What Would A Non-Sexist City Be Like?
27 February 2020 20:00 - 21:30
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the publication of _What Would a Non-Sexist City Be Like? Speculations on Housing, Urban Design, and Human Work _(Signs, 1980). This essay, by American architect and architecture historian Dolores Hayden, became a major influence on feminist thinking about design, construction, living and gender. In it, Hayden argues that architectural design and urban planning limit women's position in society, and investigates radical alternatives that could faciliate a more equal role.
We explore the continuing relevance of Hayden's ideas 40 years on, and examine the progress achieved since she wrote her essay. These days, inclusivity is a ubiquitous term; but how far has it become a natural component of contemporary design and construction practices? Do more recent generations take a different view of the issues involved? What would a non-sexist city look like, and does it perhaps already exist?
We relate these topics to the ideas of the former action group and feminist network Vrouwen Bouwen Wonen (Women Build Homes), whose archive will soon be acquired by Het Nieuwe Instituut.
Moderated by Sandra Rottenberg, with contributions from Lidewij Tummers and others.
Thursday Bite
Why not grab a bite to eat with the speakers and staff of Het Nieuwe Instituut before the event? Het Nieuwe Café serves a light vegetarian meal at 18:00. Dinner vouchers are available for ¬7.70 (up to a day before) via the Tickets link.
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