On March 8, we want to remember those who, despite every obstacle, made an invaluable contribution to the art of creating spaces — the women architects whose ideas and projects have changed the way we see modern architecture.

For a long time, architecture was considered a traditionally male profession. Yet many talented women not only made their way in the field but also left behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of professionals.

Zaha Hadid – the queen of curves

Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Prize (the architectural equivalent of the Nobel Prize). Her creations are instantly recognizable for their flowing lines, bold forms, and innovative use of materials. The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, the Guangzhou Opera House, and the London Aquatics Centre literally defy gravity and traditional ideas about how façades should look.

Gae Aulenti – the master of restoration

Italian architect Gae Aulenti earned her reputation not only for designing new buildings but also for her skill in transforming historic structures into modern spaces. Her conversion of the former d'Orsay railway station in Paris into the Musée d'Orsay is considered a benchmark for preserving a building's historical value while adapting it to new functions.

Kazuyo Sejima – the aesthetics of minimalism

Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima creates buildings that appear weightless and almost transparent. Her work stands out for its clean lines, carefully designed lighting, and harmonious integration with its surroundings. The New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York and the Glass Pavilion in Toledo show how expressive architecture can be achieved through minimalist means.

Elizabeth Diller – architecture as a social statement

Elizabeth Diller and her studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro are known for projects that go beyond traditional architecture to become powerful social statements. The High Line park in New York is a striking example of how an abandoned elevated railway can be turned into a vibrant public space that reshapes an entire neighborhood.

Frida Escobedo – the new generation

A member of the younger generation of architects, Mexican Frida Escobedo works at the intersection of art, architecture, and social projects. Her Serpentine Gallery Pavilion in London, created from simple materials — ceramic tiles and concrete — shows how local traditions can be reinterpreted in the context of contemporary architecture.

Why is it important to know about women in architecture?

Studying the work of women architects not only broadens our understanding of what is possible in façade design and spatial organization but also offers new sources of inspiration. Many of these outstanding professionals have brought a unique perspective, an eye for the details of everyday life, and unconventional solutions to complex challenges.

In our studio, we often look to the projects of these and other talented women architects, finding ideas in them for creating façades that combine functionality, aesthetic expression, and respect for the surrounding context.

Happy International Women's Day! May your architectural inspiration come from the most diverse of sources.