Passing of David A. Hansen, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of David A. Hansen, FAIA, Director of Design for Dar in Dubai. David was an award-winning architect who, over his 42-year-career, led the planning and design of over 35 million square feet of environments that make people smarter, happier, and healthier. These include research, education, and healthcare facilities; workplaces and office complexes; and retail centers.

David's work in the Middle East included major commissions in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he helped Dar secure projects with Dubai Airports, the University of Dubai, and Aramco in Khobar. He also helped win commissions for retail, high-rise office, mixed use, hotel, residential, and resort projects in the Gulf, Europe, and Africa. His master planning experience, in particular, was extensive, and included projects such as Al Shaab Master Plan in Kuwait City, Kuwait; Baku Park in Baku, Azerbaijan; and Fujairah Urban District in Luanda, Angola, among many others. 

David joined Perkins&Will in 1986. He was elevated to AIA Fellow in 2008 and relocated to Dubai that same year. He became Director of Design for Dar in 2015.

We wish to offer David’s friends and family our heartfelt condolences. While we mourn his loss, we will remember him fondly, admiring his great influence on our profession and our region’s architecture.