Women in architecture (EN)

"Reality is polyphonic; this ambiguity should be the ground of architectural practice." - Lara Schrijver

The characteristics of ‘the great architects’: audacity, independence, and spirit and strength of mind are still seen as typically male qualities. Even though historical research has shown that famous male architects also owed this position of ‘the great architect’ to other factors, such as family relationships, social conventions and social conditions. In addition, in today's architectural culture, the architect is still routinely presented as a unique genius. In “Women in Architecture,” architectural historian Lara Schrijver uses historical examples to show that reality is essentially polyphonic. This ambiguity should form the ground of architectural practice, where allowing space for different perspectives and trying to understand the other is the starting point.

Lara Schrijver talks with architect Apolline Vranken and visual artist Valentina Medda. Moderator: Heleen Debruyne.

Picture © Louis Van Ginneken