International Archive of Women Architects (IAWA) 40th Anniversary

The IAWA Center hosted a wonderful symposium this past week celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the archive by Professor Milka Bliznakov, in a joint effort with the University Libraries. Spanning three days, the symposium brought together, in hybrid format, an international group of researchers, board advisors and practicing architects representing all six continents to explore, share and discuss the historical impact, the present roles, and the future potential of networks, responding to the call: "Building Connections: networks past, present, future."  

The events included round tables and paper sessions under the following topics: Networks in Action; Publications as Networks; Building Connections through Organizations; Network Builders; and Building Networks through the Archive, The Milka Bliznakov Research Prize. The keynote was delivered by RISD Professor Emerita and Boston practicing architect Hansy Better Barraza titled: On Connections and the Collective Commons: Reclaiming Women’s Authorship in the Built Environment." 

Additional events included: a preview of the digital immersive exhibit "40x40," designed and curated by Paola Zellner Bassett and Elizabeth Gray, in collaboration with Nicholas Polys, Ben Sandbrook and music by Charles Nichols, which will be on show at the European Cultural Center in Venice throughout the duration of the 2025 Venice Biennale; an exhibit in Newman Library of selected artifacts from the IAWA collections curated by archivist Jade Snelling, on show through May; the  beautiful exhibit  "1x1 UIFA Japon" in The Lobby, Cowgill Hall, showing a recent collection of original artifacts authored by 46 women from Japan born during the first half of the 20th century. The opening reception and shared social events allowed for lively conversations and rich exchanges, which culminated with the IAWA's Annual Meeting of the Board of Advisors envisioning the future direction of the IAWA.