divia award 2023

Making women in architecture visible—that is the goal of Diversity in Architecture e. V. (DIVIA). Celebrating its debut in 2023, its international award for women architects and urban planners aims to help achieve this goal. Following the announcement of 27 nominees, selected by an international Advisory Board with experts form the six continents, a high-profile jury has chosen the five finalists: May al-Ibrashy, Marta Maccaglia, Noella Nibakuze, Katherine Clarke & Liza Fior and Tosin Oshinowo. Each of them is a pioneer in her field and an embodiment of DIVIA’s philosophy, inspired by trailblazing architect Lina Bo Bardi that “architecture is a social discipline.” This catalogue retraces their paths and portrays their work. In conversation with them we learn about what drives them, the obstacles they have face(d) along the way, and the opportunities that lie in female leadership. This publication is a tribute to their cultural engagement, ethics, and deep sense of community— it is a recognition of their efforts to create environments that positively affect others and celebrates them as role models for the next generation of female architects. DIVIA—DIVERSITY IN ARCHITECTURE E. V. was founded by Ursula Schwitalla and Christiane Fath in 2021. The platform’s aim is to increase the visibility of women in architecture and urban planning and to promote equality.