5 major architectural projects designed by women

An important date that keeps alive the memory of about 130 female workers who died in a New York textile factory, March 8th has an important connotation of empowerment, strength and resistance. Years later, women took their place right in notable positions around the world, proving that their place is really wherever they want it to be – and of course architecture would not be left out of this! On this International Women's Day , CASACOR celebrates the work of masters of contemporary architecture with a selection of incredible works by female architects from around the world that inspire anyone lucky enough to come across one of their buildings. In Brazil, great names of reference such as Lina Bo Bardi, whose hands and mind were at the forefront of the Masp and Sesc Pompéia projects, may already be known to the general public – but there are many other important women who have led major projects around the world. . With that in mind, we have selected 5 world-famous works by female architects who made history – and who you may never have heard of . Check them out!

1. High Line Park (New York)

It couldn't be any different: Elizabeth Diller opens our list as one of the most important names in architecture, considered by Time magazine as the most influential architect in the world. Polish, she was born on June 17, 1954, and made great contributions to architecture, design and even education, as part of her career was dedicated to training new professionals, at Princeton College. The High Line park project, designed by the firm she set up with her husband, Diller Scofidio + Renfro , is still a success today and is considered one of the most popular spots among tourists and residents. The space is a true urban revolution. The High Line was built on the tracks of an old railway , on a walkway suspended at least eight meters above the ground. Around the project, the view full of buildings creates a unique contrast between nature and the urbanization in a metropolis like New York.

2. Aqua Tower (Chicago)

The project opened in 2019 and is over 250 meters high . Despite its impressive appearance, the Aqua Tower's shape goes beyond aesthetics and focuses on capturing natural light.

3. Museum of Contemporary Art (New York)

In downtown Manhattan, a development draws attention for its "stacked" shape , as if they were rectilinear boxes. Designed by architect Kazuyo Sejima , the space brings together works by emerging artists. Kazuyo Sejima was born on October 29, 1956, in Japan. She is a major figure in architecture, having been one of the only women to receive a Pritzker Prize . She is a partner in the SANAA office , which was responsible for the design of the museum. Inside the museum you can find galleries, offices, event rooms, a café, a theater and even an education center.

4. Heydar Aliyev Center (Baku)

Located in the capital of Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center is an important landmark to highlight the independence of the region, located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, as well as bringing a touch of modernity to the city. The architect known as the "queen of curves", Zaha Hadid , was responsible for the project, and once again showed why she received (and should keep) this title. The building has several waves , which establish a more dynamic and profound relationship with the remainder of the square in which it is allocated. Zaha Hadid was born on October 31, 1950, in Baghdad and died on March 31, 2016, in Florida. She was the first woman to receive a Pritzker , thanks to her disruptive style of thinking about buildings in a unique way.

5. Pacific Biotechnology Park (Culiácan)

A building that aims to carry out a series of studies to contribute to technological development in Mexico, the Pacific Biotechnology Park took on the challenge of being a sustainable and flexible building led by the incredible Tatiana Bilbao . Architect Tatiana Bilbao was born in Mexico in 1972 and is a true expert in blending nature and technological design . She focuses heavily on green architecture and sustainable designs in her creations.