“Architecture is a visual art and the buildings speak for themselves” – Julia Morgan.

Architecture has been considered a male-dominated field, but women's contributions have been irreplaceable in shaping the environments they live in. Over the years, women have brought their unique perspective to architecture, creating spaces that are functional and aesthetically beautiful. Feminine aesthetics in architecture combines creativity, sustainability, and practicality to make urban and residential landscapes more human-oriented. This article explores women's profound impact on architecture and how their vision has enhanced interior and exterior spaces.

The Evolution of Women in Architecture
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the representation of women in architecture. They have become increasingly prominent, making a significant impact on the field. A significant number of architectural schools embraced inclusivity, presenting talented women with a chance to shine and showcase their skills in various aspects of architecture. Today, women architects are breaking stereotypes, designing iconic buildings, and reshaping cities across the globe. Their contribution extends far beyond simple aesthetics; they integrate cultural, social, and environmental considerations into design.

Pioneers such as Zaha Hadid introduced fluid, futuristic, and organic forms to architecture. Eileen Gray, pioneer of modernist architecture and furniture design. Julia Morgan, the first woman licensed as an architect in California, designed over 700 buildings, leaving a lasting legacy. Yasmin Lari, Pakistan’s first female architect, revolutionized sustainable and disaster-resistant architecture by focusing on low-cost, eco-friendly materials.

A Feminine Touch Combining Aesthetic and Functional Sensibilities
Women in architecture often adopt a holistic approach to design, considering how space influences human emotions and behavior. Their work prioritises harmony, fluidity, and comfort, ensuring structures not only meet the needs of their occupants but also maintain visual appeal.

This balance between beauty and functionality is especially evident in residential and public spaces, where warmth and inclusivity are paramount.

he Influence of Women in Interior Design
A feminine touch in interior design creates elegant and comfortable spaces through a seamless fusion of functionality with aesthetic charm. Soft color schemes, curved furniture, delicate textures, and thoughtful organisation are key elements of this style. Functional components such as versatile furniture, blend in perfectly with the design without compromising visual appeal. Considering the four walls, ceiling, and floor as a blank canvas, each element must be strategically placed, creating harmony within the space. The design process begins with identifying the client’s needs and assessing the available space to develop a structured plan.
01 Define the Purpose and Style
The function of a room or space is identified first, followed by discussions on suitable design styles or themes based on the client’s preference.
02 Measure and Plan the Layout
The next step involves measuring the room’s dimensions, length, width, and ceiling height, along with the positioning of the doors, windows, and electrical outlets.
03 Select a Colour Palette
The colour scheme of the room is chosen according to the decided theme, ensuring a complementary palette that will enhance warmth, coziness, or vibrancy within the space.

04 Select Furniture and Layout
Furniture is arranged for optimal space utilization, ensuring a balance between functionality and aesthetics. (Avoid overcrowding), The layout prioritizes traffic flow, easy movement, and the definition of focal points.
05 Add Textiles and Lighting
Soft furnishings such as rugs, curtains, cushions, and bedding enhance comfort and warmth. Decorative elements such as artwork, are incorporated. A Layered lighting plan maximizes both artificial and natural light effectively.
06 Final Styling and Adjustments
A mood board is created to visualise the design concept. The final adjustments focus on achieving proportion, symmetry, and visual balance are the final touchups a designer makes, ensuring a cohesive and well-curated space.
Influence on Exterior Architecture
Beyond interiors, women have also revolutionised exterior design by integrating nature, sustainability, and innovative aesthetics. Their works frequently incorporate green spaces, natural lighting, and ecological materials, ensuring that buildings harmonise with the environment. By designing structures that are both beautiful and durable, female architects contribute significantly to urban landscapes and ecological balance. The process of executing these projects follows a systemic, step-by-step procedure, similar to that used in interior design. A distinctive trait of women, their empathy and compassion, often translates into thoughtful architectural practices. For instance, in 2005, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 struck Pakistan. Architect Yasmin Lari, a pioneer of zero-carbon architecture using bamboo and mud, leveraged her expertise to assist the affected communities in rebuilding their villages. Through the use of traditional methods and locally sourced materials such as soil, limestone, and wood, Lari and volunteer teams trained residents to construct the best safe and resilient structures. The resulting buildings are not only cost-effective and environmentally respectful but also designed to withstand earthquakes and floods. By 2014, over 40,000 zero-carbon shelters had been built in disaster-affected areas.

Women architects have played a vital role in promoting sustainable architecture. They emphasise energy-efficient designs, renewable materials, and biophilic elements in their work.

A notable example is the Aqua Tower in Chicago, designed by architect Jeanne Gang. This 82-story mixed-use skyscraper incorporates eco-friendly features that reduce energy consumption, enhance natural ventilation, and promote water conservation. The overall design is a thoughtful response to the specific conditions of density, environment, and functionality. Many women-led projects prioritise reducing carbon footprints, enhancing biodiversity, and creating healthier living environments.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusive Design
Women architects often bring a unique cultural sensitivity to their projects. They create spaces that celebrate diversity, accommodate various lifestyles, and increase community engagement. Their designs often cater to a wider range of demographics, taking into account the needs of children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The Smile, a project designed by architect Alison Brooks. The core concept of which challenges the public's perception of architecture as static, unyielding, and solemn. Instead, it presented a livable structure with a curved outline that evokes movement, playfulness, and an inviting, innovative character.

Conclusion: Women as Pioneers in Architecture
Women are increasingly shaping the future of architecture through their distinct and unique perspectives, viewpoints, and creative solutions. Their impact on both interior and exterior design highlights the significance of aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. The growing presence of women in the field is driving the evolution of architecture, fostering a more inclusive and cohesive vision of the built environment. Their contributions not only enhance the visual appeal of our surroundings but also ensure that spaces are meaningful, stable, and practical for their users. Feminine aesthetics in architecture transcends mere beauty; it embodies the creation of environments where design fulfills a purpose, and each space narrates a story of inclusivity and innovation.

The writer is an architect who loves to transform spaces into sustainable, functional, and visually appealing areas. She has designed many residential projects and she is also principal architect of a firm alihoem
Email: [email protected]