The Spatial Impacts of the Gender Binary
Architecture
M.Arch
The Spatial Impacts of the Gender Binary
Or
Into the Gender Maze
My M.Arch dissertation focussed on the impacts that the gender binary has on the design of spaces.
The front cover of my dissertation
Abstract
The gender binary is so intrinsic to modern society that most people don't question its existence. Stepping outside the binary, exploring your gender, is like entering a dark, lonely maze.
From looking at current state of trans recognition in the UK, my dissertation investigated the effect of the gender binary on public space, before examining existing nonbinary approaches to spatial design. Interweaved with, and informing, the research is writing about my own experience navigating life as a nonbinary person in the UK. The findings of this investigation were used to propose an alternative method of nonbinary spatial design.
In my dissertation, the maze was used as a metaphor for the experience of exploring your gender, and the experience of learning about nonbinary genders. A journey where you can’t see what is ahead of you, or where the path leads, something that is at times both terrifying and revelatory. This metaphor was inspired by my own experience of this exploration, and the musings on this are woven through the piece alongside the analytical essay chapters.
Created as part of this investigation, the Matrix image shown here was the result of my experimenting with different visual ways to show gender, especially gender expression, to show more than just the binary of man and women. Instead the matrix shows masculine and feminine along one axis, with the other stretching between strongly gendered and non-gendered/agender. Within these axes are plotted various forms of clothing, accessories and forms of gender expression. The placement of these is based on my personal opinions as have been formed through my exploration of gender.
In the dissertation, this diagram was used to plot on outfits to see where they fell within the spectrum. By plotting multiple outfits on the same diagram, it was possible to get an idea of a person’s preferred form of expression and how masculine/feminine/gendered this was. This investigation finished by plotting myself onto the matrix, and discovering which forms of gender expression made me feel the best.
The Matrix
The investigation into the spatial impacts of the gender binary found that less sharp corners and hard lines, with less solid walls and softer shapes are key to help marginalised genders feel safer when moving around spaces. The combination of these changes allows for more open space, and greater sight lines for those using the space. To test these findings, I designed a new maze, applying these changes as much as possible during its development. This development and final result can be seen below.
Sketches developing the method to apply the findings to the maze.
The final result of applying the findings to the maze.
M.Arch
Exploration Marshland
Huddersfield Transport Hub