The Importance of “Feminist” Aesthetics of Space

Architecture in relation to gender seems like an absurd notion in this day and age. Surely, the rise of modern architecture has done away with social restraints of any kind? Sadly, this is an ongoing journey.

The hope is that terms like “girly”, “pinks and pastels” or even “sexy” in relation to feminine design will be replaced by logical, practical and transparent design principles and that over time the design of a building will be less about aesthetics as such, and more about creating a healthy connection between humans and nature.

In designing this way a powerful aesthetic of space is born, naturally.

Raw, natural materials

The use of raw, natural materials such as clay, straw, cork, rammed earth, wood, leather etc. bring warmth to a building as natural materials are normally shades of brown, red, beige and tan. These materials are diverse in texture as well, creating an interesting pairing of smooth vs. rough. And they are free-flowing. Nature isn’t perfectly straight, square or rectangular. Nature is curvy and fluid.

Natural materials that have been sourced locally and sustainably are also better for the environment too.

Curvy, free-flowing design

Free-flowing and curvy design helps an architect make the most of a particular site’s layout. The ability to position a building so as to blend into the landscape and frame beautiful views of nature without being limited by a particular shape or form is simply marvellous.

Spirals, circles, swirls and s-shapes also signal safety. Plus, it allows the eyes to glide over a design effortlessly.

Water to connect spaces

Humans have a deep biological connection to water. The sight and sound of it instantly induce a flow of neurochemicals that enhance our wellness. When we need to “recharge”, spots near rivers, oceans, dams and waterfalls are often our first-choice because we know this, don’t we?

In addition to offering wellness and spiritual meaning, designing with water also helps an architect link spaces together and improve the flow of one space to the next. Harvesting rain water on site is critical to making this design element work.

Natural light as a design medium 

Using light as a design medium is called “daylighting”. This is when an architect draws direct and indirect (reflective) sunlight into the home through the use of windows, skylights and other methods. Natural light improves the ambience and appearance of a room, and it also ensures that every corner is lit and that none of the detail in texture are missed. Daylighting is also an eco-friendly way to reduce energy needs.

Getting light right is a science on its own. Architects need to keep the changing of seasons in mind. Not only to balance heat gains and losses but also to complement the physical way in which light and shadows change from one season to the next. 

Traditionally, the aesthetics mentioned above have been labelled as “feminist” or “feminine” perhaps due to women being experienced as “warm”, “soft” and “nurturing”. 

As a predominantly female architecture studio, we are excited about using these aesthetics in our designs – and we do – but NOT because they are “feminine” but because they are necessary. 

Designing for the health and happiness of humanity, and for the conservation and restoration of the planet are in our opinion a great, big MUST!

Because if we aren’t designing buildings with these goals in mind, what would be the purpose of design? 

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XXX

Love,

Gill

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