Wikipedia Edit-a-thon: Women in Architecture

Photograph by David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York

In conjunction with Archtober and New York Archives Week, the Guggenheim will host its third Wikipedia edit-a-thon—or, #guggathon—to enhance articles related to women in architecture on Wikipedia, the world’s largest source of free knowledge. The day will begin at noon with a presentation by Arielle Assouline-Lichten and Caroline James, the Harvard Graduate School of Design students behind the petition to award Denise Scott Brown the 1991 Pritzker Architecture Prize. The petition to recognize Denise Scott Brown for the 1991 Pritzker Architecture Prize sparked anew the discussion of inclusion and fairness in architecture. Begun as a grassroots campaign for one individual, the petition transformed through the power of networks and social media to address larger concerns in architecture, which relate in particular to women and minorities. Arielle and Caroline will speak about the origins of the petition in reference to their personal histories as well as the changes related to parity in architecture that are currently underway. At 2 pm, a panel discussion moderated by Mary McLeod, Professor of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, and Victoria Rosner, Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Adjunct Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Columbia University, will explore the work of pioneering women in American architecture. Their research was facilitated by the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation which, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts grant, created an online archive profiling important but neglected American women architects of the early 20th century. Professors McLeod and Rosner will consider both why the contributions of women in American architecture have been overlooked and how documenting their histories can both support new approaches to architectural history and help to change the conversation about American architecture. Panelists include Gabrielle Esperdy, architectural historian and associate professor of architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Anat Falbel, architecture historian and research collaborator, State University of Campinas, Brazil; Dolores Hayden, Professor of Architecture, Urbanism, and American Studies, Yale University; Despina Stratigakos, Interim Chair and associate professor, Department of Architecture, University at Buffalo, State University of New York; and Roberta Washington, Principal, Roberta Washington Architects. Programs will be streamed live via Periscope. Lunch will be offered to those planning to attend both programs. Wikipedia editing will follow beginning at 3:30 pm until 8 pm. The editing session will be joined by ArchiteXX, the founders of WikiD: Women Wikipedia Design, the international education and advocacy program working to increase the number of Wikipedia articles on women in architecture and the built environment. New and experienced editors are welcome. The event will include a training session for participants who are new to Wikipedia and Wikipedia specialists will be on hand to provide basic instruction and editing support. In the evening, Wikipedia editors will also be invited to take an architectural tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum led by Guggenheim associate director Megan Chusid, AIA. First come, first served. All events are free. Participants should enter at the 89th Street entrance at the museum to access the Sackler Center and bring their own laptops and power cords. Not in New York? Participate remotely and follow #guggathon on Twitter for updates. Read about past Wikipedia edit-a-thons on our blog. Presented in association with Archtober, Architecture and Design Month New York City, October 2015. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum