When I first joined CUHK in 2010, Essy had already stepped down as Director. However, his influence was still vividly present everywhere. His four thematic pillars of design education—Urbanization, Tectonics, Habitation, and Technics—continue to metamorphose at CUHK. Although their nomenclature has evolved, the spirit has endured. So, unlike many others, I did not come to know Essy personally until a few years later.
As I have gotten to know Essy better over the years, he became my go-to advisor. Whether it was the design studios I was involved in, the conceptualization of the AEP, the 2020 curriculum revamp, or the development of electives, he never ceased to listen and, each time, offered thoughtful insights. He always set me straight, focusing on what truly mattered, and to resist being consumed by administrative matters by continually refocusing on pedagogy. Esmail Baniassad (1936–2023) was one of those rare individuals who not only knew architecture deeply but also genuinely cared about the teaching of architecture. An optimist by nature, he set many fine examples for young, mid-career, and seasoned educators alike.
Over the next few years of friendship and consultation, many conversations took place—sometimes in his office, sometimes in the Chung Chi Canteen. On dozens of occasions, I invited him to participate in many of my design reviews. I came to see my classes as platforms for sharing Essy’s wisdom with the 20-something years old students, rather than keeping him to myself.
In the autumn of 2020, I decided to make a more concerted effort to document our conversations. Over four sessions, we explored his biography and formative experiences; his approach to building a distinctive school of thought as dean and program director; the balance between cultivating a worldly perspective while nurturing personal identity; and the essential role of projective thinking in architectural practice and education that is rooted in fundamentals.
For the first two interviews, the conversations took place between Essy Baniassad, Sukey Hui, and I. During the final two discussions, Kelly Chow, Chi Wai also joined us. Essy had been Kelly’s thesis advisor at Dalhousie University.
Photo by Essy Baniassad of a mother sheltering her newborn.
