First DIVIA Conference

MIND THE GAP

The conference, organised by Diversity in Architecture e.V. (DIVIA), brings together international experts, researchers, practicing women architects, and students to explore diversity and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities women face in architecture.

© Diversity in Architecture e.V.

Date: Friday, 1 November 2024, 9:30

Place: Aedes Metropolitan Laboratory, Christinenstr. 18–19, 10119 Berlin

Introduction

This inaugural conference, to be held in the alternating years between the biennial DIVIA Award ceremonies, introduces a new format for both DIVIA members and the broader public. The three sessions — Researching the Gap, Bridging the Gap and Building Without the Gap — will explore current research on gaps in architectural theory, interdisciplinary collaborations for an inclusive future, and case studies from women architects who are overcoming barriers through innovative approaches. The conference marks an important step toward fostering a more inclusive and collaborative community within architecture and design, while recognising and building upon the essential contributions of women in shaping the future of the field. More

Programme

9:30 Welcome + Introduction

Dunya Bouchi, Aedes Metropolitan Laboratory, Berlin  
Dr. Ursula Schwitalla BDA ao, DIVIA, Berlin
Martha Thorne M.Sc., DIVIA, Berlin

10:00 Session 1 — Researching the Gap 

Moderated by Dr. Katharina Stolz, Stuttgart University

  • Pascale Sablan M.Sc., CEO, Adjaye Associates, NYC Studio: I Was Asked to Stand
  • Dr. Friederike Landau-Donnelly, Ass. Prof. at Radboud University Nijmegen, Visiting Scholar TU Dortmund: Difference within ‘the Gap’ – Reflections on Structural and Lived Gender Inequities in Academia and Beyond
  • Mechthild Ebert M.Sc., saai | Archiv für Architektur und Ingenieurbau, KIT Karlsruhe Institute of Technology: Missing Perspectives. Browsing the Catalogue of saai
  • Students’ Session, Stuttgart University: Tuba Benli M.Sc. | Nadine Bunge M.Sc. | Leticia Ivania Da Costa Pedro B.Sc. | Eva Dingeldein M.Sc. | Sarah Mohammad Ali M.Sc.: Research on the Visibility of Women Architects

12:00 Session 2 — Bridging the Gap

Young Experts, Hochschule Niederrhein, Mönchengladbach, moderated by Prof. Dr. Phil. Dipl.-DES. Marina-Elena Wachs with Gesa Balbig

  • Marc Küperkoch: ‘Paludi’-Cultures and the Potential of Cotton Grass and Other Bast-Fibers for Architecture
  • Charlotte Weber | Ramona Möllers: Africa-project—DENKraum—to Fill the Gap
    RePete: Architecting Creative Rooms for Educational Weaving in Kenya
  • Janka Schmerge: See’ soo t[ext]tile—Re-Textile in Architecture

14:00 Session 3 — Building Without the Gap

Moderated by Dr. Julia Roever M.A.

  • Jette Hopp M.Arch., Dipl.-Ing. Arch., MNAL, Director Snøhetta, Oslo: Designing for People
  • Melodie Leung M.Arch., Director Zaha Hadid Architects, London: Cross-Generational Practice: Bridging Past, Present, and Future at Zaha Hadid Architects
  • Rozana Montiel M.A., Rozana Montiel Estudio de Arquitectura, Mexico City: Between the Acts: a Manifesto

16:00 Panel + Open Discussion

Moderated by Christiane Stahnke Dipl. Ing. Arch.

  • Claudia Berger-Koch Dipl. Kauffrau, HPP Architekten, Düsseldorf
  • Renato Turri MAS, World Architects, Zurich
  • Prof. Anupama Kundoo DI. M.Sc., Anupama Kundoo Architects, Potsdam
  • Prof. Mona Bayr Dipl.-Ing. M.Sc., Atelier H2A, Eislingen
  • Sol Camacho M.Arch., RADDAR, São Paulo

16:45 Closing Remarks

  • Dr. Ursula Schwitalla BDA ao, DIVIA, Berlin

In collaboration with
Diversity in Architecture e.V.

Video

Video by Reframe