Women (in) Architecture
Since the 1970s, a critical awareness that architecture and the urban environment are not gender neutral has emerged in the Western world. Over the course of the development of modern civilisation, combined with the patriarchal order, the gender binary is strengthened and even it seems reflected in the spatial structure: the workplace/public realm were considered men’s space while the residential/private realm were considered women’s. This dichotomy of urban space has resulted in discriminative spatial experiences.
As more women are able to enter the public realm, the gender binary seems to have gradually softened. There have also been a number of significant public discussions and trials, which will lead a change in attitudes to discrimination. Yet, is architecture responding to this social change? Is it, at least, aware of these advancements? Surveying the field of architecture, particularly in Korea, gender awareness is tenuous. A prevailing perception here is that cities and architecture pursue neutrality, not linked with gender. Users of space are regarded as merely unspecified individuals. Some advocate that applying universal design is the key. Of course, ‘design that everyone can use’ is considered optimistic in that it improves more people’s convenience and safety. However, it is easy to overlook the
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