Architecture and Feminism

ARCHITECTURE AND FEMINISM

By Maryam Q. Heriot Wattt University, Dubai

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I Maryam Q., declare that the essay embodies the results of my own work and has been composed by myself, and that where appropriate I have made acknowledgement of the work of others.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4 Literature Review 5 Gender in Architecture 6 3.1 Feminism in Architecture 8 3.2 Gender role: Architecture as a Profession 8 Case study 9 Conclusion 10 Bibliography 11 Illustrations 12

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1. Introduction

Architecture is considered a desire involving science, business and a social art, which when expressed can bring forth a form which questions the limits of human creativity.

The following essay seeks to understand this theory of architecture in terms of gender. Fundamental reasoning behind this study is to understand arguments such as; the cause of gender drift in regard to architecture, Is architecture really a male dominant field? And lastly, the reasons behind it being considered a male dominant field. Furthermore, it also seeks to question the role of women in architecture and the reasons behind the discretion of their immense talent which often go unnoticed. The paper also seeks to understand the architectural style adopted by women along with the thought process involved. The following above would allow for a stark distinction in methodologies and style with the male gender.

Key research sources constitute academic articles published corresponding to the topic at hand. They comprise of Sebnem Yucel’s “Feminist practices; interdisciplinary approaches to women in architecture” where articles of feminist practices in architecture have been proposed in order to understand how women perceive architectural approaches and discipline such as spatial attributes, by applying it to practicality.

The other articles involve, “Gender in contemporary architecture” by Karen Burns. This piece of excerpt speaks of the gender differences which arise in the field of architecture and the factors involved. It also explains the distinction between the feminist and feminism and its impact on the greater picture.

“Archaeologies of Feminism, Architecture and Deconstruction” by Karen burns is another piece, along with the “Women’s nonstandard employment in architecture” by Valerie Caven which seeks to study the role of women and their drive to abandonment.

Other areas of research include looking up web based articles in the area as well as conducting a case study on the famous architect Zaha Hadid; known for eradicating the notion of gender in the field of architecture by being deemed as world renowned and an achiever.

Lastly, a diligent analysis of the theories above, pose a sound conclusion into the matter by looking at drawbacks, the status of women in the field and the sensitive aspect of gender leading to their abandonment.

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2. Literature Review

The following review understands the areas of focus and the topics which correspond to the relevant questions. The first piece of writing which has been analyzed is the book “Gender Space Architecture” by Jane Rendal. The book looks into three different disciplines before it draws upon its conclusion. They are Gender, Gender Space and Gender space in architecture.

The first book ‘Gender’, expresses the belief in equality and the elimination of domination pertaining to sexuality, which leads to the transformation of society. Key factors involved, which causes a rift between society are; cultural factors, political factors and economic domains where, the male gender are privileged, indirectly leading to the oppression of women in society. Being a part of a community, which persists to disregard women, the resultant number of women claiming to be feminists are very few. Furthermore, in the professional world, women prefer to be assigned the term of ‘architects’ such as their male counterparts, as opposed to ‘female architects’.

Gender space goes on to explain the disciplines relevant to culture, history, geography, philosophy etc. This gradually changing the nature of gender discourse. The last topic of the book discusses the relation between spaces and their distinction in terms of being regarded as a space.

The following above is specific to women, providing an in-depth insight on the aesthetics and eclectic style brought forth. As a result, providing a sound argument on the distinct architectural styles of both male and female.

Analyzing the reading above, opinions can be formed on a vast topics ranging from; the reasons behind the influence of architecture and women which, aside from political and economic, can mainly be cultural wherein women at a certain point, find it difficult to strike a balance between caring for family or upholding a professional career. The resultant cause essentially being, work intersecting between personal priority. This argument can also be subjective as being in the 21st century some women are fully capable of striking a balance between the both.

The second study sheds insight on the focus of gender in contemporary architecture where instance of an architectural work has been cited.

