Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect - by Marzieh Abbas (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From an inquisitive and compassionate young girl to a world-renowned and award-winning architect and humanitarian, Yasmeen Lari has an empowering and inspiring life story. Learn about her success in a career dominated by men, he early work of advocating for and restoring historc buildings in Pakistan, and her turn to eco-friendly and sustainable design in the wake of natural disasters."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A poignant eco-biography about Pakistan's first female architect and humanitarian, Yasmeen Lari, who invented sustainable and affordable housing amid natural disaster, featuring back matter with photographs of Lari and her work.

From an inquisitive and compassionate young girl to a world-renowned and award-winning architect and humanitarian, Yasmeen Lari has an empowering and inspiring life story. Learn about her success in a career dominated by men, her early work of advocating for and restoring historic buildings in Pakistan, and her turn to eco-friendly and sustainable design in the wake of natural disasters.

Starting in 2005, earthquakes and floods raised Lari's attention to the need for rehabilitation building. The pioneering architect met the challenge head-on. Incorporating innovative modern design and traditional building practices and materials, Lari developed a blueprint for sustainable, disaster-resistant homes. Vibrantly illustrated, Yasmeen Lari, Green Architect gives an in-depth look at Lari's process from design and testing prototypes to teaching the communities she served the skills needed to rebuild alongside her.

Delivering stunning illustrations and detailed text, Marzieh Abbas and Hoda Hadadi weave together a powerful ode to a contemporary icon. Back matter includes expanded biographical information about Lari in addition to photographs of her and her work.

Review Quotes

Lari's practical approach and her innovative, ecofriendly ideas are now admired throughout the world. Written with simplicity and directness, the text offers an engaging introduction to Lari's achievements. Hadadi creates lively, colorful scenes featuring Pakistan, its buildings, and its people. An intriguing picture-book biography of a visionary architect inspired by her homeland's resources and traditions. -- Booklist

In this eco-aware, place-oriented picture book, Abbas and Hadadi energetically capture the pioneering career of Yasmeen Lari (b. 1941), Pakistan's first female architect...Emphatic narration drives home Lari's impact by piling on staccato text: "Yasmeen rebuilt lives. The villagers were: / Trained./ Equipped./ Determined." Crinkled paper collages show the subject maturing over time as swatches layer for an affirming effect that suits an intentionally told story of thoughtful composition. -- Publishers Weekly

Pakistan's first professional female architect...a "great listener" and consequently a "great learner" even in childhood...An inspiring portrait of a woman whose achievements have been both literally and figuratively groundbreaking. -- Kirkus Reviews

Blending her love for design with her passion for history and traditional building techniques, [Yasmeen Lari] would become a leader in green building materials, combining sustainability, functionality, and beauty. When earthquakes and floods devastated Pakistani villages, Lari designed sustainable, low-cost structures that used renewable resources...and were designed to hold up to future disasters. In a straightforward text, Abbas presents key points about Lari's life, work, and beloved home country, while Hadadi's paper-collage art pops off the pages. A timeline as well as photographs of Lair and her green building projects further bring this ground-breaking architect's story to life. -- Horn Book Magazine