WOMEN IN ARCHITECTURE Meet the shortlisted candidates for this year’s awards PLUS Results of the 2014 Women in Architecture survey £4.95 THE ARCHITECTS’ JOURNAL THEAJ.CO.UK AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Shortlist
Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara 52 RoÍsÍn Heneghan 54 Francine Houben 56 MarÍa Langarita 58 Kirsten Lees 60 Sadie Morgan 62 Woman Adriana Natcheva 64 architect of the on five simple details crucial to the quality of the design and the look and feel of the complex, working with a limited palette of materials. The quality is all-pervasive, but particularly striking when you enter the ground floor reception, where the scale steps down and the detail is unusually fine for a London 2012 project. The washrooms have delicate mirror
yearw i ll ams stanton surrounds and smart, circular rooflights with concrete surrounds, and the sports hall has glass balustrades capped an interesting tectonic affinity with for Paralympic use. with circular stainless steel sections, concrete construction and carefully Externally, the main hall is timber with tidy glulam beam connections integrating services whose routing Above CGI clad, joining a LVRPA trio with designed by Stanton Williams. This was proposed by the architect. Pettitt showing dramatic Hopkins Architects’ Velodrome space takes the evolving language of notes that, as the design of the complex cantilevered canopy (AJ 29.09.11) and Faulkner Brown engineered timber construction to new is Part M-compliant, it needed few proposed for post- Architects’ White Water Canoe Centre levels of refinement, demonstrating enhancements to satisfy requirements Games facilities in Broxbourne. The compositions, 02.0810.01.14.12 shortlist 51 AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist DENNIS GILBERT
Yvonne Farrell and Shelley YVONNE FARRELL & McNamara founded Dublin- SHELLEY McNAMARA based Grafton Architects in directors, grafton 1978. It has been a significant architects year for Grafton: its scheme for the University of Limerick was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize and the practice picked up its first UK project, seeing off a strong shortlist to win the job to design a flagship new building for Kingston University. Grafton was also shortlisted in the contest to design a new £90 million Global Centre for Social Sciences for the London School of Economics.
.. .. ‘WE LOVE ARCHITECTURE’S AMBITION BOTH TO BE USEFUL AND TO BE MORE THAN THAT’
Clockwise from of Economics, Bocconi left The Stirling UTI Capitol University, Milan; Prize-shortlisted University, Technology University of Toulouse; School building, Limerick; School of Economics, UTEC, Peru
Why did you choose architecture? that. We feel it is important to create things. Visit buildings. it is because if the balance of ere were a number of reasons: to remember that architecture Learn from them. Research. Do worth shifts from meaning to a combination of instinct and is commissioned. We are a competitions. Teach, read, talk drudgery and if the experience of fascinations with art, culture profession that needs to listen, to and listen. Find trustworthy working is one of exclusion and and people. What is your design hear what is being said, to what friends. Help each other through not inclusion, then women make ethos? e older we get, the is un-said, and to invent. Each thick and thin. Practice. Find other choices. more we are convinced of the project is significant and each good clients. Keep going. Set up importance of architecture, both project deserves 100 per cent a structure that suits you and the for itself and for the possibilities focus. What our profession does way you think. Let your voice be of benefiting society. We love really matters. Which architects heard. Why do you think women cv architecture’s synthesis of inspire you? Eileen Gray, Flora leave the profession? We are being an art form that works Ruchat-Roncati, Lina Bo constantly amazed that so many Place of study University College Dublin and that has a job to do. We Bardi, Anna Heringer, Carme really talented female architecture Current projects School of Economics, UT1 Capitol love architecture’s ambition to Pinos and Zaha Hadid. What students, whom we come across University in Toulouse, France; Universidad de span both need – basic human is your advice to aspiring female while teaching, somehow Ingenieria y Tecnologia, Lima, Peru requirements – and meaning; architects? Love architecture. vanish from the profession after Clients UT1 Capitol University, Toulouse; to be useful and be more than Nurture your talents. Find ways university. It is a real loss. Maybe UTEC, Peru
.. AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist HUFTON + CROW HUFTON
Róisín Heneghan co-founded RÓISÍN HENEGHAN Heneghan Peng Architects in director, heneghan 1999. e practice’s highest- peng architects profile project to date, the visitor centre at the Giant’s Causeway, was shortlisted for the 2013 Stirling Prize. Heneghan is currently overseeing the construction of the 100,000m² Grand Egyptian Museum, which the practice won through competition in 2003. She lectures at Yale, Harvard, MIT, University College Dublin and Cornell University, and has served on the juries of several international competitions. ODA
.. .. ‘MY ADVICE TO ASPIRING FEMALE ARCHITECTS? HAVE PERSISTENCE’
