In honor of 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, we’re highlighting some of the incredible women who have transformed the field with their innovation and dedication. From pioneering designs to groundbreaking innovations, their contributions to architecture are nothing short of iconic.
Here are some fascinating, little-known facts about the women who built history—one structure at a time:
𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗕𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶'𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
Italian-born architect Lina Bo Bardi didn’t just design buildings; she became deeply immersed in Brazilian culture. Her work, like the São Paulo Museum of Art, blends modernism with local traditions, making her a true innovator in how architecture can reflect cultural identity.
𝗘𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲
Often overshadowed by other modernists, Irish architect Eileen Gray is credited with designing the first truly modernist house—E-1027—in 1929. Her design philosophy was a radical departure from the past, focusing on simplicity and functionality, years before others in the movement.
𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗸’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆
In 1959, Norma Merrick Sklarek became the first Black woman to be licensed as an architect in California. She later broke another barrier by becoming the first African American woman to be elevated to the prestigious AIA College of Fellows in 1980.
𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲
When Maya Lin designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, she chose to keep it understated and reflective. The memorial’s unique “V” shape symbolizes the conflict's division and the path toward healing, encouraging visitors to reflect upon the past in a tranquil, immersive way.
𝗝𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿
Jeanne Gang’s Aqua Tower in Chicago isn't just a striking design; it was also a pioneer in sustainability. The tower’s undulating shape not only provides stunning views but also reduces wind resistance, making it one of the city’s most eco-friendly skyscrapers.
𝗕𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗔𝗘𝗖 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Architect Beverly Willis is not only known for her innovative work but also for founding the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation to support research and recognition of women’s contributions in the AEC industry. She's played a huge role in preserving women’s history in architecture.
These women may not always be in the spotlight, but their contributions have made a lasting impact on the architecture world.
Which women in the AEC industry have influenced you? Share your thoughts! 👇🏽
#WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInArchitecture #BuiltByHer #LowneyArchitecture
