Urban regeneration from a feminist perspective

1. Urban regeneration: some
feminist thoughts
Dr. Jackie Bourke
jackiembourke@gmail.com
@JBPlaytime

2. It is beginning to be
accepted that urban studies,
by ignoring gender divisions,
is neglecting an important
element of urban space.
Linda McDowell 1983
From a theoretical point of view, this is not exactly a new field however it still doesn’t seem to be a
very mainstream discussion. The argument is underpinned by questioning the position of women in
society.

3. “Thus the object of feminist
research should not be
women alone, but rather
the structure of social
relations that contributes to
female oppression…”
McDowell 1983
Bringing a feminist perspective to bare on an analysis of an urban space means understanding gender
difference in a wider context and thinking about how society itself is organised.

4. “I would go to networking
events that were full of guys
who had a way of talking I found
exhausting…”
“You find yourself feeling you
have nothing to say”.
Fiona Scott, Gort Scott Architects
Urbanism seems to be a field which is dominated by men. To be a lone voice can be very challenging
and disempowering.

5. “We do not submit our
projects for awards; instead,
we direct effort at dissolving
professional boundaries…
We challenge the overtime
culture…… which allows
time for personal
development”.
Irena Bauman, Bauman Lyons Architects

6. “We are changing cities
by challenging the prevailing values”.
Irena Bauman, Bauman Lyons Architects
One of the questions is; how different would cities be if women had more influence?

7. Capoeira performance, Smithfield. Public Space in Dublin is generally quite safe for women, especially during the day.

8. The blue line from Heuston to Abbey Street marks the study site. Women walked along here and did a safety audit, identifying
what worked, where problems had arisen and what was perceived as unsafe.

9. Women are often depicted in
public space in one
dimensional sexualized poses
which signals to some men
that sexual harassment is just
a compliment. In fact many
women describe sexually
oriented comments and
gestures as humiliating and
frightening.

12. Frauen Werk Stadt
A scheme built with women’s needs to the
in mind
Vienna, Austria

13. Buildings
shut off from
street
Image from: The
City at Eye-Level

14. Buildings
engaging
with the
street;
primary
school at
street
Image from:
The City at Eye-
Level

15. A feminist city would:
“transcend traditional
definitions of home,
neighbourhood, city and
workplace”.
“What would a non-sexist city be like”? Dolores Hayden
1980