A lack of diversity has long plagued the architectural profession, with women often overlooked for recognition and credit. However, it's time to shift this narrative, as the industry's progress relies on acknowledging and valuing the contributions of female architects.
While Oscar Niemeyer's iconic Brazilian modernist buildings are celebrated globally, Lina Bo Bardi's Teatro Oficina in São Paulo, which was named the best theatre in the world by a prominent publication, deserves similar attention. Designed with an Italian flair but distinctly Brazilian, it embodies the country's unique cultural identity.
Another notable example is A la Ronde, an eccentric 16-sided home in Exmouth, Devon, designed by Jane and Mary Parminter, two female cousins who drew inspiration from their Grand Tour of Europe, particularly the Basilica of San Vitale. Its Byzantine ornamentation creates a magical atmosphere that reflects the timeless elegance of these sister architects.
The recent report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) highlights the industry's persistent sexism, which pushes women out or discourages them from entering the profession. According to Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick, RIBA's CEO, the report makes for uncomfortable reading, but it is a necessary step towards change.
The work of notable female architects such as Kazuyo Sejima, Mariam Issoufou, and Liz Diller showcases their unique strengths: collaborative problem-solving, sustainable design, and community-focused projects. These qualities have led to remarkable buildings like the Serpentine Gallery pavilion in London and the High Line elevated linear park in New York.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that historical examples of women architects often went unrecognised or undervalued. The work of Georgie Wolton, co-founder of a firm with Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, is an example of this. Similarly, Eileen Gray's groundbreaking design for her E-1027 house on the French Riviera was vandalized by Le Corbusier.
The Pritzker Prize has historically excluded women, awarding it solely to male architects or those who were part of male-dominated partnerships. This omission highlights a broader issue – the lack of representation and recognition of female contributions in architecture.
As we move forward, it's crucial that more women join the profession, not just for the aesthetic benefits but also for the practical advantages of inclusivity, diversity, and better dialogue with clients. Flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, and revised hiring practices will be essential to achieving this goal.
The architectural profession has a long way to go in acknowledging and valuing the contributions of women architects. It's time to shift the narrative, celebrate their achievements, and build on the progress made by trailblazers like Norma Merrick Sklarek.
While Oscar Niemeyer's iconic Brazilian modernist buildings are celebrated globally, Lina Bo Bardi's Teatro Oficina in São Paulo, which was named the best theatre in the world by a prominent publication, deserves similar attention. Designed with an Italian flair but distinctly Brazilian, it embodies the country's unique cultural identity.
Another notable example is A la Ronde, an eccentric 16-sided home in Exmouth, Devon, designed by Jane and Mary Parminter, two female cousins who drew inspiration from their Grand Tour of Europe, particularly the Basilica of San Vitale. Its Byzantine ornamentation creates a magical atmosphere that reflects the timeless elegance of these sister architects.
The recent report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) highlights the industry's persistent sexism, which pushes women out or discourages them from entering the profession. According to Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick, RIBA's CEO, the report makes for uncomfortable reading, but it is a necessary step towards change.
The work of notable female architects such as Kazuyo Sejima, Mariam Issoufou, and Liz Diller showcases their unique strengths: collaborative problem-solving, sustainable design, and community-focused projects. These qualities have led to remarkable buildings like the Serpentine Gallery pavilion in London and the High Line elevated linear park in New York.
However, it's essential to acknowledge that historical examples of women architects often went unrecognised or undervalued. The work of Georgie Wolton, co-founder of a firm with Norman Foster and Richard Rogers, is an example of this. Similarly, Eileen Gray's groundbreaking design for her E-1027 house on the French Riviera was vandalized by Le Corbusier.
The Pritzker Prize has historically excluded women, awarding it solely to male architects or those who were part of male-dominated partnerships. This omission highlights a broader issue – the lack of representation and recognition of female contributions in architecture.
As we move forward, it's crucial that more women join the profession, not just for the aesthetic benefits but also for the practical advantages of inclusivity, diversity, and better dialogue with clients. Flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, and revised hiring practices will be essential to achieving this goal.
The architectural profession has a long way to go in acknowledging and valuing the contributions of women architects. It's time to shift the narrative, celebrate their achievements, and build on the progress made by trailblazers like Norma Merrick Sklarek.
. Can't they just do their thing without expecting a pat on the back every step of the way? The industry's always been about innovation and creativity, not about who's male or female. And honestly, I think some of these women's designs are a bit overhyped 
. I mean, Kazuyo Sejima's work is cool and all, but does it really deserve as much attention as it gets?
Women need to see themselves in architecture, it's time for a female revolution! 
We can't just talk about diversity, we gotta make it happen 
anyway back to this topic i was reading about how Japan has these awesome public baths that are, like, super relaxing and stuff but then i started thinking about how it would be lit if we had more female architects designing our public spaces 
it's about time we give some serious props to female architects who've been doing amazing work behind the scenes. i mean, can you believe oscar niemeyer gets all the love while lina bo bardi's masterpiece in brazil is being snubbed? and let's not forget those parminter sisters with their 16-sided home that's straight out of a fairy tale 
. we need more recognition for women like kazuyo sejima, mariam issoufou, and liz diller who are killing the game with sustainable design and community-focused projects. it's time to acknowledge our past mistakes too – georgie wolton, eileen gray... they paved the way but deserve some love now 
. flexible working arrangements, mentorship programs, and more inclusive hiring practices need to be the norm ASAP 
. It's crazy to think that sexism is still a thing in the architectural world... I mean, can't we just appreciate all the amazing women who have made incredible contributions to design? 
Like, Lina Bo Bardi's Teatro Oficina is literally stunning! 
. That's some serious history, right there... I don't get why it took so long for her work to be recognized. 
. And let's not forget those trailblazers like Norma Merrick Sklarek... she paved the way for so many others! 
. I mean, think about it, most people design buildings that are super boring and uninteresting 
. But when women architects get to put their own spin on things, like Lina Bo Bardi's Teatro Oficina, it's a totally different story 
! The industry needs to step up its game and give more credit to the female architects who are making waves 
. It's not just about aesthetics, it's also about diversity and inclusivity 
! We need more of that kind of creativity and talent in architecture 
.
her Teatro Oficina is literally a masterpiece! I mean, have you seen Oscar Niemeyer's stuff? It's iconic, but let's not forget the women who paved the way before him 
! The RIBA report is so needed, though... we need to get rid of this sexism that keeps women out of the industry 
. We gotta celebrate the women who changed the game, like Kazuyo Sejima and Mariam Issoufou – their designs are pure magic 
... Like, I saw an old pic of Georgie Wolton and Norman Foster's firm from the 80s, and it just hit me that women have been doing this stuff way longer than people realize 
We need way more of this recognition, and not just in Brazil or Europe either – everywhere! 
... It's time to shift the narrative, celebrate female architects' achievements, and build on the progress made by trailblazers like Norma Merrick Sklarek 
. It's not just about being aesthetic; it's about creating spaces that reflect our communities and values.