In May, RIBA Gulf Chapter's Women in Architecture Programme celebrated 100 Women Architects in Practice book event, hosted in collaboration with Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai.
Organised by Sandra Woodall (FRIBA, Design Principal at Tangram MENA) and RIBA Gulf Chapter Committee Country Representative for the United Arab Emirates, and creator of the regional Women in Architecture Programme.
Amplifying the voices of women architects, such as Farshid Moussavi, Dorte Mandrup, Julia Gamolina, Liz Diller, Odile Decq, and Tatiana Bilbao - this book has become powerful platform representing a collective voice. Boasting 100 hundred interviews with prominent (and some lesser known) women architects.
By fostering a more inclusive architectural landscape, this book examines areas in the profession that creates barriers to inclusivity, perspectives and sensitivities of creating spaces, buildings and cities that respond to the needs of all.
Despite progress made, statistics paint a stark reality. Women remain underrepresented, underpromoted and underpaid within the architectural profession globally, and often unrecognised for the work that they create or co-create.
The event comprised of presentations of the journeys undertaken and work by diverse and locally based women in practice. Panel discussions were followed by a question and answer session, completing the evening with a networking reception.
The Panellists
- Moderator: Prof Dr. Gisela Lohlein - Higher Education and Magenta Clover
- Sumaya Dabbagh, Architect - Dabbagh Architects
- Shahira Fahmy, Architect - Shahira Fahmy Architects
- Takbir Fatima - Architect - Design Aware
- Farah Naz - Architect and Engineer, Director of ESG and Innovation - AECOM
A global conversation: livestream reaching beyond borders
Published by RIBA, the authors; Prof Harriet Harriss (educator, writer, and architect), Naomi House, Monika Parrinder (academic and writer) and Tom Ravenscroft (architecture journalist and Dezeen editor), were driven with the vision to obliterate the all male saturated representation on architecture panels, awards juries, project precedence’s and student thesis references.
The book showcased the largely overlooked stories of 100 different women currently making their mark in the architectural world.
By livestreaming the event over social media, RIBA Gulf Chapter extended the conversation beyond the walls of Jameel Arts Centre. This inclusive approach allowed architects, irrespective of gender - across the Middle East and internationally, to participate and contribute to the crucial dialogue and debate.
Shattering misconceptions: diversity and rich experiences
With the central theme highlighting the importance of documenting and sharing the experiences of women architects in the Middle East, the 100 Women Architects in Practice book serves as a vital resource. It offers inspiration and guidance to future generations.
By sharing their stories, these women pave the way for others and empower them to pursue careers in architecture.
The evening commenced with a pivotal message that dispelled stereotypes and perceived misconceptions about women architects in the Middle East. The region boasts a vibrant community of female architects, each with diverse backgrounds, strengths, passions, and areas of expertise.
Dubai and the UAE itself boasts a workforce of 196 nationalities. Discussions highlighted how an increased inclusivity within even this diversity will generate further communities and societies via the impact of female empowerment by boosting girls and women. This would then cascade and spread across communities, fostering social harmony, economic growth, and environmental resilience.
Beyond design: advocacy and community
The work showcased went beyond the technical aspects of architecture, highlighting the importance of social responsibility and advocacy. One architect spoke about the power of architecture to create connections within communities. Another focused on the need for sustainable design practices that minimise environmental impact.
Several architects discussed the importance of context and sensitivity to place. One architect described her focus on reconnecting with local heritage and materials, while another emphasised the role of architecture in fostering connection with the natural environment.
These discussions demonstrate the way women architects are using their skills to create not just buildings, but spaces that contribute to a better future.
All demonstrated the need for experimentation within their work, whether in bringing knowledge and recreating expertise, skills from the past into the modern era by utilising digital and AI methods, or by trial and error of handmade materials formed and created by craftsmen relearning traditional skills on site.
Early struggles and the gender divide
The architects spoke openly about the obstacles they faced from the very beginning. Unequal access to educational funding and a lack of support for their career aspirations often marked them as different from their male peers. Discussing the initial hurdles they faced at the outset of pursuing their careers.
Financial limitations, societal expectations, and a lack of female role models were common barriers.
One architect spoke about overcoming the discouragement of losing a scholarship due to gender bias, while another shared the struggle of balancing family life with the demands of an all-encompassing profession.
These stories highlight the resilience and determination required to navigate a field that isn’t necessarily welcoming to women.
Navigating a patriarchal workplace
The discussion shifted to the challenges within the professional sphere. Even with demonstrable knowledge and skills, women often experience being undervalued compared to their male counterparts, especially as projects grow in scale and complexity.
This disparity was further amplified by the lack of female presence on construction sites, a crucial learning ground for young architects.