Alongside, the architects working on it were Jacques Derrida James Joyce and Walter Benjamin. Derrida explains the project in terms of ‘collaboration’ between the architects. She goes on to use terms such as ‘The work was not based on the division of labor, rather it was a process of collaboration’. Had Derrida proposed terms of feminine she would have initiated a conception based on feminism, architecture and post structuralism. The consequent explanations present topics of focus such as in the world of architecture there can exist the male and female gender collaborating, brainstorming, using creativity hand in hand in order to formulate schemes which would appeal and be appreciated.

Furthermore, they can coexist without having the misconception that male architects are the dominators of the field.

The third review presents a case study detailing an analysis on the working patterns of women architects. Fundamental idea of the study is to understand the reasons that drive talented women architects to not being exposed to a world which would appreciate and recognize the potential they possess. The supposition to the study conducted proves women who follow working patterns which are not standard does not cease to constraint them but rather they serve to enhance their career development. And thus many women who follow employment forms which do not require to commit to the working norms permanently find it beneficial to their career. There are however many factors aside from the standard commitments which seek to pose an issue and that would be the economic factor.

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Economic factor has seemed to be made redundant to many architects since the early 1900’s and has resulted in abnormal working hours based on long term and short term contract. Other factors include control and level of commitment, the following being the main difference between a full time role as an architect or a temporary part timer. To conclude there are many factors which have been taken into account in order to understand the motives for women architects being employed. They range from the economic, cultural factors of balancing family and one’s self and additionally, another factor which entails ‘time’.

3. Gender in Architecture

There exist many scholars who immensely analyze the relationships between human anatomy, sexuality and an architecture. Glancing at atchtiecture, a structure can be either masculine or feminine. Strength, weightiness, or authority are the expressive qualities of male architecture. An example of the I.M. Pei’s design of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at the Cornell University. The architecture seeks to catch the eye of many with its modern design using exposed concrete walls finishes and the abstract shapes and angles which it brings along with it.

Image 1: I.M. Pei, Architect - Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University.

On the other hand there are other architecture which envisage a feminine vibe and critics appear to agree strongly to this factor. The qualities projected would be the building size, proportions, texture color, form, usage of material finishes etc. which can more likely be considered a stereotype created in the mindset of people. For instance, the Esplanade in Singapore by Russell John, though being by a male architect, the structure constitutes a spherical shape, with curves and texture deeming it a feminine structure, making the form stand-out in a concrete jungle, a habitat for masculine structures.

Image 2: The Esplanade in Singapore.

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The opinion of a structure being considered masculine and feminine can be quite contradictory as a structure cannot be conclude the latter or the former based on gender differences. This is a stereotype created in the mindset of people, as mentioned earlier in numerous instances, created in order to highlight gender.

Great architecture is one which touches the depth of the viewer leaving him mesmerized and trying to seek out the thought process of the architect who would conjure up such creativity and the conceptual process behind it. A famous example can be taken of Antonio Gaudi and his famous architecture of the Casa Mila which enraptures its viewers at its sight, keeping them in awe about the structure and the thoughts of Antonio during the inception of the initial idea.

Antonio’s architecture contradicts the realm of the stereotype conveying the notion of organic forms being a forte of women and only women architects seek to use organic forms to express themselves.

Image 3: Casa Mila By Antonio Gaudi

The famous architecture of Kazuyo Sejima’s Sanaa is a beautiful example of an abstract architecture which uses sharp straight forms and combines the theory of conscious architecture. The concept behind the architecture is to retain natural lighting within the structure and allows the space to project a dynamic feel with its abundant windows placed at random locations. This kind of architecture is a play of shadow and light once again leaving the viewers in wonder on the conceptual process involved.

Frank Lloyd Wright once quoted that “A great architect is not made by way of a brain nearly so much as he is made by way of a cultivated, enriched heart.”

There is much more to architecture than the aesthetic appeal and functionality. Many a times it’s the intangible idea involved in the minds of the architect be it female or male. And often it can be observed that it’s a collaboration between the two.

