Women can break one glass ceiling after another, even if the glass is as hard and unrelenting like concrete.
The field of architecture and design has seen a significant increase in the number of women enrolling in architecture programs in Indian schools. However, despite this growth, the industry is still largely dominated by male architects. Female architects face challenges such as male-dominated clients, contractors, and consultants, and struggle to achieve work-life balance due to long working hours and low pay scales. Women often feel the pressure to prove themselves more than their male colleagues and work twice as hard to get recognition.
Despite these challenges, there have been exceptional women architects who have broken the glass ceiling and are an inspiration to younger generations. However, the industry still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality.
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, designers are incorporating touchless elements like automatic doors in retail stores, mobile phone-activated keys for hotel rooms, voice-activated elevators, and hands-free light switches in office buildings. These elements have numerous advantages, including higher productivity rates, more efficient use of materials, better product quality, and improved safety for the end-users.
Architecture is a technically and physically challenging profession. This is where mentoring is critical. Women can break one glass ceiling after another, even if the glass is as hard and thick as concrete. And such women can inspire young designers and architects to find their true calling and keep moving forward.
To promote gender equality in the workplace, the government can offer tax benefits to companies that have at least 40 percent women employees. Additionally, companies can conduct a pay equity analysis to identify and address any pay gaps between male and female employees.
Educating teams about the impact of unconscious bias and sexism in the workplace can also help to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Companies can consider bringing in experts to provide training and guidance on these issues.
It is equally important for companies to take complaints of discrimination and harassment seriously and to take appropriate action to address them. By creating a culture of respect and accountability, companies can help ensure that all employees feel safe and valued in the workplace.
Architect Mr. Reza Kabul: ARK Reza Kabul Architects
Architecture, as a subject, is always in an ever-evolving cusp of transformation. All factors affecting the built form, such as climate, global trends and technology are in a constant push to adaptation and change, thus influencing the
Ar. Himanshu Patel: 6thdesign studio
As an architect deeply rooted in the ethos of sustainable architecture, I believe that Indian architecture is indeed in a transformative phase, and this transformation is deeply intertwined with our commitment to environmental
Ar. Shruti Dimri, Ar. Madhav Raman, Ar. Vaibhav Dimri: Anagram Architects
In today’s context, the idea of modernity in architecture has shifted towards addressing the pressing needs of society. This includes a strong focus on technology, artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and the well-being of
Ar. Akshara Verma & Ar. Dinesh Verma: Ace Group Architects
India’s unique advantage lies in its ability to blend modern methodologies with traditional craftsmanship, thus fostering a distinct architectural identity. The convergence of these elements serves as a catalyst for innovation within
Ar. Akshay Selukar: Akshay Selukar
The future of architecture will be driven by innovation and a commitment to creating built environments that are environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and responsive to the needs of society
Architect Lalichan Zacharias: Lalichan Zacharias atelier
Yes, Indian architecture is in a transformation phase. Modernisation, Globalization and exposure to International Designs have influenced the Indian architecture to a great extent. Architecture is becoming more and more technology
Ar. (Dr). Harish Tripathi & Jyoti Tripathi: ARHATA
The architecture of any country is deeply rooted in the culture, psyche, economy, and politics, and India’s situation is no different. In addition to this, the advent of new technologies has a profound effect on the thought
Ar. Amey Dahanukar: ARA Designs
In modern India, architects have extensive travel experience, while earlier, travel exposure to different parts of the world used to be somewhat difficult. However, everything is now accessible due to many travel options, and each
Ar. Archana Van Gils: AVG Architects
Being a part of this endlessly mutable field for almost more than a decade, I can attest to the remarkable evolution of the profession in response to global trends and technological advancements, while also adapting to the needs of
Architect Mr. Arpan Johari: AW Design
India has a rich history of building design trends that have cross influenced across borders and have slowly transformed over the centuries. In fact, the transformative phase in Indian Architecture has always been ongoing. Sometimes it