Structure+Girls•NZ – the main voice for fairness in structure in Aotearoa – has obtained the inaugural John Sutherland Observe Award. This award celebrates and acknowledges the affect and influence of people, teams or collectives on structure and the constructed atmosphere.
Structure+Girls•NZ has made a profound contribution since its inception in 2011. Lynda Simmons, Julie Wilson and Megan Rule fashioned Structure+Girls•NZ with the core goals of reaching visibility and inclusiveness for girls throughout the business, and creating equality throughout the occupation.
In 2012, Elisapeta Heta (Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi, Waikato Tainui, Sāmoan and Tokelauan whakapapa) joined the organisation and, the next 12 months, it held the exhibition Between Silos. It was a response to Constructive Agenda – 60 Years of Girls in Structure in New Zealand, which, 20 years prior, had highlighted the dearth of protection and visibility of ladies architects.
However Structure+Girls•NZ’s work had solely simply begun. In 2014, a research by architectural historian Julia Gatley discovered feminine architects appeared simply 14 occasions in New Zealand publications and books on structure up till that time.
With a rising voice and membership, which has doubled to almost 1000 since 2013, Structure+Girls•NZ has steadfastly formed and influenced the dialog of range, inclusion and fairness in structure, and the methods by which apply adapts to those wants. 12 months on 12 months, Structure+Girls•NZ has added to its spectacular programme of awards and occasions, mentoring and workshops.
This 12 months, it celebrated the discharge of Making Area: A Historical past of New Zealand Girls in Structure edited by Elizabeth Cox, printed by Massey College Press.
In addition to its public-facing achievements, Structure+Girls•NZ works assiduously to advance progress by submissions to Parliament on payments equivalent to pay fairness, and in an advisory capability in areas equivalent to growing range.
Structure+Girls•NZ states that it “merely shines the highlight on ladies working within the area of structure, as a result of it so usually misses them”. The organisation does this and way more. The John Sutherland Observe Award acknowledges Structure+Girls•NZ for shining mild on the work of its members and for its ongoing contribution to eradicating limitations throughout the occupation, whereas benefiting all members of the occupation.