A World Built by Women

Catalog description

Preference to Architectural Design majors. As we stare down statistics that depict whole industries, political bodies, and rooms of-influence as dominated by primarily cis-gendered white men, we choose not to lose faith, but dare to ask, 'how would our world look, feel, and function if it were built by women?' This course is meant not as an historical survey of the objective accomplishments of female architects but as a future-facing call-to-action to envision a world built by women and gender-expansive people. What might our built environments look and feel like with bold, creative women at the helm? How might we celebrate and honor more diverse and brilliant perspectives in architecture across a broad gender spectrum? How might we demand greater space for women in architecture to lead an industry into its next era? And how might we support a rising generation of young women poised to build the world they want to see? Combining topical discussions, case studies, personal reflections, charrette exercises, and a culminating design/build experience at Girls Garage, this course will inspire students of all genders to draw from the lessons of women in architecture and imagine a built environment that represents us all.