March was full of headlining news that remind us once again that there will be triumphs and tribulations in the effort to making architecture more inclusive, whether that's improving office culture, enabling architectural education to be more accessible, reassessing faulty construction and its dire consequences, or redesigning cities in ways that can benefit all inhabitants. As Women's History Month, March was also dominated by news centering on women and their increasingly visible role in architecture — from appointments to director and dean roles, to the inevitable rise of the #MeToo movement in the profession. Below is a recap of Archinect news and feature highlights for March 2018.
NEWS
Balkrishna Doshi wins the 2018 Pritzker Prize
An advocate for creating more collaborative, compassionate architecture, celebrated Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi was praised by the Pritzker Prize jury for his “deep sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to his country and its people through high quality, authentic architecture...”
Cooper Union Board approves return to full-tuition scholarships for all undergraduates
The decision was the result of an ongoing strategic-planning effort of re-examining the school's structure and values after the 150-year tradition of free scholarships was broken in 2014, which sparked protests and public outcry.
Eva Franch i Gilabert appointed as the new Director of the Architectural Association
After two years without permanent leadership, the AA School Community elected Eva Franch i Gilabert as its new director. Formerly the chief curator and executive director of the Storefront for Art & Architecture in New York, Franch brings along extensive exhibition and curatorial experience to her new role.
As the AIA pushes efforts to advance diversity and inclusivity in the architecture profession, they teamed up with National Girls Collaborative to create new pathways for girls to achieve educational goals that will prepare them for future careers in the architecture and STEM fields.
“Frau Architekt” shares the untold stories of influential women architects in Germany
There's still so much to learn about pioneering women in the architecture field. The Deutsches Architekturmuseum's exhibition “Frau Architekt: Over 100 years of Women in Architecture” shed light on the design works and personal stories of pioneering women architects in Germany, including those who have long remained widely unknown, even to professionals.
Yesomi Umolu appointed as 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial artistic director
After evaluating candidates from around the world and from various disciplines, the CAB board members and previous Artistic Directors selected Chicago-based curator and writer Yesomi Umolu. Having strong roots in Chicago and a background in architectural design and curatorial studies, Umolu focuses her work on global contemporary art and spatial practices.
Snøhetta and team wins competition for UNESCO World Heritage Site Education Center in Tasmania
Snøhetta and Australian collaborators Liminal Studio and Rush Wright Associates had the winning proposal for the new History and Interpretation Center at the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site, one of Australia’s most historically significant sites related to female convicts. The new Centre will recognize the social, cultural, and political foundations laid by the convict women.
Foster + Partners, releasing gender pay gap in staff salaries, commits to taking action
According to Foster + Partners' analysis, the pay gap resulted more from unequal gender distribution in the firm, with senior, higher-paid roles occupied by more men than women. In response to the study, the firm announced their commitment to closing the gap.
Sylvia Lavin appointed as Professor of Architecture at Princeton University
When the Princeton School of Architecture first announced that Sylvia Lavin was going to join their faculty, the news stirred up debate among Archinect readers. “This makes complete sense. What I can't figure is why the criticism of [Lavin] being an 'outsider', when it's clear that the education of architects has been too inside and self-referential?” one of the comments say.
Renée Cheng named dean of University of Washington's College of Built Environments
Starting January 1, Renée Cheng will begin her deanship for the University of Washington's College of Built Environments and all of its disciplines. Cheng advocates for equity in architecture and related fields, and has pioneered research related to the intersection of design and emerging technologies.
Christopher Hawthorne leaves LA Times to become Chief Design Officer for the City of Los Angeles
In his new role, Hawthorne will collaborate on various public projects, oversee design competitions, and enlist talented architects to pursue civic projects within the city, among other duties.
One of Canada's oldest practices reinvents itself and wins the 2018 RAIC Architectural Firm Award
A decade ago, Toronto-based RDHA — which was established in 1919 — revamped their practice with a redefined office structure, creative design process, and young talent. The award jury praised the firm, commenting that “For the successors to rebuild the firm and reputation and deliver a fresh portfolio of completed projects, is exceptionally difficult."
The devastating bridge collapse at Florida International University and what went wrong
A new pedestrian bridge that was still under construction at FIU suddenly collapsed during post-tensioning. Following the tragic incident that left six people dead, investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board are ongoing and, depending on its findings, could lead to a criminal case.
The #MeToo Movement in Architecture
The #MeToo movement in architecture quickly emerged once allegations against Richard Meier for sexual harassment were published in the New York Times. In just days, organizations like Cornell AAP, Sotheby's, and the Pritzker Prize responded to their ties with Meier. And other groups like The Architecture Lobby issued a statement in support of those standing up against sexual harassment.
A few weeks later, Eva Hagberg Fisher published this must-read interview with Blair Kamin about writing and reporting on architecture's #metoo moment. “The point is to bear witness and to put this issue in the public conversation. I also think it’s worth stressing that you don’t have to be a woman to do that,” Kamin says in the interview.
FEATURES
Co-founders of a Small Oakland-Based Firm Talk About Starting a Practice While Becoming Moms
Oakland-based Tierney Conner is a full-service firm integrating the fields of architecture, landscape and interiors. Read about how co-founders Anne Tierney and Erin Conner went on to create their own practice after each of them became mothers.
Check out this curated set of lectures, talks, and symposia focusing on gender in architecture, including “Susana Torre: Feminism and Architecture”, “The effect of masculine & feminine principals in architecture” by Jo Gilles, “Queer Theory and Gender Performativity”, and more.
Meet Dream the Combine, Winners of MoMA PS1's 2018 Young Architects Program
Based in Minneapolis, Dream the Combine focuses mainly on public art installations that revitalize neglected spaces. In this feature, Newsom and Carruthers talk about their practice, their winning MoMA PS1 YAP proposal “Hide & Seek”, their use of reflective materials, and Minneapolis' thriving art scene.
Yes, this recap is being wrapped up with another recap and it's worth revisiting. In light of International Women's Day, the Archinect team pulled together a list of recently built, stunning projects designed by woman-led architecture firms.
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