Women in Architecture: Defining Viewpoints with Martha Rothman
Tuesday mornings from 10:30-noon on ZOOM
February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14.
This course will focus on women who became architects from the 19th century to the present. We will examine their motivations to choose the profession, their place in the historic trajectory, and their contributions as practicing architects and/or design educators. For each class, we will cite several women who were notable in the profession at the time, then explore the work of two architects and how their individual viewpoints shaped their types of work, practice models and their design.
Let us note that the course is titled “Women in Architecture” (not “women architects”). My premise is that individual viewpoints produced different types of work, with no common ground of a “feminine gene” that links the work. Rather, an underlying persistence and aptitude enabled these women to succeed in what was perceived as “a man’s profession.” Work of women, largely unrecognized in earlier eras, has recently begun to receive recognition. Women are acknowledged now as firm leaders and for their design contributions.
We will consider, also, how these architects, their specific points of view and their work reflects generational shifts within the profession. In addition to the formal aspects of building design and execution, themes we will explore include: blurring boundaries between disciplines, working across different scales, and extending the idealistic roots of architecture to serve the “common good” as they apply to current social issues: the environment, climate change and equity/equality.
Week 1 Groundbreakers and Innovators: 19th Century/early 20th Century
Week 2 Couples in Collaboration: mid 20th Century/post WWll
Week 3 Couples in Collaboration: Current
Week 4 Women in Academic Leadership Positions
Week 5 Firm / Design Leaders