A review by megatza
Where Are the Women Architects? by Despina Stratigakos

5.0

As someone who works in an architecture firm (as a jack-of-all trades administrative manager, not an architect), and as someone who has always been interested in gender studies and women's roles in careers, this book aligned closely with my professional interests. It's no surprise to anyone within the field of architecture that the field is male dominated - my office is fifty percent female, and yet the senior management is 82% male. (Something that the male leadership is actively trying to change towards more gender balance!) I find myself agreeing with Stratigakos that it can't only be that 50 years ago more men than women graduated from architecture schools, but more that the profession seems to shut women out, not providing equal mentoring or project opportunities.

While I was hoping that Stratigakos would present more ideas for workplace balance, she focuses on a larger picture overview of history of architecture, the possible brokeness of star architect system (no kidding!), architectural prizes, and exposing the field and public to more women architects throughout history.

I'd actually recommend this to those outside of the architectural field who are interested in gender dynamics.