A SCOTTISH university student has been named as one of the finalists in a prestigious architecture award.
University of Dundee student Beatrice Ryan is one of five finalists for the 3DReid Student Prize – the largest independent student architecture part two prize.
The final will take place for the 17th year in a row on August 3 at the London 3DReid studio.
Ryan’s submission titled Growing Beyond Trauma explores the amplification of the gender gap during periods of crises and questions whether architecture can empower women to rise above their trauma.
Using elements of design and architecture everyday objects and spaces are examined through the emotional response they produce, such as protection and vulnerability.
The text accompanying Ryan’s submission read: “I explore the value of cultural integrity and its significant contribution to empowerment, restoring livelihoods and maintaining a sense of home in a shared environment.
“The primary purpose of this research is to evaluate the specific needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable women, in order to then create a holistic approach that takes into account the challenges unique to them.”
Architecture and interior design studio 3DReid works across the UK specialising in design delivery of complex new-build and refurbishment projects.
3DReid said: “It was a really enjoyable process looking through the huge variety of themes and styles, covered in all submissions, that reflect our judging criteria.”
Submissions for the prize are judged on the criteria of impact, innovation and communication, exploring modern technologies and social concerns.
All architecture schools in the UK are encouraged to nominate students for the prize which aims to give a platform to and promote the next generation.
Beatrice Ryan's full submission: Growing Beyond Trauma
During times of crises such as war, natural disasters, or pandemics, the existing gender data gaps in various areas are magnified and multiplied. And although men and women suffer from the same trauma, forcible displacement, destruction, injury, and death, women also suffer from female-specific injustices, such as sex trafficking, rape, domestic violence and prostitution. Gender based violence (GBV) refers to any violence inflicted from one gender to another.
Unfortunately, internally displaced people (IDP) camps and GBV are often associated with one another, with GBV prevailing in such settings. Amongst other problems, the facilities lack privacy, safety measures and medical care, all of which can lead women to feel unsafe, exposed and vulnerable. These issues are often concealed because of the stigma surrounding this topic, and the women who have been unfairly subjected to abuse, continually struggle with trauma and self-esteem.
It has also been evidenced that rural women farmers in the Philippines are disadvantaged on other levels, making bad situations worse for them in the face of a disaster. However, the significant role of women in agricultural production can play a crucial part in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change in these sectors, if they are given the opportunity and support to do so.
I am intrigued whether agriculture could be a catalyst to addressing the social issues faced by women in the context of a disaster prone city such as Tacloban. To what extent can architecture empower women to grow beyond their trauma by the means of agricultural livelihoods?
Our assumptions of hiding or running away suggests one is enclosed securely, but do we sometimes have to hide in plain sight? Is a door protection enough, or is distance, self-regeneration and empowerment, forms of protection? How can the design be suitable for different levels of vulnerability?
I investigate the importance of intimate spaces in a shared setting, from physically testing out 1:1 spaces and by bringing the human scale at the forefront of this design research.
I explore the value of cultural integrity and its significant contribution to empowerment, restoring livelihoods and maintaining a sense of home in a shared environment. Overall, the primary purpose of this research is to evaluate the specific needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable women, in order to then create a holistic approach that takes into account the challenges unique to them.