One architect emphasised the importance of hands-on learning on sites, a stark contrast to the typical UAE scenario where women are primarily confined to design offices. Another highlighted the value of 'seeing things come alive' but missing out on the crucial experience of learning from construction. Emphasising that "you only learn when you build" from witnessing the transformation on a sketch of abstract lines in a drawing, to a physical creation that brings the drawings to life.
This visual journey is essential to the learning process and understanding of the work produced in the design studio actually means in reality.
However, some architects noted the challenges women face on construction sites, dominated by a male workforce. Intimidating environments and cultural norms can create a barrier to gaining valuable experience.
This underscores the need for a more inclusive approach in construction practices to create opportunities for women to learn and contribute their talents.
Balancing work and life: a constant juggle
The conversation progressed to the challenges faced by women architects in their forties. This is often a time when their experience and expertise start coming to the fore, coinciding with increased pressures at home such as child care and elder generation care.
Balancing these can become a continuous struggle, with responsibilities outside of work potentially pulling them away from their professional pursuits.
The elusive factors: trust and credibility
The discussion delved into the concept of trust, highlighting a key difference between western and Middle Eastern architectural practices. In the west, architects are often seen as team leaders, representing all disciplines including the client. However, in the Middle East, this leadership role is less prevalent.
Everyone spoke about the constant struggle to establish credibility as they move up the professional ladder, with women facing an additional hurdle of needing to continually prove themselves.
Breaking through the glass ceiling: access and social constraints
The conversation addressed the difficulties women face in securing work due to social constraints. Informal client discussions and networking events often excluded women, thus hindering their ability to secure projects.
This lack of access to crucial decision-making spaces made it difficult for them to build sustainable career pipelines.
Reframing challenges: strengths in unexpected places
Despite the challenges, the discussion also unearthed unexpected strengths. One panelist pointed out that men, too, can be excluded from informal gatherings. However, women are more likely to internalise these exclusions, leading to feelings of victimisation. The panellists advocated for direct communication and bringing such issues to light.
Another interesting point emerged in relation to the pressure to be 'likeable'. While men often focus solely on accomplishing the task, women sometimes prioritise collaborative and co-creative approaches, often coupled with a desire to be well-liked. This can become a hindrance.
The panellists encouraged women to accept that not everyone will like them, and to embrace their assertiveness and resilience.
Fostering a supportive community: networking and mentorship
The event recognised the importance of fostering a supportive community for women architects. Opportunities for networking, mentorship and sponsorship are essential for creating a space where women can share experiences, collaborate, and empower each other.
A celebration of Women in Architecture
This regional book launch event served as a call to action by:
- urging the industry to break down the barriers
- achieve true gender parity
By showcasing and telling the stories of this diverse group of women, we help in the break down of barriers and promotion of inclusivity.
The desired result - for women to be seen and heard by other women. Women who we hope themselves will be stirred to inspire, to mentor, to support and in turn to empower others. This will further break down barriers, and evolve our industry and societies.
The panel of speakers showcased this rich tapestry by presenting their own individual journeys and trailblazing work. Towards the end, the panel shared their wish lists of the change they would like to see ten years from now.
Advice to new and seasoned architects advised by the panel
To new/young architects - Entrepreneurship. Start something of your own. Be creative to start a venture or create something tangible. Be courageous and curious.
For seasoned architects - if you have authority, create those openings for the next generation, that you wish you had - and pass on the opportunity.
Question to the panel - What change would you like to see in 5 to 10 years time for women in architecture, that is currently a barrier
- architects from the region (irrespective of gender) building within their own cities and for the Middle East not to rely on imported architectural talent
- education institutions, preparing students by working closely and nurturing local dynamics (current education systems are foreign establishments such as from UK, Australia and more)
- creative relevance in the region (majority of foreign architects would not feel a connection in terms of 'place') in relation to sustainability, culture and by where the built environment creates a sense of belonging in our cities.
This event concluded with a sense of celebration. It recognised the remarkable achievements of women architects in the Middle East and their ongoing contribution to shaping the world around us.
More importantly, it ignited a fire for change and instigated ongoing discussions, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for the architectural profession in the region and beyond.
The Gulf Chapter advocates for issues that regional members hold dear to themselves and want to be raised at community of practice level, allowing current and future architects, clients and organisations that we work with to address key issues in a collaborative and engaged manner.
This hybrid event exceeded expectations, illustrating RIBA's Women in Architecture Programme to continue and raise diversity and inclusion issues regionally.
About RIBA Gulf
RIBA Gulf Chapter Committee is made up of 15 volunteer members from across the GCC, with half of the committee being women.
This Chapter led programme, Women in Architecture, is a key platform for the promotion and support of RIBA Members across the region. Sharing awareness, knowledge, skills and experiences results in the best way of promoting and showcasing the work and value of RIBA Members to the wider community.
Abstract image: Takbir Fatima - panel speaker and architect
© Abeer Fatima, image expanded to the left and right using Adobe Firefly Al
Find out more about events, opportunities and resources for members in the Gulf region.
