In world history, the presence of women in the field of architecture was quite rare. However, courageous and determined women, each leaving their mark on significant projects in their respective eras, not only showcased the power and talent of women in the architectural world but also transformed societal perceptions. At this very point, their achievements hold special significance on International Women's Day, March 8th, which symbolizes the struggle for women's rights. In this text, we will take a closer look at the lives and successes of inspiring women architects.
Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham (1632–1705)
Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham is recognized as a prominent architectural patron in 17th-century England. Hailing from the English aristocracy, Wilbraham traveled across Europe with an interest in architecture and met many important architects. While her designation as the 'first female architect' is controversial due to the lack of direct evidence of her involvement in building projects, it is believed that she had an influence on the design of approximately 400 buildings. She is thought to have also played a role in the construction of family homes like Weston Hall.
Marion Mahony Griffin (1871–1961)
Marion Mahony Griffin is known as an American architect and landscape architect. She is acknowledged as a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and a prominent figure of the Chicago School. Griffin played a significant role in the planning and design of Canberra and was also recognized for her work on Japanese gardens. As a female architect, she achieved notable success in a male-dominated field and received numerous awards throughout her career.
Elisabeth Whitworth Scott (1898–1972)
Elisabeth Whitworth Scott was a British architect and a significant figure in modernist architecture. Born in 1898, Scott became the first female architect in England and contributed to many important structures throughout her career. One of her most notable works is the Snape Maltings concert hall designed for the Aldeburgh Festival in Suffolk. Scott empowered the presence of women in architecture with her bold and innovative designs.
Dame Jane Drew (1911–1996)
Dame Jane Drew was a British architect and planner, one of the leading female architects of the 20th century. Born in 1911, Drew played a significant role in modernist architecture and development planning. Throughout her career, she worked on various projects worldwide, particularly focusing on development projects in the former colonies of the British Empire. Drew was also known for her sensitivity towards sustainable architecture and social issues, emphasizing the consideration of architectural expression not only as an aesthetic but also as social and environmental.
Leman Cevat Tomsu (1913-1988)
In the Early Republican Period, while the profession of architecture was generally dominated by men, Leman Cevat Tomsu challenged these traditions by becoming Turkey's first female architect to receive a university degree. Born in Kayseri in 1913, Tomsu was admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts in 1930 and graduated with a master's degree in 1934. Becoming a member of the Istanbul Chamber of Architects, Tomsu began her career by collaborating on projects with Martin Wagner at the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Planning Directorate. Starting her career as an assistant at Istanbul Technical University in 1941, Tomsu earned the title of associate professor with her thesis on "Bursa Houses" and later became a professor.
Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926-2012)
Norma Merrick Sklarek is a significant figure in American architecture and architectural history. When she began her architectural career, she was among the minority of women and faced many obstacles as both a woman and an African American in America. However, through her determination and talent, she held important roles in leading architectural firms during the 1960s and 1970s. Sklarek made significant contributions to projects such as the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Terminal Island Shopping Center in the 1980s. Additionally, by serving as vice president at Gruen Associates in the 1980s, she made a pioneering impact in this field. Throughout her career, she strengthened the presence of women and minority groups in architecture through her bold and impactful designs.
Dame Zaha Hadid (1950–2016)
Zaha Hadid, regarded as one of the world's most important architects, created unexpected and dynamic architectural forms using innovative technologies, driven by her interest in the interaction between architecture, landscape, and geology. From her earliest works, she gained worldwide renown with her bold and unconventional style. Winning the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, Hadid twice received the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in the UK. Her projects are located in numerous cities worldwide, including the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan, the Galaxy SOHO in Beijing, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, and the Dominion Office Building in Moscow. Hadid's works, combining her vision and intelligence with personal strength, made a real difference and represented the highest ideals of the Pritzker Architecture Prize.
