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“Architecture is a process driven team of architects & interior designers in India in which women can deal each project with small interdisciplinary teams having the client as a design partner. “ Architecture Education is considered to be a catalyst for youth development of a nation which imparts in shaping the industry and nation. Women participation in architecture education plays an important role in the economic growth and development of the country. Lack of adequate studies about participation of women in architecture education has resulted in understanding the definite role played by women in the development process. To bridge this gap, I want to make a study that will envisage for women students of Degree and Diploma levels who are studying in Indian state and practicing in professional field. In addition, issues such as employment prospects and rate of absorption of women graduates are also probed. This thesis will highlight some of the important findings related to the participation of women in architecture education and practice.
All occupations, of course, should be gender-neutral. Much as we hate to say it, we are led to conclude that women often get a raw deal in their education in architecture school, and in their careers in architectural practice" said in article on "Women in Architecture". As a student of architecture, I surveyed, that 13 of my classmates are quite unknown about female architects except 'Zaha Hadid'. Neither, they had any keen interest of knowing about them. Even, while searching "great architects of world" we get few female architects in the list. As we all know architecture is a profession of passion, dedication and hard work so why in this race women are lagging behind. Personally, I am not denying the fact that in 21 st century females in this profession are behind men's they are giving a level of competition to them. Why a woman gets distracted from architecture? Why women in architecture are in teaching profession only? With these questions and intentions I would like to explore the struggle, hard work and dedication of women in architecture and design profession .I would like to know the percentage of women in architecture industry with comparison to men's , heights of achievement by women, time to time variation in involvement of women."
Traditionally, Architecture has been a male domain. Twenty-first century saw the changing relationship of gender and the built environment which became part of the conceptual framework of related professions and academia. Today more than 60% are girls in academia but women in professional practice is just 13-14%. They veer off to more feminine opportunities for developing their career. The decision to develop a career is often not a priority. Cultural norms continued to keep women domesticated. Women were asked to prioritize family life and their earning capacity was never appreciated. Instead their educational training and grooming was aimed only at making them better homemakers and mothers. She often gives up her intellectual and professional aspirations. Long hours of work, inability to deal with the demands of practice such as site visits, lack of aggressiveness and assertiveness among Indian women also influences their capacity to develop a successful practice. A survey was conducted with women architects on this issue. Survey also put multiple choices and opportunities for women to make them inclusive in the profession. The findings suggest to initiate conducive atmosphere with a revived and renewed options of allied services and a forum to sensitize the industry of probable danger of losing working hands.
2012
Whether we are referring to architectural practice or architectural education, women’s lack of visibility is an important issue that reveals the fact that architecture is still defined by a masculine paradigm starting from design norms and canons followed by the dissemination of the traditional image of the architect as white aggressive and egocentric middle-class man. In terms of architectural education,
This paper examines the recent status of Turkish women architects through the statistical data gathered from union of chamber of architects and schools of architecture. It also compares the figures of women architects in our country with selected countries from Europe as well as Canada, Australia and United States of America. Our study has demonstrated that despite of the fact that women are generally underrepresented in the all work force in Turkey, the condition of Turkish women architects display a considerably satisfactory level of representation in the profession, when compared with other countries. However, during the analysis it became also evident that the current statistical data in published and unpublished sources have various shortages and thus they are unable to provide a ground for more accurate evaluations. Based on this necessity, we would like to present our proposal for web based documentation and archiving of women architects in order to benefit from the fruitful milieu of the conference discussions. Our proposal for documentation is also reputable to other countries for further developments of this project. The fact that only a small percentage of the overall built environment is shaped by women architects clearly shows the existence of a gender-based crisis in the profession of architecture. Despite the growing number of female students in architectural education especially after the 1980s, male professionals are still shaping architectural practice. This dilemma has become a major area of interest for many scholars