Image 4: Sanaa By Kazuyo sejima

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3.1 Feminism in Architecture ‘Gender spaces in architecture’ sheds light on gender in a different context. It studies women in relation design and questions the feminist theory, the practice, epistemology and ontology aspect. It seeks to look at architecture from the feminist perspective, sexuality, and race, bringing into question the design aspect and the analyzing of architecture solely based on gender symbol.

This shift is observed through the relation of architectural profession. The study also involves looking to the Marxist critics who have conducted in-depth research into the vast topic by examining architectural structures. Using the element of capitalism and architectural form as an enunciation of values which range widely in the field of politics, social and culture, it also considers the groupings of caste and class and understands the principle realm of the issue of gender segregation has arisen, causing a massive drift in all areas.

One of the striking aspects of this study is that it observes a building structure in two distinct ways; one being the design aspect and then the construction aspect. The experience of adapting to an environment based on occupation and its functionality, requires to be observed, as its temporal activity which would arrive after the completion of the structure, displaces the structure from its construction aspect.

Another way would be to look at the architectural aspect and the different events and uses being undertaken in the building which would gradually replicate distinct architectures over a period of time, resulting in creating a unique identity for the structure. Thus, interconnecting with the feminist quality of ‘that which is deemed as personal’.

3.2 Gender role: Architecture as a profession Gender roles understands the factors involved when questioning the causes for the acclimatization of women into the world which would expose their talents. ‘Career building women and nonstandard employment in architecture’ a study conducted by Valerie Caven recognizes the common issues being faced by women in today’s society.

The conclusion drawn to this study would involves a wide range of deduction. Key arguments being, architecture is a hectic profession which requiring equal commitment in comparison to personal priorities. For instance, a working mother, in the field of architecture, would consider it challenging in order to strike a balance between a career path which requires equal dedication along with raising a family.

The outcome nonetheless being unsatisfactory, resulting in low income, long hours and stress. The conclusion drawn from the above argument is the acknowledgement to the fact that men are less likely to face a similar situation to the one above.

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4. Case Study

There are a number of women who have been bold enough to stand their ground when it comes to handling the exposure in the industry and a famous example of Zaha Hadid can be noted in this instance.

Zaha Hadid is an Iraqi/ British architect as well as the first women to ever receive the Pritzker Prize in the field of architecture in the year 2004, followed by the Striling prize in 2010 and 2011. She is known for her expressive architecture using forms which convey a strong sense of futurism. They defining features of her work are presented in the form of curves, elongated forms using multiple perspective points along with fragmented geometry which cracks a sense of pandemonium in modern life.

Image 5 Zaha Hadid

Being born in Iraq Zaha Hadid speaks of a time when there was a huge emphasis on education and how mandatory it was for every girl to go to university. This would as a result, help in contributing in the idea of equality with regards to the rights of women. However, with the change in times, it has also been observed that these days or even today, this sort of forward thinking is no more encouraged even amongst the high class in society. Education among women should be a right and this should be fortified in every country in order to ensure equal standing amongst the two genders.

Zaha Hadid holds a strong belief in the women’s authority, ability as well as independence. She also is against being called a ‘Woman Architect’ and would rather be equally be referred to as an architect whilst the woman aspect of it would be background information.

Gaining insight into her opinion on the topic of female architects and their careers, Zaha Hadid goes on to explain that it is a tough industry to a point where women experience great intimidation and disrespectful behavior from the clients for being a ‘woman’. She also goes on to explain the fundamental issue being continuity. This can be seen in light of the fact that society has been structured in a way where women, don’t think it is a requirement to work after they take time off for a certain period of time. Women also face the biggest challenge of working as well as family obligations resulting in the latter taking priority over the former and causing a drift between the two.

Another study in by the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) shows that women tend to give up mid-way into their career due to the lack in income rates when compared to the opposite gender in spite of working overtime. A solution to the issue at hand would be to have a strong foundation which is rooted into their cultures, inspiring women to achieve their allocated goals.

