Women have been determinant in all aspects of society. Architecture is no stranger to this. They have contributed with works that have set new trends and generated changes in the social environment. Long story short, these women architects changed the game.
Here are some facts about eight women who have revolutionized the world of architecture from their trenches, resisting, fighting, and innovating, but above all CHANGING THE GAME.
Marion Mahony Griffin (1871-1961)
Marion Mahony was an architect who opened many doors for all women. She was the first woman to graduate from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Mahony was an excellent designer. Her designs always consisted of an abundance of nature, which was due to her love of the natural world.
She contributed to the design of beautiful windows, fireplaces, and furnishings. In 1909, Mahony was commissioned to design the home of iconic businessman Henry Ford. However, a misunderstanding between Ford and Mahony led to the cancellation of the project.
Griffin completed projects such as the Adolph Mueller house in Decatur, Illinois, and moved to Australia after opening her own practice with her husband Walter Burley Griffin in 1911. Among her most iconic works is the Clara and Henry Ford house, called Fair Lane.
She contributed to the design of beautiful windows, fireplaces, and furnishings. In 1909, Mahony was commissioned to design the home of iconic businessman Henry Ford. However, a misunderstanding between Ford and Mahony led to the cancellation of the project.
Griffin completed projects such as the Adolph Mueller house in Decatur, Illinois, and moved to Australia after opening her own practice with her husband Walter Burley Griffin in 1911. Among her most iconic works is the Clara and Henry Ford house, called Fair Lane.
Maria Luisa Dehesa (1912-2009)
The night of July 17, 1939, changed the history of Mexican architecture to make the “a” visible in the history of the discipline. That evening, María Luisa Dehesa Gómez Farías presented the thesis Cuartel de Artillería tipo in a room of the Antigua Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes.
It consisted of seventeen plans and a descriptive report that formulated the program of dependencies that were the responsibility of the project, not only awarded him the title of Architect unanimously but also received an Honorable Mention.
María Luisa was born in Xalapa, Veracruz, on June 30, 1912. The renovating spirit of the early twentieth century invaded her path and, from an early age, she developed a passion for drawing and writing.
As an architect, her professional career had a strong inclination towards public works, as she worked in various government agencies such as the Public Works Department, as well as in the development of architectural projects for community housing.
You May like this: Acapulco chair, an “Icon” of Mexican design.
Zaha Hadid (1950-2016)
Iraqi architect, one of the leading figures in contemporary architecture worldwide. She studied Mathematics at the American University of Beirut (Lebanon) and in 1972 moved to London (UK) to join the Architectural Association, where she graduated in 1977 and soon after became a lecturer.
In, 2004 Zaha Hadid becomes the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize. The Pritzker award is considered the Pullitzer award for architects.
Subsequently in 2012, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II.
Zaha Hadid was a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Encyclopædia Britannica from 2005 to 2006.
Without any doubt, these women have been the inspiration for many generations. They have changed the way that women approach this industry.