who have approached the problem from various viewpoints for the last twenty years. Even the proliferation in the number of books, articles and research reports on the issue of marginalization of women architects in the profession has not been able to change this situation yet (Graft, Greed, Manley, 2003). The patriarchal roots of the profession and its historical relations with craftsmanship are evidently one of the main reasons in the historically delayed entrance of women architects into the profession (Adams, Tancred 2000). The emphasis on the effect of the biological differences (Grosz E 2000) and/or socially constructed gender codes (Weismann 1994) is also another approach in current research, which focuses on the reasons for the marginalization of women architects. Some feminist theorists, on the other hand, have preferred to interpret the difference by acknowledging women's ways of knowing (Franck 2000). These viewpoints theorize the raison d'être of the secondary roles of women in the profession by criticizing the patriarchal hegemony in general. Despite the modest roles that women take in shaping the built environment, feminist criticism in the field of architecture has enabled recognition of the responsive approach of women architects for sustainability, diversity, and many other everyday matters, including innovative solutions for eliminating the dissatisfaction from standardized modern housing. Participation of women into the practice of architecture obviously can make a great contribution for equal representation in the workforce all over the world. Women are trying to resist against sexism in the economic arena for a long time. On the other hand, women' participation into architecture is not only vital for women architects, but also for many other people who are in demand of a better architectural service which would produce solutions for social problems such as poverty, homelessness, isolation, and extreme consumption of the sources all over the world. Typical male-centric view of architecture focused on the physical aspects and created a form-obsessed physical built environment. On the other hand, women architects do not take conventional star system embedded in the patriarchal roots of the profession into account. Instead, women architects generally prefer to contend with small commissions with a focus on family society issues such as housing and rehabilitation projects. Increasing the number of women in the discipline of architecture is one of the major concerns of national professional organizations in the new millennium. Action plans that were prepared after comprehensive researches include recommendations to educational institutions, professional organizations, employers and practices. The general points taken from a sample report is quoted below: Recommendations to educational institutions included these key points:
The information of this paper was delivered at the Conference of the International Federation for Research in Women’s History [In Association with the Bulgarian Women’s History Group, the Bulgarian Association of University Women and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”], Women, Gender and the Cultural Production of Knowledge, St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, 8-11 August 2007 Investigations on women architects from the 1980s until the present have pointed out worldwide pioneering figures, however, the analyses on their work are scarce. For the entire period between the two world wars, the number of architectural, urban and interior designs that Bulgarian women architects have worked on is over 200. Still, their names are rarely mentioned in publications on 20th century history of architecture and rather small part of their professional experience is familiar to the public. Numerous works and several sensational facts concerning the 20th century history of architecture in Bulgaria were discovered by a research project on the topic. This research underlines the necessity to popularize the pioneer women architects’ creativity in Bulgaria and worldwide through publications and exhibitions, and to introduce information about them into the architectural curriculum of universities. This will change the views on the 20th century development of architectural profession as well as of the Modern Movement culture in Bulgaria.
5th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism, 2022
Female architects play an active role in the 21st century architecture, which is characterized by a quest of new forms, albeit they are few in number in the sector. Accordingly, this study focused on the design approaches of today's female architects, and furthermore, the sources used in their designs, their focal concepts, and the formal language of their forms were investigated. Ten well-known contemporary female architects were included in the scope of the study. A dual methodical pattern, namely textual analysis and visual analysis was used for the purposes of the study. The texts of female architects, which described their projects, were conceptually analyzed using the textual analysis method, where their formal language was analyzed by means of the visual analysis method. The data were then organized into data sets and presented in tabular format. The results of the present study indicated that the female architects mostly made use of nature and socio-cultural elements in their designs and considered the data therefrom as an important input to be incorporated into their design. On the other hand, although they had similar points of departure in terms of design, they did not have a common language in terms of form.
