werk, bauen + wohnen 12 – 2022
Occupying Space
Architecture is never timeless. It is always made in specific surroundings under certain conditions, during a certain period. Over the course of time themes become topical which, although they can be felt, cannot yet be named, as the words needed are still lacking. This applies also to the term “inclusion”, which is currently so widely used. For decades, many people were excluded — whether deliberately or not. Since last autumn, the FAS has been known as the Bund Schweizer Architektinnen und Architekten (Federation of Swiss Female and Male Architects). It is time to make this diversity visible. But an issue with architecture by women? No, thanks. Women do not build differently to their male colleagues. But they occupy less space in society. And there are structural reasons for this. An exploitative work ethic, unpaid work hours and innumerable nightshifts, even while still a student, means that those who have more unpaid work to do at home, inevitably have less time for architecture.
The admonishment once was: You must just try harder, lean in — and I am amazed that only seven years have elapsed since the publication of Sherly Sandberg's Lean In. Seven years ago I also thought I just had to apply myself more. Fortunately, in the meantime through reading more and thanks to a constantly changing society I have come to understand that structural reasons cannot simply be laughed away and eliminated by making a greater effort. A change of perspec tive can come about only through selfreflection and enlightenment. It was with this end in mind that the current issue was conceived, with
a sizeable portion of respect for this theme and with the wise advice from the wonderful interview partners from Mycket ring ing in our ears: “You always get your hands dirty and what you do will never be perfect for everyone.” — Jenny Keller