By Sayli Mohite
As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the architectural field is undergoing a transformative shift. Women architects are leading this change with innovative designs that significantly reduce environmental impact while enhancing sustainability and resilience. From biophilic skyscrapers to cutting-edge net-zero energy buildings, here are ten standout projects showcasing how women-led architectural efforts are advancing the fight against climate change and paving the way toward a more sustainable future.
1. Jeanne Gang: Aqua Tower
Biophilic design incorporates natural elements into architectural spaces, fostering a deeper connection between humans and nature. Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang, is renowned for her Aqua Tower project in Chicago. The building’s undulating balconies mimic natural forms, evoking waves and rock formations while providing residents with outdoor spaces, natural light and stunning views. This design reduces the need for artificial lighting and enhances wellbeing by integrating nature into the urban environment. Aqua Tower’s green roof and rainwater collection systems further contribute to its sustainability, establishing it as a model of eco-friendly urban living.
2. Liz Diller: High Line
Rather than demolishing old structures, adaptive reuse focuses on repurposing existing buildings for new functions. Liz Diller of Diller Scofidio + Renfro transformed New York City’s High Lane from an abandoned railway into a vibrant, elevated urban park. This project preserved historical infrastructure while creating a green space that enhances urban biodiversity and mitigates the heat island effect. By incorporating native plant species, the High Line provides a habitat for local wildlife and offers a green oasis within the dense cityscape, demonstrating how urban regeneration can be achieved sustainably.
3. Anna Heringer + Eike Roswag: METI Handmade School
Women architects are championing the use of sustainable materials. Anna Heringer, along with Eike Roswag, designed the METI Handmade School in Bangladesh using locally sourced mud and bamboo. This approach not only supports local economies but also showcases the potential of natural materials to create durable, sustainable buildings. The school’s design emphasizes low-tech, low-cost construction methods that empower local communities and reduce the environmental impact. By utilising these materials, Heringer demonstrates that sustainability can be achieved through the innovative use of traditional building techniques.
4. Zaha Hadid: Galaxy SOHO
Net-zero energy buildings generate as much energy as they consume. Designed by the legendary late Zaha Hadid, the Galaxy SOHO in Beijing exemplifies this principle. The complex uses innovative energy-saving technologies, including a high-performance facade system, efficient HVAC systems and extensive natural ventilation and daylighting. These features enable significant energy reductions, showcasing how modern office buildings can be both functional and environmentally responsible. Additionally, the project integrates rainwater harvesting and green roofs, enhancing its sustainability credentials.
5. Rossana Hu: Gridded Taipei Apartment Block
Rossana Hu, co-founder of Neri&Hu, designed the Gridded Taipei Apartment Block in Taipei, Taiwan, blending modern design with cultural heritage and sustainability. The building’s facade features arched screens that provide both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. These screens reduce solar heat gain, lowering cooling costs and enhancing energy efficiency, while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. They also improve natural airflow, reducing the need for air conditioning and improving indoor air quality. By incorporating traditional Taiwanese motifs, the design uses local materials and techniques to reduce the carbon footprint and harmonise with the urban context. The durable, sustainable materials used in the screens ensure long-term functionality and minimal ecological impact. Additionally, the project includes green elements such as rooftop gardens and rainwater management systems, enhancing urban biodiversity and bolstering the building’s environmental resilience.
6. Kate Orff: Living Breakwaters
Green roofs and urban farms not only provide insulation and reduce stormwater runoff but also create valuable urban green spaces. Kate Orff of SCAPE designed the Living Breakwaters project in Staten Island, New York, incorporating reef-like structures that promote marine biodiversity, reduce coastal erosion and provide educational opportunities about urban ecology. The breakwaters are specifically designed to dissipate wave energy, protecting shorelines while creating habitats for marine life. This innovative approach to coastal resilience highlights the potential for integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to address climate change.
7. Yasmeen Lari: Pakistan Chulah
Smart technology enhances building efficiency by optimizing energy use, water consumption and waste management. Yasmeen Lari’s Pakistan Chulah project incorporates smart design elements to create low-cost, fuel-efficient stoves that improve air quality and reduce deforestation in rural communities. These stoves utilise agricultural waste as fuel, reducing reliance on wood and minimising the environmental impact of traditional cooking methods. Lari’s project also integrates rainwater harvesting and solar energy solutions, demonstrating how smart, sustainable technology can transform rural living conditions and promote environmental sustainability.
8. Mariam Issoufou: Niamey 2000 housing project
Sustainable architecture goes beyond individual buildings—it’s about fostering strong communities. Architect Mariam Issoufou, as part of the united4design collective, collaborated on the Niamey 2000 housing project in Niger, emphasizing community-centered design that encourages social interaction and adaptability. The project actively involves local communities in the design process and prioritizes shared public spaces. By using locally sourced materials and traditional building techniques, Niamey 2000 ensures cultural relevance and environmental sustainability. Through this approach, Mariam and united4design have created spaces that strengthen social cohesion and resilience.
9. Nathalie de Vries: Tianjin Binhai Library
Water conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable architecture. Nathalie de Vries of MVRDV designed the Tianjin Binhai Library in China, featuring rainwater harvesting systems and efficient irrigation for its green spaces to ensure sustainable water management in an urban setting. The library’s innovative design includes a large atrium with a spherical auditorium, which optimizes natural light and ventilation. Its water management systems reduce reliance on municipal water supplies, showcasing how thoughtful architectural design can contribute to urban sustainability.
10. Frida Escobedo: Serpentine Pavilion
Integrating renewable energy sources into architectural designs is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Frida Escobedo’s design for the Serpentine Pavilion in London incorporates solar panels and other renewable energy technologies, showcasing the potential for integrating sustainable energy solutions into contemporary architecture. The pavilion’s design also utilises reflective and permeable surfaces to enhance natural cooling and ventilation. By seamlessly combining renewable energy and passive design principles, Escobedo’s work exemplifies the future of sustainable, energy-efficient architecture.
This article is part of our newest Climate Change series, Women for Climate. To read more inspiring stories of everyday women making a real difference in the world, be sure to check out the latest edition of Wempower magazine, or listen to our podcast.