Many factors affecting women’s participation in the workforce are categorized as socio- cultural. Occupational segregation is mostly caused by gender based division of labor which marks radical differences between women’s and men’s abilities and responsibilities. Gender essentialism based on genetic data is indicating areas of gender competence according to socio-cultural expectations. The immersion of gender issues in architecture, traditionally seen as a male dominated profession, raises questions about the eligibility of women professionals especially because of their fragile presence in different instances of architecture: history, theory and criticism. The present paper is focused on the status of Romanian women architects and statistically analyzes current gender trends in architectural education, posing questions about how gender diversity influences architecture. Many great women have established successful careers and had an impact on Romanian architecture. The third part of the paper reviews some of the key points in the development of the Romanian women’s movement of emancipation and democracy and celebrates feminine achievement in national architecture.
Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2019
This study aims at examining lingering issues concerning gender in the architectural profession, particularly on underrepresentation and visibility of women in various hierarchies of architectural practice. The findings from a pioneering field study of gender in Nigerian architecture were juxtaposed with literature analysis and summarised reviews of several leading published studies on gender in the profession to provide a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the stumbling blocks for women and the impact of diversity on the outlook of the profession at large. The study identified a trifecta relationship of age, the nature of work done and job satisfaction as impediments to the participation of women which require holistic, all-inclusive, workable solutions for the creation of professional environments made up of diverse perspectives and ideologies. The study recommends: 1) women speak up for what they need from the profession and find active ways to satisfy themselves; 2) equity, equality and diversity in decisions that affect professional growth; 3) willingness to balance families and free time in order to develop professional and personal relationships; and 4) formation of schemes and policies to foster inclusion based on the finding from this and other similar studies.
Architectural Theory Review, 1998
Architects are the real creators of amazing buildings and structures. Skyscrapers in metro cities would not have been possible without them. While capitalism furthers the growth and prosperity of human race, tall buildings with beautiful designs and glory show the grandeur. The rebuilding of collapsed 'Urban Structure of Indian cities' shows the real dint of human talent and excellence, creativity and vision. Considered as one the chic professions and looked as a profession for elite class students, architecture has changed tremendously in the last couple of decades where demographic set up of students has gone through tremendous changes; and, students from varied social background, disciplines, and streams have come to join Architecture colleges. Career in Architecture is attractive, high paying, and has lots of potential in terms of growth. Besides the required criteria, some essential skills are also required for a career in architecture.
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering
Recent glimpses and revelations from the education and practice of architectural profession suggested that the visibility status of Female Architects as role models for students under tutelage is still hazy [1]. Highly worthy of note is that increasing numbers of female students are enrolled into architecture programs on a yearly basis but when juxtaposed with the high rate of attrition recorded at the point of exit from Nigerian universities, it significantly varies. As stated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations, the fifth objective is to ensure the attainment of gender equality among people in the societies of the world [2]. This paper investigated and reported the findings of a study on the visibility status of female architects as role models for architecture students. Using a sample of 378 (101 females and 277 males) students drawn from 3 private universities in South-west Nigeria, a survey was carried out to find out how visible female architects w...
Arquitectas: modo(s) de (r)existir. Reflexões a partir de um ciclo de conversas, 2018
The third session of the cycle of conversations “Female architects, modes of (r)existing,” dedicated to the theme “From academia to teaching,” has proposed looking at research in architecture and at universities, as places where professional practices and roles are learned. We have also focused on teachers and their ways of teaching and on students and their ways of learning and apprehending
Iconarp International J. of Architecture and Planning
It has been determined that the existing studies in the literature about women architects have remained in the background or ignored in the historical process, there are barriers they have encountered in the sector, their visibility in the sector is low and they have left the profession of architecture over time. However, it has been observed that it has not been investigated whether the career barriers that female architects encounter differ according to their career stages. The aim of this research is to fill the knowledge gap identified in this field in the literature and to reveal the career barriers faced by women architects. Quantitative research method was used in this study and data were collected by questionnaire method. It has been understood that the glass ceiling and sexist attitudes, which are among the career barriers of female architects, differ according to career stages. The limitations of the research are that the participation of the participants in the research i...
