Course:
Architecture, Townplanning
Group of courses: Engineering
The introduction of gender studies into architectural education is intended to make students aware of the influence cultural constructions of gender have on the professional identity of architects, architectural discourse and theory as well as on the design and realization of buildings and cities. Thus, goals and intentions of women's and gender studies, in particular, how these disciplines perceive space, architecture (especially housing and public buildings) and urbanism, are not only introduced to students but become an integral part of architectural education.
Because the realization of architecture requires the collaboration of a number of experts, students must also acquire "soft skills" to be enabled to deal with all those involved in the planning process in a fair and open-minded manner.
Due to the increasing globalization of the architectural profession it is imperative that students gain knowledge of how space is conceived and used in other cultures, especially in relation to factors such as gender, class, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
The inclusion of gender studies in Architecture and Urban Design curricula focuses on four main areas:
Students should
Students will
It is intended that students
Students should
Architecture is concerned with the complex organization of space. Because the study of this subject requires knowledge of many disciplines – from humanities-oriented subjects such as architectural history and theory to fine arts, building typology and design as well as applied technology and project management – it is imperative that students acquire a multifaceted understanding and an increased awareness of gender issues in these diverse subjects.
Architecture History and Theory:
Project Management and Construction Supervision:
Building Typology and Architectural Design:
Design of Structural Systems, Building Construction:
CAD, New Media:
Urban Design:
Additional educational offerings (e.g., public lecture series) should be provided by an equal number of female and male speakers from the areas of professional practice and architectural theory.
At Bachelor's level, the intention of the gender module ("Gender and Architecture") at the beginning of the course of studies (between the first and third semesters) is to present a comprehensive overview of gender-related topics so that the acquired knowledge can be implemented in the further course of studies and the practical training. Furthermore, gender issues can be further explored in additional courses as described above (e.g. building typology, research on the biographies of female architects).
It is also imperative that students continue to become engaged with gender issues at Master's level. Experience has shown that students and most importantly female students often have increased knowledge concerning gender issues that has been gained from their internships or from time spend in a foreign country prior to the second degree programme. Therefore, they require academic courses that help them to interpret gender-related professional experiences, which they have acquired outside of the university, in a critical and analytical manner.
A further gender module should be offered at Master's level, in which selected issues of gender research can be explored in detail as a basis for further research or seminar reports. The content of the gender module can also be developed in relation to the specific content of the Master degree course (e.g. Construction in Existing Contexts, Urban Design, Construction and Project Management). It is also possible to offer more in-depth courses in the area of gender theory. In this respect, bibliographies of gender-related topics in the subjects of architecture, design, civil engineering, art history, sociology and economics/business administration should be compiled and published. In addition, students should be advised of the availability of scholarships offered in the area of gender studies and gender research.