Episode Summary:
In this episode, Henriette, an expert in the history and philosophy of architecture, diving into the fascinating intersection of architecture, history, and intersectionality. Henriette shares insights from her extensive research on women in architecture, how moving through various academic environments shaped her understanding of diversity, and the challenges of integrating intersectionality into her field.
Shownotes & Timestamps:
[00:01:27] – Henriette’s Career Journey: Henriette discusses her academic background in the history and philosophy of architecture, highlighting her experience living and working in different cities like Denmark, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and the US.
[00:03:00] – Adapting to New Contexts: Henriette reflects on how moving between cities influenced both her academic work and personal growth, emphasizing the privilege and challenges of such transitions.
[00:03:38] – Cultural Environment and Diversity: Nehar asks about the differences between working in Zurich and Cambridge. Henriette shares her thoughts on how some environments better embrace diversity and different perspectives.
[00:05:03] – Intersectionality in Henriette’s Research: Henriette introduces her research on the history of women architects, emphasizing the importance of diversifying architectural history and incorporating various perspectives, especially gender.
[00:06:24] – Challenges in Promoting Intersectionality: Henriette talks about the challenges of integrating multiple markers of difference (like class and gender) in architectural history and the importance of broadening the lens.
[00:07:10] – Future Projects: Henriette discusses her upcoming projects focused on diversifying Danish architectural history and the need to include a wider range of voices.
[00:08:00] – Case Study: Kielersgårdshelden Swimming Pool: Henriette highlights a project in Copenhagen, focusing on how an intersectional approach has led to a more comprehensive understanding of a public building's design and its contributors.
[00:09:47] – Challenges and Opportunities: Henriette explains how looking at intersecting identities in architectural history helps reveal a fuller picture of how societal changes and design come together, especially in the post-WWII era in Denmark.
[00:12:00] – Diversity in Danish Welfare Society: Henriette discusses how architectural projects contributed to shaping the Danish welfare society, making it more inclusive and equitable.
[00:14:00] – Actionable Takeaways: Nehar asks Henriette for her advice on what listeners can do to address intersectionality both individually and collectively. Henriette emphasizes the power of research and the importance of continuously expanding the conversation beyond just gender.
[00:15:23] – The Importance of Meaningful Conversations: Henriette discusses the value of orchestrating meaningful and transformative discussions about intersectionality within academic and professional circles.
Henriette is a researcher and educator committed to building more diverse and equitable histories of architecture, cities, and landscapes. A Cambridge-educated traveling mama of three, she is an avid collaborator who practices feminist leadership and strives for inclusive excellence at Copenhagen University. Henriette is the research project leader for Women in Danish Architecture 1925-1975 and co-founder of the research hub Intersect. She currently serves as Head of Section at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen.
Be part of the conversation!
📢 Follow us: www.intersect.ku.dk
📩 Contact: intersect@ku.dk