability, Resiliency and Wellness, she examines how we affect our environment and how our built environment impacts us. Hana teaches at Parsons. She serves on the Van Alen Institute and the AIANY Board of Trustees and is Founding Chair for the AIANY annual Leaning Out |Women in Architecture panel. She is co-editor of Architect d.b.a|On Re-defining the Roles of the Architect Today.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I attended RISD intending to major in Sculpture / Installation Art. I was encouraged to give Architecture a try before deciding. I certainly do not regret my decision as I feel that Architecture impacts much more than the built environment.
What do you do?
I am a Design Principal at KPF, with projects in countries ranging from the United States to China, and from Brazil to Abu Dhabi. I focus on user-driven typologies including Education and Research Facilities as well as hospitality and workplace.
What excites you in the work you do?
I am most excited by seeing the positive impact of the built environment on people and how it can help them fulfill their highest potential, regardless of project budget. Working on solutions tailored to a specific culture and place is critical.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The client, the context and the program are the three elements that drive my inspiration for each project. An undercurrent of my work lies in the exploration of universal responses to environments juxtaposed with culturally specific ones.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
In all my built projects, regardless of budget, the building users have communicated their continued satisfaction with their spaces over the years and how much these environments have contributed to their enhanced performance and well-being.
Featured Project Name:
NYCHA Red Hook Houses Resiliency and Recovery Project
Featured Project Location:
Red Hook, Brooklyn
Featured Project Completion Date:
2023
Role in Featured Project:
Design Principal
Featured Project Description:
The Red Hook Houses community was devastated by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Our masterplan aims to lessen its vulnerability to natural disasters and improve the livability of this low-income housing development, making it a place of environmental and social resiliency. We incorporated community input at every phase of design, with Sustainability and Art fostering social cohesion for the community; as such, the Powerplant includes a planted roof, and façade dedicated to a community-led mural.
