Hans Heyerdahl Hallen

Tracing the life of architect Hans Heyerdahl Hallen (1930–2022), this book reveals the transnational influences that shaped his practice in South Africa, and the migratory circles of ideas that defined a new form of subtropical architecture. Beginning with Hallen’s Nordic and South African roots, chapters then explore his practice and studies at the London County Council and Architectural Association, where he met with contemporaries such as Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry. From here, he returned to South Africa with new ideas that challenged the teachings of early modernism, instead combining philosophies such as Norberg Schulz’sgenius lociwith African traditional architecture (Zulu Kraal) to create buildings unique to local communities and topographical conditions. This need to embrace vernacular forms was a response to local climate conditions and local materials, but also a desire to make cities relevant to the African context. In transmuting European teachings within colonial environments, Hallen’s practice reveals the role of the architect to reflect local communities and to build for their needs, and to create spaces for community and resistance. Published as part of theBloomsbury Studies in Modern Architectureseries, which brings to light the work of significant yet overlooked modernist architects, the study features a wealth of previously-unpublished archival material to explore the role of the architect in the colonial context. This book brings together new insights of over three decades of mid-century modern architecture by an architect with Norwegian heritage in South Africa: Hans Heyerdahl Hallen. Hallen’s practice in Durban produced a highly crafted modern architecture in South Africa from the 1960s through until the late 1980s. These buildings were informed by his experience and education and reflected global ideas that became transformed and adapted to the subtropical climate and hilly topography of Durban. Underpinning these ideas are deep roots that reach back to his foundational experience derived from the specifics of his education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, his Nordic heritage and encounters, his scholarly study of architecture and urban settlement across Europe, and the critical position he took about architecture in the mid-twentieth century. Over nine chapters, this book examines the trajectory of his architecture. Crossing partnerships, the buildings are organised from building typology to strategic urban design, public engagement, studio practice and teaching. A prolific writer and advocate of social justice and human experiences, Hallen’s work was also notable for its innovation and experimentation with ordinary materials and construction techniques. Six conceptual themes can be consistently traced through the body of architectural work he produced between 1959 and 1987: architecture in the landscape; movement and spatial experiences; gathering spaces and the genius loci of place; designing with the climate; tactility of materials and structure; and the integration of art and architecture. The book concludes with his relocation to Sydney, and his return to painting.