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5. Conclusion Pertaining to the research questions at hand, it can be concluded that architecture is a field where women are less likely to gain exposure in opposition to male architects. Furthermore, the key issue of gender bias in comparison to men, results in little to no acknowledgement of hard efforts expressed, resulting in no compensation for equally hard efforts. Prioritizing family over career is another stated reasoning from the instances analyzed above, leading to abandonment of the field.

The following issues can be resolved by highlighting such subjects and creating alternative strategies which would shed focus on talented women architects. Women should be empowered and encouraged in order to embrace and hone in on their creative talent which would consequence in them gaining the right exposure for their potential. And last but not the least stereotypes which would demonstrate differentiating between architecture feminine and masculine should be eradicated from the mindset as architecture is an element of creativity, research and is concluded as an art which would vary from people to people rather than from male to female.

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Bibliography • Craven, J. (2014). Architecture and Sex. [online] About. Available at: http://architecture.about.com/od/architectureandsex/ss/gender_4. htm#step-heading [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• The Sutdio, (2013). SUTDIO VOICES: Buildings Live!. [online] Available at: http://sutdio.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/sutdio-voices-buildingslive/ [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Quirk, V. (2014). “Why Do Women Really Leave Architecture” Is the Wrong Question. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: http://www.archdaily. com/478910/why-do-women-really-leave-architecture-is-the-wrong-question/ [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• More Intelligent Life, (2014). THE FIRST GREAT FEMALE ARCHITECT. [online] Available at: http://moreintelligentlife.com/story/zahahadid?page=full [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Salon.com, (2014). Zaha Hadid says the architecture industry is sexist. [online] Available at: http://www.salon.com/2013/02/21/is_the_ architecture_industry_sexist_partner/ [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Wikipedia, (2014). Zaha Hadid. [online] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaha_Hadid [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Interviewrussia.ru, (2014). Zaha Hadid "I’m a feminist, because I see all women as smart, gifted and tough". [online] Available at: http://www.interviewrussia.ru/en/zaha-hadid-im-feminist-because-i-see-all-women-smart-gifted-and-tough [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

Book Article • Rendell, J., Penner, B. and Borden, I. (2000). Gender space architecture. London: Routledge.

• Burns, K. (2010). Ex libris: Archaeologies of Feminism, Architecture and Deconstruction. Architectural Theory Review, 15(3), pp.242-265.

• Burns, K. (2012). A Girl’s Own Adventure. Journal of Architectural Education, 65(2), pp.125-134.

• Caven, V. (2006). Career building: women and non-standard employment in architecture. Construction Management and Economics, 24(5), pp.457-464.

• Yucel, S. (2012). Feminist practices: interdisciplinary approaches to women in architecture. Gender, Place & Culture, 19(4), pp.552-553.

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Illustrations • Image 1: Museum of Art Cornell University: Craven, J. (2014). Architecture and Sex. [online] About. Available at: http://architecture.about.com/ od/architectureandsex/ss/gender_4.htm#step-heading [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Image 2: The Esplanade Singapore: Craven, J. (2014). Architecture and Sex. [online] About. Available at: http://architecture.about.com/od/ architectureandsex/ss/gender_5.htm#step-heading [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Image 3: Casa Mila: Sutdio.files.wordpress.com, (2014). [online] Available at: http://sutdio.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/antonio-gaudi. jpg?w=640&h=446 [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Image 4: Sanaa: Eliinbar.files.wordpress.com, (2014). [online] Available at: http://eliinbar.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/zollverein-building-bysanaa.jpg [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

• Image 5: Zaha Hadid: Images.forbes.com, (2014). [online] Available at: http://images.forbes.com/media/lists/11/2007/VB2V.jpg [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

Quotes • Frank Lloyd Wright: The Sutdio, (2013). SUTDIO VOICES: Buildings Live!. [online] Available at: http://sutdio.wordpress.com/2013/11/03/sutdio-voices-buildings-live/ [Accessed 16 Dec. 2014].

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