"A presentation-based paper that explores the current issues facing female architects and considers whether using legislation to ‘coerce’ to ‘positively discriminate,’ represents an after-thehorse- has-bolted approach to increasing diversity and instead considers progressive means, including the role of the school in enabling a fundamental system change in terms of diversity and representation in both practice & the profession."
This paper briefly outlines the nature of contemporary Architecture Education in India and its present challenges with theoretically feasible solutions. It explores in detail the arduous position of architecture education owing to, privatization of higher education institutes in India, ever changing demand of the technology driven industry and discipline, along with regional and cultural resources that should be explored academically for the enrichment of graduates. With the government’s education policy of supporting privatisation, a comprehensive role for the regulating body of architecture education becomes imperative. The paper provides key insights through empirical research into the nature of these roles and the areas which need attention in light of the problems. With the aid of the critically acclaimed education model like Design Build, contextual retrofits for Indian institutes can be stressed for inclusion in the curriculum. The pairing of a private institute and a public industry/research body and vice versa can lead to pro-economic and pro-social research environment. These reforms if stressed by an autonomous nationwide regulating body rather than the state will lead to uniformity and flexibility of curriculum which will promote the creation of graduates who are adaptable to the changing needs.
Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ), 2016
Architecture is a profession that men have dominated for centuries, while the transmission model of education has been the common basis for architectural education. In Egypt, architectural education continues to be masculine despite the increase in the number of female students enrolled in architectural programs. In such a type of education, the studio is the venue where concepts and building competencies are transformed. Therefore, this research paper investigates the impact of gender inequality on architectural education by surveying the educational process in the studio among male and female students at Egyptian universities. By exploring the actual difficulties related to gender that face architectural education in Egypt, the research aims to enhance the quality of the educational process for architecture students in general, and help them to equally qualify for the profession. This in turn should raise awareness for all the participants in the educational process in order to create a better educational environment for architecture students with special regard to gender sensitivity.
Charrette, 2018
For centuries, men have dominated the field of architecture. In Egypt, despite the increase in the number of female students enrolled in the departments of architecture, this area of education continues to be predominantly masculine. This inquiry explores the extent and impact of the gender inequality in the architectural domain in Egypt using qualitative research tools. It examines the context as well as the processes of teaching architecture in the design studio. The paper attempts to shed light on the real-life difficulties that female architectural students face, particularly in rural Egypt. The cultural and social barriers, especially in these rural regions, seem to have a significant impact on the education of female students. As a physical environment, the studio is not responsive to the needs of both male and female students and has more of an impact on the women as they lack needed privacy to rest and takeoff their veil. As an area for social interaction, practices within the studio, such as juries, are among the causes for students' discontent. In the jury, negative comments and harsh language that some staff members use upset the majority of both male and female students. The analysis indicates that these practices affect the women more. The study reveals significant differences between the urban and rural regions.
docomomo.sg, 2021
Many female architects, landscape architects, and planners have contributed to Singapore’s built environment. In recent decades, female architects and planners are taking up leadership roles in all sectors, public and private, and on multiple levels. Moreover, many women participated in architectural practice against various odds and challenges, pushing boundaries and innovation through visible or less visible ways. It is crucial to turn our attention to the transitional decades in the twentieth century to meaningfully situate the contributions of the architects in consideration of the historical realities of women in architectural production. Against the backdrop of economic and urban development, these women engaged in conceptualising, designing, planning, constructing, teaching, writing, and managing the modern buildings, spaces, practices, and events in the city. Given contemporary realities of diversity and inclusion in the profession, an expanded understanding of women's roles in shaping Singapore’s built environment and a reappraisal of past and present criteria and methods used to assess architecture is timely. https://www.docomomo.sg/people-and-organisations/women-in-architecture-and-planning-in-singapore
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