Nature has made women resilient, strong yet delicate and feminine.
The duality of being feminine is strong and compassionate. In the design world, this duality forges a balance of creativity and functionality to shape our surroundings in which women have been prominent, in shaping our built environment. Mirza beg, was an official in Jahangir’s Court. He was queen Nur Jagan’s father. After his death Nur Jahan commissioned a building in his memory. This tomb was India’s first marble mausoleum. The beautifully carved intricate inlay work and design of the mausoleum has a feminine imprint in the stylistic rendering of the Persian inspired detailing and traditional design.
The famous “Chandini Chowk” market of Old Delhi was also designed by Shah Jagan’s daughter Jahanara. Humayun’s Tomb was also built by his first wife Empress Bega Begum. Historically, many renowned buildings have been built by women.
Women in design have always added to the organic nature introducing a fresh perspectives and groundbreaking ideas where stalwarts like Jeanne Gang and Deborah Berke have championed sustainability and community-focused design, while Patricia Urquiola and Kelly Wearstler have redefined luxury with their bold and eclectic styles. Neri Oxman’s exploration of computational design and biologically inspired materials has pushed the boundaries of technology and biology in architecture. Through their work, these women have not only shattered stereotypes but also inspired future generations to pursue creativity and innovation in the built environment, showcasing that gender is not a barrier to success. Architects like Zaha Hadid and Maya Lin have been pushing the boundaries of design and have been a driving force in the field. They, with their leading firms, have been the voice of change in urban planning and sustainable design. Their influence is undeniable.
Despite facing challenges and barriers, women continue to make significant strides in the field, enriching our built environment with their vision and dedication.”
Women are revolutionizing architecture and interior design with creativity, empathy and social responsibility. Female led designs tends to be inclusive and sustainable by redefining the built environment and combining aesthetics with environmental consciousness, which in turns transforms the way we live and interact with our surroundings.
Women architects have defied societal norms and made their mark in the predominately male dominated field. In the realm of architecture and interior design, where creativity knows no bounds, women have been carving out their own space, reshaping landscapes, and redefining aesthetics. Let’s take a joyous stroll through the vibrant world of Indian architecture and interior design, where women-led innovations shine bright like the morning sun over the Ganges. a bustling metropolis like Mumbai, where skyscrapers pierce the sky, and every street corner whispers tales of tradition and modernity. Here, architects who are women are weaving their magic, blending the old with the new in a dance of innovation. From eco-friendly skyscrapers that breathe life into the concrete jungle to sustainable housing solutions that embrace the ethos of simplicity, women architects are leaving their mark on the urban landscape.
Oh, how I yearn for straight lines and right angles,
In a land where curves reign supreme,
Where buildings lean like tipsy elephants,
And columns resemble a Bollywood dream.
In the heart of Mumbai, where skyscrapers kiss the clouds,
I see a tower that defies all laws,
With windows that wink and balconies that flirt,
It’s a masterpiece of architectural applause.
But venture south to Chennai, where the heat is on,
And you’ll find a temple so grand and bold,
Its intricate carvings tell stories of old,
In a language only the gods behold.
From the majestic Taj Mahal to the humble village hut,
Indian architecture is a sight to behold,
With colors that rival the peacock’s plume,
And textures that shimmer like silk spun gold.
Yet amidst the chaos and the cacophony,
There lies a charm that’s hard to define,
For in every crooked alley and crowded bazaar,
There’s a story waiting to entwine.
So let us raise a toast to the architects bold,
Who dare to dream in technicolor hue,
For in the tapestry of India’s landscape,
Their legacy shines bright and true.
Despite facing discrimination and cultural barriers, women have made substantial progress in the field of architecture and interiors with great accomplishments to their credit.
The author is the, Founder at Design by Meta.