On International Women's Day CURO prepared a tribute to some women in architecture who opened doors and had to break barriers so that today, others could freely pursue paths in architecture and arts.
Therefore, we will share with you some remarkable figures who have left an indelible mark, shaping the architectural and artistic landscape worldwide. These women not only broke barriers, but also redefined the concept of beauty, form, and function.
1. Lina Bo Bardi: The Brazilian vanguard who opened doors for other women in architecture
Let's start with Lina Bo Bardi, an Italian-Brazilian architect whose work revolutionized the architectural scene. Her humanistic approach and passion for Brazilian culture are reflected in projects such as the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), where architecture celebrates cultural diversity, speaks of politics, and shows that modernity can be simple. A true inspiration for CURO
2. Kazuyo Sejima: transparency and natural light
Kazuyo Sejima is a Japanese architect known for her passion for transparency and lightness in architecture. Her work at SANAA office, which she co-founded, has resulted in projects such as the New Museum in New York City, where natural light is an integral part of the architectural experience
She was also the first woman to be appointed director of the Architecture Sector at the Venice Biennale and the second woman to receive the Pritzker Prize, after Zaha Hadid
3. Zaha Hadid: futuristic forms
Zaha Hadid Born in Baghdad and initially trained in Mathematics in Iraq, she later studied Architecture in England, becoming a visionary who left a significant mark on the world of architecture. Her fluid and futuristic structures challenge traditional perception, and works like the MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome and the Guangzhou Opera House in China stand out as testaments of her genius mind.
Hadid was the first woman and the first Arab person to receive the Pritzker Prize in 2004. She captivated the world by working with sharp angles, curved facades, and materials such as concrete and steel.
4. Helena Almeida: a Portuguese artist, for sure
In the world of arts, Helena Almeida, though not an architect, challenged the boundaries between art and architecture. Her multidisciplinary works explore the human body and space in a unique way, inviting us to rethink the relationship between the body and architecture.
The Portuguese visual artist won several national and international awards throughout her life, filling us with pride.
5. Joana Vasconcelos: art in monumental dimensions
Last but not least, we have Joana Vasconcelos, another great Portuguese artist who elevates art to monumental dimensions. Her impressive installations challenge scale and the perception of space, offering a unique perspective on the intersection between art and architecture.
To create her large-scale works, the artist frequently uses everyday objects, which she reinterprets, transforming them into a kind of surreal art. Joana Vasconcelos rescues symbols from traditional folk art, as evidenced in her installation "Coração Independente Vermelho," a large object made of plastic cutlery and accompanied by fado music.
Architecture and art are also women's domains.
These women in architecture and the arts are true sources of inspiration, demonstrating that talent and vision transcend genders. May they, and others, continue to inspire future generations, paving the way for more women to leave their mark in the world of architecture and the arts.
We shape our world with vision and action, also in architecture. From creating spaces to transforming urban horizons, we are present in all spheres.
At CURO, our founder not only set the tone for our studio but also brought together a diverse team of talented women. Together, we are committed to redefining boundaries and shaping the future of architecture in Portugal and beyond.
Whether drawing inspiration from notable projects, female leadership, or continuous innovation, we are here to celebrate and empower women in architecture, always..
The construction of an inclusive world is also depicted in our projects.
Let's go!