Sumita Singha

Women in architecture have always existed, perhaps not as professionals but always as influencers at many levels. Then during wars in the absence of men, women took on the traditionally masculine roles of design and construction easily. The river Thames is graced by a bridge built entirely by a female workforce. But the acceptance and the presence of female architects alongside male architects took a long time to be realised. Finland was the first country to introduce the formal education of women in architecture around 1860s. However, Ethel Charles (1898), the first British women to gain the membership of the Royal Institute of Architects, went on to design 'cottages' even though she was the first woman to win an International prize for architecture and the RIBA Silver medal winner. Many women worked in various capacities as influencers up to 1970s and 80s- teaching (Teolinda Bolivar, Venezuela), in government responsibilities (Olajumoke Adenowo, Nigeria), interior or furniture designers (Eileen Gray) and as activist (Arundhati Roy, India). Some of the female architects also worked with their husbands (Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry) and other male associates. Somehow it has always been easier to study than to practice architecture for women. The jump from being influencers to front-liners was not an easy transition, even in the 'West'. But changing socio-political times, the globalization of practice and a bold willingness to disengage from past constrictions did indeed change the nature of women in architecture. Things have improved materially for women employees because of social and legal changes (Equal pay, maternity leave, basic pay, etc.) but particular issues of being a woman in architecture remain. The numbers of female-led architecture firms also remain very small compared to other professions such as law, accountancy and medicine. There has also been a question raised about whether there is a feminine style of architecture. These volumes explore four themes - History, Work, Influence and Practice. The set offers a holistic and non Euro-centric view of women in architecture, with good practice and inspiration from all parts of the world.

Women in Architecture

Architects, development practitioners and designers are working in a global environment and issues such as environmental and cultural sustainability matter more than ever. Past interactions and interventions between developed and developing countries have often been unequal and inappropriate. We now need to embrace fresh design practices based on respect for diversity and equality, participation and empowerment. This book explores what it means for development activists to practise architecture on a global scale, and provides a blueprint for developing architectural practices based on reciprocal working methods. The content is based on real situations - through extended field research and contacts with architecture schools and architects, as well as participating NGOs. It demonstrates that the ability to produce appropriate and sustainable design is increasingly relevant, whether in the field of disaster relief, longer-term development or wider urban contexts, both in rich countries and poor countries.

Architecture for Rapid Change and Scarce Resources

Ian Taylor

Helen Taylor

Adam Scott

Julia Park

Nicola Gillen

Pippa Nissen

Sarah Featherstone

The world has changed. How will society emerge post-pandemic? Will we take the opportunity to reset the status quo? And, if so, what possibilities are there for architects to take the initiative in designing this new world? This innovative design guide draws together expert guidance on designing in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic for key architectural sectors: housing, workplace, civic and cultural, hospitality, education, infrastructure and civic placemaking. It provides design inspiration to architects on how they can respond to the challenges and opportunities of a post-pandemic environment and how architects ensure they are at the forefront of the best design in this new world. Looking at each sector in turn, it covers the challenges specific to each, and how delivering these designs might differ from the pre-pandemic world. As well as post-pandemic design, the vital issue of climate change will be threaded through each sector, with many cross-overs between designing for the climate emergency and designing for a world after a pandemic. Both seek to make the world a safer, happier and more resilient place. Written by set of contributing design experts, this book is for all architects, whether sole practitioners or working in a larger practice. As well as inspirational design guidance, it also provides client perspectives – crucial for understanding how clients are planning for the future too.

Architecture for a post-pandemic world

RETHINK Design Guide

This book describes how architects can design better healthcare buildings for a rapidly changing context and climate. Innovation in the design of healthcare estates is essential to the sustainability of our health services. Design thinking in this field is being influenced by a range of factors, such as economic constraints, an ageing demographic, complex health conditions (co-morbidities), and climate change. There is an opportunity for architects and designers to be innovators in the future of healthcare through the design of buildings and cities that offer wellbeing and healing. It highlights the latest innovations in key areas of practice and research, with a range of case studies to provide practical lessons and inspire better design.

Sumita Singha

Books

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