The gradually expanding presence of a diverse range of practitioners across the architectural landscape has provided a stronger platform for women to showcase their work, leadership, and innovation. With the past few years marking notable moments for women, the growing ensemble of female architects strives to bring something distinct to the table. Further, the upcoming new class of female architects is learning from their predecessors and making moves for how architecture can contribute to future generations. Working across a wide range of sectors, from academia and business to public interest and digital technology, architecture’s female powerhouses are leading the way for the future of architecture. This article speaks about the expanded view of women in Architectural design and practice, elaborated by Ar. Gagandeep Kapila, Founder and Principal Architect of Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture.
Although women started gaining their place in the field of architecture, the industry still continues to be dominated by men. To expand the view of female architects in the field, they have to stand together, look after each other and even mentor their fellow architects. Women, in general, are more patient and considerate than men, which can prove to be valuable in the field of architecture. However, women architects are often narrowed down to interior designers, just to get along and find a place within the male-dominated architectural society. If “female architects” stick together and strive towards creating change, they can become a part of the urban transformations, finding their path in city planning, and helping the upcoming female architects.
There is a need for more female architects in this world to promote a gender-neutral and inclusive perspective towards design and planning. Women tend to easily empathize with the users, which allows them to consider different views that are often neglected by male architects. In a world predominantly designed by men, some obvious design solutions can easily be identified and sorted down by women. The architectural world would gain a refreshing outlook if it includes both men and women in the design process. For instance, more public toilets that are easily accessible from the streets, well-planned streets with no blind spots to allow the safety of women at night, can be achieved only through inclusive architectural practice.
Another way of establishing recognition for the growing number of female archipreneurs is by promoting projects and publishing journals and articles through various media to highlight the significance of female architects in the architecture & design industry. Establishing the fact that female architects are well-accomplished in society is crucial so that common people with primitive misconceptions can be aware of the fact that female entrepreneurs started to rule the industry. This can even instill confidence in young female architects that, hard work and perseverance can make them successful in the field of architecture.
The views and voices of women architects are creating slow ripples in this male-dominated profession, which has been causing slow progress in the field. With the above suggestions and strategies, women architects can create a lasting impression by breaking past misconceptions. And, it is high time that women in architecture step up to create a gender-inclusive world.
