Egyptian Places

Henry David Ayon practices architecture in Richmond, Virginia and is a former adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University where he taught design and drawing, two life-long devotions. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Architecture, he also holds a Master’s Degree in the Science of Historic Preservation from Columbia University.

World Architecture Community chosses Egyptian Places as one of the top 10 architecture books for 2020

Advanced Praise:

Henry Ayon, a talented architect and artist with an astute eye and elegantly succinct sketching ability, has produced a thoroughly enjoyable and readable record of his Egyptian adventures. I expected anything he produced would be impressive but what I am most pleased to find is that his charm and wit come through in his very fine prose and scholarly research. The travelogue structure is the perfect vehicle both to convey his keen sensitivity to his environment and allow the reader to experience Henry’s enthusiasm for the sense and sensibility of an ancient culture.
—David R.H. King, FAIA
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE DESIGN DIRECTOR
SmithGroup / Los Angeles

I’ve known Henry Ayon for years. Egyptian Places reflects his personality, eye for design, and subtle, thoughtful views. It’s attention to detail, presented in clear concise sketches brought me into his tour of Egypt. The expeditions through the bare landscape contrasted with simple, monumental forms come to life through the book and provide a window into a world that is uniquely Egyptian. This is not just an architectural analysis, it’s a unique journey exploring the juxtaposition of modern life alongside ancient temples….it offers striking views of the master architects of sand and stone carving into the vast desert skies. Each sketch brings us closer to the time that created these wonders and invites us in to enjoy this Egyptian voyage.
—David Keith, CEO, Design Principal 
Hanbury Architects

One is inclined to think of Ancient Egypt as a distant and lonely culture, of little relevance to an age of iPhones, jet travel, and the Kardashians. But readers of Egyptian Places will discover that ancient Egypt is indeed relevant to the present. …But above all, this book shows that, the architecture of Ancient Egypt has the power to move us in profound and mysterious ways, no less so now than it did five thousand years ago.
—Frank Harmon, FAIA
Professor of Practice in Architecture
North Carolina State University College of Design

ISBN: 978-1-951541-21-7
Binding: Soft Bound
Pages: 170pp
Publication Date: Fall 2020
Size: 10” x 11” Landscape
World Rights: Available