Clockwise from the 2012 Venice skin on one of far left Stirling Biennale; Heneghan Prize-shortlisted visualisation of Peng’s London Giant’s the 2,700m2 2012 Olympic Causeway Visitor Palestinian Park bridges; Centre, Antrim, Museum, Birzeit, landscaping and Northern Ireland; Palestine; bridges at the Irish Pavilion at stainless steel Olympic Park
Why did you choose cv architecture? It’s a good question and I’m not 100 per cent sure of the answer. I didn’t know what I was getting into. Which women architects inspire you? Eileen Place of study University College Dublin, Harvard Gray. What is your advice to Current projects School of Architecture and aspiring female architects? Have Construction, University of Greenwich; the Grand persistence. Why do women Egyptian Museum; National Gallery of Ireland; leave the profession? I don’t know WMQ office fit-out, Dublin; the Palestinian many who have left, but leaving Museum; and student accommodation for the to have and look after children National University of Ireland Clients The National would appear to be the principal Trust; University of Greenwich; Office of Public reason. What would make them Works, Ireland; Ministry of Culture, Egypt; National stay? I suspect it would be the University of Ireland; Olympic Delivery Authority; provision of good, affordable Klassik Stiftung, Weimar; and the Arriyadh childcare. Development Authority, Saudi Arabia
.. AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist CHRISTIAN RICHTERS
Founded by Francine Houben in FRANCINE HOUBEN 1984, Dutch practice Mecanoo founding partner, Architecten now employs 120 mecanoo architecten staff, of which 40 per cent are women. In the past year Houben completed one of the practice’s highest-profile UK projects, the £193 million Library of Birmingham, which was voted Building of the Year in an online poll of AJ readers. Houben is a professor at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), a visiting professor at Harvard University and has sat on the jury for a number of major international MARCO VAN RIJT MARCO VAN architecture competitions. ISITA KOUZI
.. .. ‘FOR MEN AND WOMEN, THE CHALLENGE LIES IN CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF THE ARCHITECT’
Left Library of Performing Arts, Offices, Boston, Birmingham Taiwan USA Bottom left The Below Right Amsterdam Wei-Wu-Ying Visualisation of University College, Center for the Dudley Municipal interior view C HRI ST I A N RI H T ER S
Why did you choose architecture? is about combining all of the was simply a necessity to realise cv When my older brother took individual elements into a single that dream. So my advice is to me to see TU Delft, I entered concept. What counts in the remain true to yourself, use your the model-making room of the end is the arrangement of form common sense and follow your architecture faculty and instantly and emotion. Which architects dreams with determination. knew I would be an architect. I inspire you? Ray Eames and Lina What is the biggest challenge have a strong desire to combine Bo Bardi. What is your advice facing women in architecture Place of study Delft University of Technology human, technical and aesthetical to aspiring female architects? today? For both men and women, Current projects Wei-Wu-Ying Center for the aspects in an unorthodox way, Looking back, my career consists the challenge lies in changing Performing Arts, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Dudley and to contribute to a better of logical steps and choices. the perception of the architect. Municipal Offices, Boston, United States; the HOME world. Architecture gives me Starting my own practice was Architecture is never a solo act. Art and Culture House in Manchester; the opportunity to do all of never my goal. My dream was I like to compare it to directing a postdoctorate housing scheme for the University of that. What is your design ethos? to be able to act on the ideas, symphony orchestra; it’s all about Cambridge; a new city hall and train station, Delft Architecture must appeal to energy, ambition and drive I was teamwork, about being visionary, Clients Birmingham City Council, Manchester City all the senses. It is never a bursting with. Building a client sensitive and supportive at the Council, North West Cambridge, City of Boston; purely intellectual, conceptual base, a multidisciplinary team same time. Women are especially Ministry of Culture Taiwan, Schiphol Real Estate or visual game. Architecture and a professional organisation good at that. and Rabobank, The Netherlands
.. AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist
‘SOCIETY NEEDS TO ASSURE WOMEN THE PROFESSIONAL SPACE THAT HAS BEEN THEORETICALLY CONQUERED’
María Langarita co-founded MARÍA LANGARITA Madrid-based Langarita- founder, langarita- Navarro Architects in 2005. navarro architects Since then the practice has completed a number of high- profile Spanish projects, including the headquarters for the Red Bull Music Academy, which received a special mention at the 2013 Mies van der Rohe Awards; and a contemporary art centre in Madrid, which also won at the XII Spanish Architecture and Urban Planning Biennial. Langarita lectures at the ETSA Madrid and at the University of Alicante. ALL IMAGES: MIGUEL DE GUZM Á N
.. .. Far left Lolita Medialab-Prado of the Serrería roadside installation for Belga, Madrid, restaurant, La Madrid City for the Medialab- Almunia de Doña Council Prado multimedia Godina, Below Red Bull project Zaragoza, Spain Academy project Bottom left Right Adaptation
