L'Espace Féminin is a project riddled with confusion. How should we even begin to think about gender, architecture, space and that minefield of "feminine space" without resorting to tired essentialisms? Does it still make sense to intersect these subjects or are they completely unrelated? We believe that, while women remain under-represented in spatial fields, while architecture remains a rigid discipline in which recognition is based on neo-liberal concepts of success and while public space is unequally accessible between genders, this is still a relevant subject for discussion.
So many things remain up in the air. At this early stage in the project, we posed some seemingly basic, some disconcertingly puzzling questions to ourselves and those with whom we were working - all with the aim of challenging the most basic assumptions about gender and space.
So many things remain up in the air. At this early stage in the project, we posed some seemingly basic, some disconcertingly puzzling questions to ourselves and those with whom we were working - all with the aim of challenging the most basic assumptions about gender and space.
How do you define architecture?
How do you define space?
What is the distinction?
Which architectural project had an impact on your definition of architecture / changed this definition significantly ?
Think of one outstanding project by a woman in spatial practice and why you like it...
How would being a woman influence you in your practice?
Do female architects pursue architecture in a different way from their male colleagues?
Is there such a thing as "gendered" space – can you name criteria and examples for both genders?
When speaking about feminine spatial practice, attributes such as "social" or "participative“ persist. In your opinion, what are they based on? Are they valid?
In what way should gender/architecture issues be discussed nowadays? How would you organise a women's forum in Berlin?
If we suppose that social hierarchies are inscribed in the streets of our cities, how would you interpret the status of women by looking at the specific areas you live or work in?
What question(s) should be asked next?
How do you define space?
What is the distinction?
Which architectural project had an impact on your definition of architecture / changed this definition significantly ?
Think of one outstanding project by a woman in spatial practice and why you like it...
How would being a woman influence you in your practice?
Do female architects pursue architecture in a different way from their male colleagues?
Is there such a thing as "gendered" space – can you name criteria and examples for both genders?
When speaking about feminine spatial practice, attributes such as "social" or "participative“ persist. In your opinion, what are they based on? Are they valid?
In what way should gender/architecture issues be discussed nowadays? How would you organise a women's forum in Berlin?
If we suppose that social hierarchies are inscribed in the streets of our cities, how would you interpret the status of women by looking at the specific areas you live or work in?
What question(s) should be asked next?