On this episode of Tomorrow by Design, hosts Louis, Sid, and Leanne delve into the world of gender-inclusive design with Maryam Wangeshi, an architect and passionate advocate for creating spaces that work for everyone. Wangeshi's journey began with a simple observation: sports grounds, supposedly public spaces that are often designed primarily with men in mind, lacked inclusivity for women. This led her down a path with the mission to make the built environment more equitable and responsive to all genders.
The conversation unfolds with humor and personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs in this field. Wangeshi highlights the need for diverse sports facilities, safe and well-lit spaces, thoughtful consideration of non-linear travel patterns, and even motherhood amenities like breastfeeding areas. But the fight for inclusivity goes beyond bricks and mortar; it extends to dismantling gender bias within the design and construction industry itself.
A beacon of hope shines through with positive developments like Kenya's Women in Construction forum and the UN Habitat's Her City toolkit (that you can check out here: https://unhabitat.org/her-city-a-guide-for-cities-to-sustainable-and-inclusive-urban-planning-and-design-together-with ), promoting gender balance in design processes. Wangeshi emphasizes the crucial role of data collection and collaboration, paving the way for future design that considers the entire building life cycle, including construction by diverse teams and the use of inclusive materials and techniques.
This episode is more than just informative; it's a call to action. It reminds us that true progress lies in designing not just for some, but for all. By embracing gender-inclusive design, we can create spaces that empower, celebrate, and reflect the richness of our diverse human experience.