German publisher Hatje Cantz's latest book follows up on the much-needed current debate about the role of women in architecture. Coming at a critical time, with reports of women being especially hard hit by the pandemic making headlines, and just in time for the 2021 International Women's Day, Women in Architecture highlights the amazing female architects of past, present and future.
The new title reaches far and wide across the globe and picks 36 internationally acclaimed women who have made their mark in the world of architecture. Names include Odile Decq, Elke Delugan-Meissl, Manuelle Gautrand, Annette Gigon, Itsuko Hasegawa, Anna Heringer, Anupama Kundoo, Lu Wenyu, Dorte Mandrup, Farshid Moussavi, Carme Pinós, Kazuyo Sejima, Annabelle Selldorf and Nathalie de Vries.
Far from being a ‘simple' listing of the achievements, awards and projects of this incredible bunch, the book delves deep into the history of the role women have played in the architecture scene. Essays from the book's author, German historian, curator and lecturer Ursula Schwitalla, as well as contributors including Odile Decq and Beatriz Colomina, explore the past and architecture's painful lack of female representation.
The book names women that have been active in architecture and building since the Middle Ages – such as Katherine Briçonnet (1494-1526), key to the design of the Château de Chenenceau, and Plautilla Bricci (1616–1705), the first professional female architect recorded in Rome. It covers the Industrial Revolution and extends through the 20th century, with more well-known examples, such as the women of the Bauhaus.
The historical essays and texts dedicated to prominent representatives of the past, such as Zaha Hadid and Eileen Gray, are followed by a rich portfolio show of each of the 36 living architects included in the book. Spanning continents and building typologies, this book is not about a single aesthetic style or even a specific overall conceptual approach; rather, it pays tribute to the undoubtable rich variety, powerful achievements and enormous potential the women in architecture have to offer.
Book Mountain by MVRDV.
Bamboo hostels in China by Anna Heringer.
Ferrocement structure at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale by Anupama Kundoo.
Wadden Sea Centre by Dorte Mandrup Arkitekter.
Judd Foundation by Selldorf Architects.
INFORMATION
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports carECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
Casa Sanlorenzo debuts in Venice as a new hub for contemporary artThe luxury yachting leader unveils a stunning new space in a palazzo restored by Piero Lissoni – where art, innovation, and sustainability come together
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being rebonr as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
Modernist Travel Guide: a handy companion to explore modernism across the globe‘Modernist Travel Guide’, a handy new pocket-sized book for travel lovers and modernist architecture fans, comes courtesy of Wallpaper* contributor Adam Štěch and his passion for modernism
-
Wild sauna, anyone? The ultimate guide to exploring deep heat in the UK outdoors‘Wild Sauna’, a new book exploring the finest outdoor establishments for the ultimate deep-heat experience in the UK, has hit the shelves; we find out more about the growing trend
-
Ten contemporary homes that are pushing the boundaries of architectureA new book detailing 59 visually intriguing and technologically impressive contemporary houses shines a light on how architecture is evolving
-
Take a deep dive into The Palm Springs School ahead of the region’s Modernism WeekNew book ‘The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975’ is the ultimate guide to exploring the midcentury gems of California, during Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 and beyond
-
Meet Minnette de Silva, the trailblazing Sri Lankan modernist architectSri Lankan architect Minnette de Silva is celebrated in a new book by author Anooradha Iyer Siddiq, who looks into the modernist's work at the intersection of ecology, heritage and craftsmanship
-
'Tropicality' explored in Indonesian architect Andra Matin’s first monograph'Tropicality' is a key theme in a new book on Indonesian architect Andra Matin, whose work blends landscape, architecture and living
-
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a lovingly compiled photographic portrait of cars and architecture‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a celebration of the European Car of the Year and changing perceptions of modern design, pairing the best buildings of the age with their automotive contemporaries
-
Álvaro Siza’s new monograph through the lens of Duccio Malagamba is impactful and immersiveÁlvaro Siza and photographer Duccio Malagamba collaborate on a new monograph by Phaidon; ‘Before / After: Álvaro Siza Duccio Malagamba’ celebrates the Portuguese architect's work
