Breaking Barriers: The evolving role of women in Dutch architecture through the lives and works of Margaret Staal-Kropholler & Liesbeth van der Pol

Throughout 20th century, the role of women in Dutch society and in architecture changed under the influence of the first, second, third and fourth feminist waves. At the beginning of the 20th century, some women broke the gender barriers in architecture, a field traditionally dominated by men (Smeets-Klokgieters, 2022).<br/>The purpose of this...

From concrete to bamboo: A research on the reflection of Pakistan’s political and social circumstances in Yasmeen Lari’s architecture throughout her career.

This research gives an answer to the question question ‘How is the switch in architectural language of Yasmeen Lari connected to the social and political context in Pakistan throughout her career?’. It explores three key themes: feminism, nationalism, and economic inequality. Lari's architectural humanitarian works, aimed at empowering women in...

Liberalized or Objectified?: The representation of women in the art of Frances Macdonald during the Art Nouveau Movement

This research offers an interpretive analysis of Frances Macdonald's artistic portrayal of women during the Art Nouveau movement, with a focus on the evolving societal roles and positions of women. Through a visual analysis of Macdonald's artwork and a review of relevant literature, this thesis argues that her works can be interpreted as an...

Between modernity and tradition: The under-recognized legacy of Bulgarian women architects during the interwar period

Bulgarian women were one of the first to pursue higher education of architecture in Europe when it became possible in the beginning of the 20th century, starting with Elena Markova (1894-1970) in Berlin, graduating in 1917. Women architects make a key contribution to Bulgarian modernism during the interwar period, while establishing partnerships...

Architecture and Feminism?: Housing by Högna Sigurðardóttir and Sigvaldi Thordarson rediscovered through feminist theory

For centuries, women have been underrepresented in society and this has affected the built environment, where prevailing gender ideologies are translated into architecture. In the light of changing social patterns and developments in feminist debate, it’s important to understand and contextualize architecture in relation to gender. This paper...

From the Middle East to Europe as a female architect of colour: A case study on Dame Zaha Hadid

This paper researches the approach of a female architect of colour to her career in architecture. It positions itself through background research on the discrimination that takes place in the field of architecture against people of colour and women and applies this gained perspective to the case of Zaha Hadid, as she is a perfect candidate to...

Feminist methodology in practice and pedagogy: Process, engagement and empowerment through architectural education and professional practice

This thesis examines the relationships between architectural pedagogy and practice within the context of feminist methodologies from the point of view of a student. If the condition of the profession reflects the (changing) reality, I enquire what implications it consequentially has on (architectural) education. By problematising the personal...

The journey of the A-Portable: The pioneering movable abortion clinic designed by Joep Van Lieshout for Women on Waves

This paper analyzes the case study of the artwork A-Portable (2001) by Joep Van Lieshout commissioned by the organization for abortion rights Women on Waves (WoW), as a pioneering example of art activism. When abortion was considered a controversial topic in society, this work has successfully contributed to sharing public awareness about the...