Women, Architecture, and Modernism

Women, architecture, and modernism intersect as women have historically been underrepresented as architects and creators within a movement that emphasized innovation, function, and new aesthetics. Modernism, emerging in the early 20th century, aimed to break classical traditions and prioritize form following function, using new materials and ideas. Women played crucial roles, often challenging gender norms via their designs and professionalism, yet faced barriers of exclusion and bias. Today, recognizing women’s contributions highlights the importance of diversity in shaping modern architectural discourse, fostering inclusive innovation, and expanding the cultural and social scope of built environments.