In order for the architectural field to progress, it needs to embrace an era of democratic practice In late October, I read a story titled: ?Does Architecture Have A Harvey Weinstein Hiding Within Its Ranks"? My first reaction was, well, of course?it?s an industry dominated by men. There are surely many Harvey Weinsteins hiding within architecture?s ranks, Weinsteins who feel no need to hide, harassing women openly and unabashedly. Richard Meier became the first of architecture-world Weinsteins to be identified in the #MeToo movement after five women spoke to the New York Times. There will likely be more.
As #MeToo?s magnifying glass turns to vaunted starchitects like Meier and canonical icons like Paolo Soleri, and fed-up women circulate a their own spreadsheet of ?Shitty Architecture Men,? a larger appraisal is taking place. It?s challenging the field?s entire foundation, which is showing signs of distress that can no longer be ignored: The authoritarian auteur is obsolete. In order for the architectural field to progress, it needs to embrace an era of democratic practice. Architecture?s misogyny problem is well known and well documented. The statistics say it all: While close to half of all architecture students are women?a number that has remained fairly consistent since the late ?90s?only 17 percent of architecture firm principals and partners are women. Considering this track record, I?m skeptical about how much the industry will change?but I?m forcing mys...