Why did you choose architecture? Brown, Eileen Gray, Kazuyo conquered. Professionals do not cv It was my one and only option. Sejima. What is your advice to work alone: this is a harmful I cannot remember when I aspiring female architects? Be myth. ere is always a team and decided. I have always been the best architect you can be; this works the same for women an avid reader of everything keep cool; laugh before crying. and for men. What do you and especially history books. e same advice goes for male think is the best defence against I believe I was 12 when I read architects. What is the biggest sexism? Dialogue. I don’t believe Le Corbusier’s and Frank Lloyd challenge facing women in in a war against sexism based on Place of study Navarra University and Madrid Wright’s biographies. What is architecture today? I think it attacks and defensive reactions. Polytechnic University Current projects Concept your design ethos? It is about changes a lot from one place, Sexism, racism, homophobia designs for the adaptation of existing buildings; maximising diversity, being aware country and social environment are consequences of ignorance designs for work spaces; architectural of others, being inclusive, being to another. It is difficult to make and lack of cultural diversity. competitions; private housing; and a number of hybrid and enriching an open a general overview. Women Mainstream media, political projects for public institutions and foundations and horizontal cultural archive. should do their job and make it interest groups and society in Clients Fundación Telefónica; Matadero Madrid; Which architects inspire you? visible to others. Society needs general have a responsibility to Madrid City Council; Red Bull Spain; Empty SL; Charlotte Perriand, Ray Eames, to assure women the professional tackle this. Everyone needs to be Daruan; Greenery; Marp; Almunia Park SL and Alison Smithson, Denise Scott space that has been theoretically enrolled in this matter. private clients
.. AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist GRIMSHAW
Kirsten Lees became a partner at KIRSTEN LEES Grimshaw in 2010, having joined partner, grimshaw the practice in 1997. Lees is currently developing the design of a new international contemporary art gallery in Istanbul for the Vehbi Koç Foundation, a project which Grimshaw won in an international competition against some of the world’s leading architecture firms. She leads much of Grimshaw’s work in the sports sector and during the past two years has been developing a Wimbledon masterplan for the All England Lawn Tennis Association. GRIMSHAW
.. .. ‘BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR IDEAS. GO WITH YOUR INSTINCT. HAVE A CLEAR VISION OF WHAT YOU WANT’
Clockwise from Foundation, Institute, New left Koç Coruña, Spain; York; Wimbledon Contemporary Art EMPAC arts masterplan Museum, Istanbul; centre, Rensselaer visualisation Caixa Galicia Art Polytechnic S U MNER & V IEW AAR O N & ES TO
Why did you choose architecture? your advice to aspiring female as primarily the mother’s cv From a young age I enjoyed art architects? Believe in yourself responsibility, makes achieving and design, so you could say I was and your ideas. Go with your an acceptable work/life balance drawn from the beginning. en instinct. Have a clear vision of even more difficult for women. when I was living in Barcelona what you want and work hard to What is the biggest challenge between school and university, achieve it. Why do women leave facing women in architecture? We I fell in love with the Mies van the profession? Architecture is still need a step change within the der Rohe Pavilion. What is your tough, whether you’re male or profession and construction as design ethos? I believe the best female. It requires dedication and a whole. e number of women buildings and designs have many a commitment to working long attaining senior positions is still Place of study Mackintosh School of Architecture layers that provide a richness and often unsociable hours. It is woefully low. Also the culture Current projects The Wimbledon masterplan, of experience and are uplifting highly demanding and stressful, of punishingly long hours, London; Koç Contemporary Art Museum, Istanbul, to be in; pragmatic, poetic and and the financial return is not competitive and low-fee bids to Queens Tennis Club masterplan, London; Gilston site-specific. Which architects commensurate with the time and win work, and lack of recognition Park estate masterplan, Hertfordshire; and Bangor inspire you? Carme Pigem of dedication invested. Balancing of women’s contribution make University Arts and Innovation Centre, Wales RCR in Spain, and Kazuyo the above with children, when remaining in architecture a Clients Vehbi Koç Foundation; Queens Tennis Club; Sejima of SANAA. What is childcare is still perceived tough choice. Places for People; Bangor University
.. AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist DRMM
Sadie Morgan co-founded SADIE MORGAN London-based dRMM architects director, drmm in 1995. In 2013 she was elected president of the Architectural Association, the fourth woman to be made president in the AA’s 166-year history. Morgan also sat on the panels for the RIBA Awards, British Construction Industry Awards and Camden Design Awards. She was a judge at the Inside Festival in Singapore and speaker at the AJ Small Projects launch and inaugural Footprint Live event. JONAS LENCER
