For centuries, the field of architecture has been dominated by men; However, there has always been women who have pushed the limits and challenged the status quo. In this article, we will highlight the stories and legacies of seven women who have transcended in the field of architecture.
The first architects in history
Katherine Briçonnet, Hardwick Bess, Lady Anne Clifford and Elizabeth Wilbraham, are recognized as the first architects in history.Maf López / The widow sheep
Katherine Briçonnet (1494-1526)
Katherine Briçonnet It was a French nobleman who designed the famous Château de Chenonceaua castle located in the region of Centro-Valle de Loira. Briçonnet ventured into architecture when her husband, Thomas Bohier, was in Italy, so Katherine was in charge of managing and supervising the construction of the castle. Both the tower and the nucleus, known today as Ladies Castleare distinguished by their iconic arc and innovative bridge use of space and light.
Hardwick Bess (1527-1608)
Hardwick Bess She was an English architect and businesswoman considered one of the richest women in England during the Tudor period. By belonging to the nobility, he was able to design and finance the construction of several impressive field houses such as Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall And today's non -existent mansion Oldcotes. Hardwick designs, influenced by the Renaissance style, are known for their elegance and opulence.
Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676)
The architect and aristocrat Lady Anne Clifford He had as a personal mission the restoration of multiple family castles, including the castle of Appleby and the Bougham Castleas well as the construction of service buildings such as mills and warehouses and road infrastructure. So, his architectural vision transformed abandoned properties into true Renaissance design works.
Elizabeth Wilbraham (1632-1705)
Called by some historians as the first known architect, Elizabeth Wilbraham was in charge of the design and execution of Weston Park, Staffordshire, Wotton House In Buckinghamshire and at least eighteen Iglesias, projects that were initially attributed to Christopher Wren. As an architect, their designs were innovative for their time, as they incorporated elements of the Baroque style, very popular in Europe at that time.
The first US professional architect
Jennie Louise Blanchard, was the first American architect.Maf López / The widow sheep
Louise Blanchard Bethune (1856-1913)
Jennie Louise Blanchard Bethune is remembered for being The first American woman to exercise as a professional architect and to be admitted to the American Institute of Architects. As responsible for his own office he designed various buildings in buffalo, New York, being the most prominent the 74th Regimental Armory, Elmwood Music Hall and the Hotel Lafayette.
The first architect entitled Mexico
María Luisa Dehesa was one of the first architects in Latin America.Maf López / The widow sheep
The Mexican architect María Luisa Dehesa It was one of the first women to graduate from the architecture program of the National Autonomous University of Mexico With a thesis, Type artillery barrackswhich managed to pave the way for future generations of architect women. Dehesa's career focused mainly on the public service, contributing to the design of single -family homes from the Federal District Public Works Department. He was also the founder of the Mexican University Federation and member of the Mexican Academy of Architecture.
The first architect awarded with the Pritzker Award
Zaha Hadid received the most important awards of the profession as the Mies Van der Rohe (2003), the Pritzker Award (2004) – the first woman who won this award – and the Praemium Imperiale (2009).Maf López / The widow sheep
Zaha Hadid He was an Iraqi architect known for his fluid, bold and innovative designs within the deconstructivist movement. Hadid made history in 2004 by becoming The first woman to obtain the Pritzker Architecture Awardone of the most prestigious awards in the area of architecture. Some of its most notable projects were the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan, the Guangzhou Opera House in China, and the London Aquatic Center.
Without a doubt, the history of each of these architects is a testimony of creativity and perseverance, in addition to a source of inspiration for all women who seek to follow their dreams and leave their mark on the world.