Diploma Research Thesis Project
abstract
The introduction of the parameter of gender on the theory and practice of architectural design offers new perspectives both in the reading of the already built environment, and the design of the new. The basic assumption is that the city is not an "independent" system, but an integral part of social processes. The concept of gender is introduced in all disciplines related to the area of the city, namely geography, urban planning, architecture, sociology of space, etc., and contributes to the development of new approaches, which pose new questions and challenge long heterosexist biases. Thus, in this research thesis, an interdisciplinary approach is attempted, to the exploration of a perspective that detects the representations of gender in space and focuses on the ways the city reflects, constructs, and is constructed of gender relations.
In the first chapter, are set construction issues of gender identities and sexuality, which have emerged as central to the use, experience and perception of urban space. The second chapter explores the social and cultural impact of sexual oppression and liberation, and the role of specific social movements and identities to the creation, expansion and reconstruction of public spaces of debates on sexuality and gender identities, but also the influence of literary and visual illustration in the understanding of these identities. The reasons that sexual minorities were faced with marginalization and various forms of violence, are sought in the third chapter. Here are, also, reported practices used by activists to address heterosexist dichotomies of urban space. Finally, in the fourth chapter, are redefined questions about the understanding of urban space in a sense not regarding to the “average user”, defined, implicitly, as a white, heterosexual, middle-class man. It is, also, being discussed the relationship of public space with specific sexual practices.
Who, then, is the role of gender in the use and reproduction of urban space and, conversely, what is the role of space in shaping gender identities?
I want to thank my professors for their guidance without which I wouldn't have achive this result.
The original research project is, unfortunatelly, available only in greek. The photos I used for the illustration were found in the big world of the internet so they are not mine. If a photo's rights belong to someone please contact me to put a reference or delete it if you wish so.
