Why feminism is essential to architecture | Afaina de Jong | TEDxAmsterdamWomen

Our identities have become more complex and cities are often places where these identities come into contact with each other. Cities are now rapidly gentrifying and at the same time becoming more universal in their architecture. It is critical for architects to apply the principles of intersectional feminism in order to take into account the realities and complexities of everyday life.
Afaina de Jong is an Amsterdam based architect. With her studio AFARAI (2005), she aims to cross the boundaries of the traditional architecture practice by dealing with the existing city with an intersectional and interdisciplinary approach, integrating theory and research with design. As a studio AFARAI considers itself a feminist practice that encourages change on social and spatial issues and that accommodate differences. Her work is deeply connected to represent people and cultural movements that are not traditionally represented in architectural form. By using form languages, colors, patterns and narratives that are other, she works towards a more inclusive experience of space. Afaina has been an active educator for years amongst others at the Faculty of Architecture at TU Delft, The Sandberg Institute, and ARTEZ and has been a guest lecturer at Columbia University GSAPP in New York, KTH in Stockholm and the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@TeoZMuff313]

Trying to paint feminism onto anything they can.

[@MrBstone63]

So, is feminism essential to metal stamping too?

[@priyenswiss2002]

🤣

[@diegojimenez9849]

This ted talk has no proof on what she explains, only opinions. All spaces are design based on the needs, this isn't new, this is basic arquitecture. If rich people have "good houses" ( although most of them are mc mansions) is because they can afford it, not because they discriminate.

[@clarinhatempone]

do you have an architecture degree?

[@diegojimenez9849]

@@clarinhatempone Im in 1rs semester. But that doesn't mean i have a poor knowledge. And why you ask.

[@clarinhatempone]

@@diegojimenez9849 I didn't mean to question your knowledge. I asked you that because I don't agree that architecture only involves building houses for rich people, or that all spaces are designed based on the needs of the people that are going to *use* those spaces, specially public spaces. I think it would be nice, as a future architect, if you could read some more about it. Not only about feminism in architecture (or not at all if you don't feel like it), but just how those spaces are designed and who designs them and urbanism in general... btw, I'm in my 5th semester in architecture school and I'm only saying those things because my interest in architecture increased when I started learning more about those things and understanding that maybe my place in this society as a future architect is to try to change those spaces. :)

[@diegojimenez9849]

@@clarinhatempone yes arquitecture is not only about houses or rich people but we know that materials and work are expensive, and as you know arquitecture principles are venustas firmitas and utilitas that have been evolving or adding things. About the public spaces she doesn't put examples of bad design, only reffers to it like generally, but never puts a graffic or results of an investigation that show how people feel, and if you don't like the space that doesn't mean that is a bad design or driscriminates you. She also has a problem with male architects because thinks that they dont know the necessities of the people or women, because i know there is a research before the construction about the impact and necessities, being a men doesn't mean you don't understand what they need, for example you don't need to be a disabled person to desing a hospital. This is last thing is when she mention that woman feel uncomfortable that men design a buildig for them, you could simply say what you need or ask for someone else.

[@yamahantx7005]

Ah yes, architecture through the lens of intersectional feminism. Let me guess, she's a phd candidate.

[@yana7275]

What is this incoherent speech? Full of cliche over feminism (has she seriously pained walls in pink, like the most popular color representing “girls color” in archaic mentality?!)

[@phoebe6853]

People giving feminism a bad name.

[@caelum1858]

I understand the need of women and other minorities be able to express their ideas and culture through their designs and be celebrated about it since it lacks of it and they're mostly erased and/or forgotten, even though I think public spaces are fine as they're since they fulfill their purpose (meet the needs of people) I see the need to bring more expression and life to it; specially to understand and normalize other cultures and visions. The only problem I have with this talk is that intersectional feminism isn't really feminism since it puts aside the real meaning and purpose of feminism, which is to rise women to power. Instead is being shadowed by other minorities and even though it can be useful for society for general understanding and respecting it shouldn't be called feminism. Bringing awareness to architects about this and quote "look at your own privileged individual as a designers" is good, it also brings attention to the public how women and poc influence are erased from history like in architecture. I hope through sharing and talking about this it lands ear to the right people :)

[@boobunny200]

I think intersectional feminism is actually the truest form of feminism. It means that it is for all women because it acknowledges that women are multifaceted and experience prejudice and discrimination in different ways to each other because of different intersections. The end goal of equality is still the same.

[@christianityisunstoppable4155]

This is the funniest thing I’ve seen in 2021 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@k12crashcourse16]

I am here for English speaking skills

[@jongood9106]

I love feminism because I can live off a sugar momma, she works to keep me happy and calls it "empowerment".

[@shamsheed1726]

I haven’t even watched this mess, but I feel like the architectual designs are somehow going to be ALL male dominant😂😂😂

[@cptkawa1]

The sad part is, that this woman really thinks, she is on to something...^^No proof of anything she said there and this "summer pavillion" is just a waste of resources. Would not hire her as an architect. Geez, people are crazy these days...

[@fefifofob]

Build something already

[@factsdontcareaboutyourfeel7747]

I love memes. Keep making more

[@johnsonbullocks3538]

Feminism everywhere.....lol

[@davidbak6984]

Yes, and that‘s a good thing! ✊🏼

[@macin2264]

@@davidbak6984 Simp !

[@TheLastSAiNT]

@@davidbak6984 did you even listen to this? This is radical feminism and very, very few women want anything to do with it. Completely different than actual feminism, which is unnecessary in modern times.

[@robr.5044]

It would be funny if it wasn’t so terrifying