Architectural investigations and the employment of feminist methods present a forum, allowing women to publish the unbalanced pursuit of practice and the consequent impact on women and the economy. This article explores the definition of Feminist Architecture and depicts the relationship between feminist methodologies and design approaches, impacting our individual understanding and connection with architecture.

The Oxford Dictionary defines feminism as ‘advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes’ and defines a feminist as being dedicated to this. Feminist analyses of architecture, focus specifically on gender relations and the importance and diversity of individual experience, alongside equality for female practitioners. ‘Feminism’ in architectural terms, does not automatically necessitate a female focus. The concept is widespread and, personally, I concur. I believe feminism necessitates equality across the board and this should be acknowledged. Absent acknowledgement has reoccurred throughout each analysis and proves partly responsible for the obstacles that women face. Knowledge is key. Without knowledge, an often negative interpretation of feminism and feminists is construed.

Often, the term ‘feminism’ can be misconstrued as aggressive and anti-male, rather than its true objective of promoting equality, which shines the spotlight away from the true issue being addressed. Personally, I believe feminist thinking is not truly understood, possibly due to the lack of acknowledgement and understanding throughout history. It falls victim to negative interpretation and damaging positive development within gender equality. Facially, architecture appears impartial, therefore, it is crucial to reiterate the connective thread between gender and architecture. Gender critically influences how we consider occupying space and what the user feels is important. Some might argue that male and female architects have formal differences when designing space. So, what might be the differences between masculine and feminine approaches to architecture and what is the impact of ‘feminist’ design approaches?

Reflecting upon personal experiences and observations as both a previous architecture student and graduate professional within the architectural sphere, combined with historic archives and anonymous precedents of architecture shaped by women, I found that even now, in both scenarios, a significant contrast remains. Generally, women appear functional, flexible and user orientated, whereas men uphold a formal, fixed and design orientated persona. Often, these allocated principles are fuelled by gender expectations. Gender prescribes expectation, rather than recognition.

Feminist methodologies eradicate these expectations, combining male and female principles. The feminist approach operates from a position in which each individual is valued, regardless of gender, socio-economic background or race. Feminist approaches are latent with the possibility of discovering far more than one assumes or anticipates, whereas, environments that lack intersectionality continue to segregate and obstacles remain. Confronting the glass ceiling, by implementing these methods and employing equal rights, will evict outdated characterisations and unnecessary obstacles, eliminating the weight gender assumptions transmit, allowing freedom and the removal of masks for both sexes.

I hope that by briefly addressing this question, we will remove rose-tinted glasses and help to reveal another element contributing to gender inequality – a present day predicament, currently overlooked and needs unfolding. The next generation of architects, both male and female, claim feminism as their own. I fall into this category, with this intent.

Words: Jessie Buckle

No images were purposely used within this article as a statement to highlight the inequality and lack of acknowledgement of women architects

This Feature was first published in incl-publication