Throughout history, architecture has not merely provided shelter or aesthetic pleasure but has also acted as a silent yet powerful reflection of societal norms and roles, particularly those related to gender. From the secluded gynaeceum of ancient Greece to the ornate parlours of Victorian homes, architectural design has often mirrored and reinforced the distinct roles assigned to men and women. By analysing various historical case studies and modern examples, one can gain a deeper understanding of how architecture shapes and is shaped by gender dynamics, ultimately influencing the way we live and interact within our built environments.
The History of Gender Roles Reinforced Through Architecture
Before examining the shift in architecture in the current scenario, the following case studies help establish a better understanding of how architecture has historically influenced gender roles in a domestic setting.
1. Victorian Homes
Separation of Spaces: The distinct spaces for men and women in Victorian homes were reflective of the strict gender roles of the time. Women were expected to manage the home and entertain guests in spaces like the parlour and drawing room, which were designed to be aesthetically pleasing and comfortable for social interactions. Men, on the other hand, had spaces like studies or libraries, which were more functional and less decorative, reflecting their roles in business and intellectual pursuits.
Design Features: Features like ornate decorations, delicate furnishings, and large windows in women’s spaces were designed to create an inviting and elegant environment suitable for hosting and domestic activities. In contrast, men’s spaces often had darker colours, heavier furniture, and a more practical layout, emphasising work and contemplation.
2. Ancient Greek and Roman Architecture
Greek Gynaeceum: The gynaeceum, or women’s quarters, were designed to be secluded and private, reflecting the societal expectation that women should be kept out of the public eye. This architectural feature enforced the notion that women’s primary roles were within the domestic sphere.
Roman Domus: In Roman houses, the division of space between the atrium (public area) and private quarters reinforced the gender roles of the time. The atrium was a space where men conducted business and socialised, reflecting their public and social roles, while women’s quarters were private and more domestic in nature, emphasising their role in managing the household.
3. Islamic Architecture
Harems: In traditional Islamic homes, harems were private areas reserved for women and their children. This spatial segregation was a physical manifestation of the cultural norms around gender roles, emphasising privacy and protection for women while restricting their interaction with men outside the family.
Mosques: The separation of prayer spaces in mosques, with women often relegated to separate sections or galleries, reflected broader societal expectations regarding gender. This architectural choice reinforced the idea that men and women had distinct and separate roles within religious practice and community life.
4. Havelis of India
Separation of Spaces: The architectural layout of havelis reinforced the separation of genders by designating specific areas for men and women. Women were expected to remain in the zenana, focusing on domestic duties and child-rearing, while men occupied the mardana, engaging in public and economic activities.
Privacy and Control: The secluded nature of the zenana reflected societal norms that emphasised the privacy and control of women, limiting their interaction with the outside world and reinforcing their roles within the domestic sphere.
Architectural Features: Elements like jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies) allowed women to observe street activities without being seen, maintaining their seclusion while still providing a connection to the outside world.
5. Japanese Traditional Architecture
Minka (Traditional Farmhouses): The spatial organisation of minka reflects the gender roles in rural Japanese society. The doma (earthen floor area) was associated with labour-intensive tasks often performed by men, while the mizuya (kitchen) and other living spaces were domains of women, reflecting their roles in food preparation and domestic management.
Tea Houses: The design of tea houses, with their emphasis on subtlety, aesthetics, and meticulous attention to detail, mirrored the gendered roles of women in the domestic sphere, particularly in the practice of the tea ceremony, which was often seen as a woman’s cultural duty.
Architecture and Gender Through the Years
Historical Division of Spaces
- Domestic Environments: Historically, homes were designed with distinct spaces for men and women, reinforcing traditional gender roles. Men’s areas were often public and social, such as studies and parlours, while women’s spaces were private and domestic, like kitchens and sewing rooms.
- Buildings: In public architecture, spaces like bathhouses, religious buildings, and clubs often had segregated areas for men and women, reflecting societal norms and expectations.
- Workspaces: Historically, workspaces were often designed with a male-dominated workforce in mind, with layouts and amenities catering to men’s needs and roles.
Contemporary Shift in Gender Divisions
- Inclusive Design: Modern architecture increasingly incorporates universal design principles, making spaces accessible and comfortable for all genders, ages, and abilities.
- Gender-Neutral Facilities: The inclusion of gender-neutral bathrooms and changing rooms in public buildings reflects a shift towards accommodating diverse gender identities and promoting equality.
- Work Environments: Contemporary offices are designed to be more flexible and inclusive, with open-plan layouts, collaborative spaces, and amenities like lactation rooms and on-site childcare, supporting a more balanced work-life environment.
- Lactation Rooms and On-Site Childcare: Providing facilities such as lactation rooms and on-site childcare supports working parents, particularly women, and promotes gender equality in the workplace.
- Residential Designs: Modern homes are often designed with flexible spaces that accommodate various family structures and lifestyles, moving away from traditional gender-specific roles.
- Public Spaces: Urban planning and public architecture now increasingly consider the safety and accessibility needs of all genders. This includes better lighting, clear sightlines, and designs that promote safety and inclusivity.
Contemporary Case Studies
1. Flexible Workspaces: WeWork office design
Modern flexible workspaces, like those designed by WeWork, promote equality and inclusivity by providing a variety of work environments that cater to different needs and preferences. The open-plan designs, communal areas, and private pods are intended to break down hierarchical structures often associated with traditional offices, which can perpetuate gender inequalities. These spaces encourage collaboration, transparency, and a more egalitarian work culture.
2. Inclusive Housing Projects: Co-Living spaces in The Collective, London
The Collective’s co-living spaces are designed to accommodate diverse family structures and promote gender equality. By providing shared amenities like kitchens, living areas, and communal workspaces, these designs challenge traditional gender roles associated with household management and childcare. The emphasis on community and shared responsibilities fosters an environment where gender roles are less rigidly defined, supporting a more inclusive way of living.
3. Public Buildings and Spaces: The San Francisco Public Library’s gender-inclusive restrooms and services.
The San Francisco Public Library has incorporated gender-neutral restrooms and services as part of its commitment to inclusivity. The design of these facilities considers the needs of transgender and non-binary individuals, providing safe and accessible spaces for everyone. This inclusive approach challenges traditional gender norms and promotes equality and acceptance within public spaces.
4. Workplaces Designed for Gender Equality: Google and Facebook Headquarters
The office designs at Google and Facebook include features like lactation rooms, flexible workspaces, and on-site childcare. These elements support gender equality by addressing the specific needs of working parents, particularly women, and promoting work-life balance. The open and collaborative layouts encourage equal participation and interaction among employees, challenging traditional gender hierarchies in the workplace.
The influence of gender on architecture has evolved significantly over time. Historically, architectural designs reinforced traditional gender roles through the separation of spaces, privacy, and functional design tailored to men’s roles. In contemporary times, there has been a notable shift towards inclusive and flexible design principles, ensuring that architecture meets the needs of all genders and promotes equality. This evolution reflects broader societal changes and the ongoing effort to create built environments that support diversity and inclusivity.
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- Chadha, T. (2021) Characteristics of gender sensitive architecture – RTF: Rethinking the future, RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/designing-for-typologies/a3709-characteristics-of-gender-sensitive-architecture/
- Peirson, E. (2022) From Doma to Daidokoro: Japanese kitchens, The Architectural Review. Available at: https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/from-doma-to-daidokoro-japanese-kitchens.