.. .. ‘DON’T TRY TO BE A WOMAN IN A MAN’S WORLD, BE A WOMAN OF THE WORLD’
Clockwise from St Albans Academy, installation top left 2010 Birmingham; King’s outside Tate Stirling Prize- Cross ArtHouse; Modern, London shortlisted St Albans Academy, Clapham Manor interior view;
ALE X D E RIJ KE Primary School; Endless Stair ALE X D E RIJ KE JO H N ST URRO CK
Why did you choose architecture? outstanding architecture which critical eye. Continue to develop cv I started a collaborative practice transforms and inspires those your creative gifts. Why do believing no one should have who use it. To think about the women leave architecture? Social Place of study Kingston University and the Royal to live, work or play in an environment, culture and people infrastructure is not in place College of Art Current projects New office building environment that is not as good when making places. To love in the UK to support parents, for Aviva; apartments for Stanhope; campus revamp as it could be. I have learned that what you do, and do it with especially women to return to for BSkyB; Hastings peer rebuild; a high-rise it is not only about advocating dedication. Which architects work. Attitudes are changing, residential project in Norway; house and studio for to put money into design, inspire you? My peers and but politics are slow to catch up. artist Richard Woods; a new deaf academy in but about society making the collaborators. But historically, it What is the biggest challenge Exeter; residential building for the Battersea Power right educational and political has to be Lina Bo Bardi. What facing women in architecture? Station redevelopment; King’s Cross ArtHouse; decisions first. Being an optimist, is your advice to aspiring women e challenges are the same for residential scheme for the Elephant and Castle it seems easy to improve any architects? Learn to listen. Be men and women What is the best masterplan Key Clients Aviva; BSkyB; Stanhope; environment if we really want generous to your peers and about defence against sexism? Don’t try Hastings Peer Trust; Kruse Smith; Richard Woods; to. What is your design ethos? your rivals. Get some perspective. to be a woman in a man’s world, Vitsoe; London Design Festival; Battersea Power To build a team who create Travel, read and look with a be a woman of the world. Station Redevelopment Company and Argent Group
.. AJ Women in Architecture 2014 Woman Architect of the Year shortlist
Adriana Natcheva co-founded ADRIANA NATCHEVA Groves Natcheva Architects in director, groves 2000. e practice completed natcheva architects a number of projects during 2013, including a £1.25 million mixed-use apartment scheme and a pair of cedar-clad residential towers, both in south London. Natcheva is currently working on the design of a new headquarters for a building company in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. e practice’s work has been featured in Elle, e Sunday Times, e Evening Standard and e Guardian. JAMES BRITTAIN
.. .. ‘BE RELAXED IN YOUR POWER, IT IS NO MORE SURPRISING THAN THE POWER OF MEN’
Opposite Mixed- Queen’s Park, Below Concept use scheme in north London design for new Tulse Hill, south Left Cedar office building in London Mews, a new- Rio de Janeiro, Bottom left build residential Brazil Street view, the scheme in south Zog House, London
Why did you choose architecture? less. Just as life is polymorphous for everyone. Which architects interfaces with: building and To turn creative thought into – in the philosophical jargon inspire you? Eileen Gray and property development. It is the substance, to make it tangible and sense – so must be architecture. Zaha Hadid. What is your advice male dominance there that is the to do it on a substantial scale. I Crucially, it belongs to someone to aspiring female architects? Be real driver, and that is what we wanted my work to be enmeshed other than its author. It must be relaxed in your power, it is no must turn our attention to. in the stream of life, to have part of the people who inhabit more surprising than the power its questions posed not by my it, or else it becomes just a stage, of men. Why do women leave imagination but by the realities of turning the life of its occupants the profession? ey do not feel cv others, and for the answers to be into a reality show without able to work as freely as men do. given not in the abstract, but in an audience. My desire is to What would make them stay? Place of study University of Cambridge Current material, lived-in form. Nothing try to change the language of ough we all talk about sexism projects a head office for a building company in else lets you do that. What is inexpensive building, to rid it of in the profession, we need to Brazil, a private house in London and 15 residential your design ethos? Architecture clichés and stock phrases, to show think about what drives it in the developments across London Clients Ilchester must have the richness of the that personalising a space need first place. One has to remember Estates, Southern Property Group, Bernard life it encloses: no more and no not be a luxury: it can be done the domains that architecture Construction, Solid Space and private clients
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