"Women in Architecture" at Harvard University

Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the student organisation Womxn In Design hosted a special evening on March 12, 2025: the presentation of the second part of Sky-Frame's film series "Women in Architecture." The film portrays visionary architects Dorte Mandrup and Tosin Oshinowo on their architectural journey between Lagos and Copenhagen—from the Equator to the Arctic Circle.

The documentary makes an important statement in an industry where inequality persists: while more women than men study architecture, decision-makers remain predominantly male. With this film series, Sky-Frame deliberately sets a counterpoint and provides a platform for female voices who are redefining the built environment across continents.

Between North and South: Architecture Across Boundaries

The film follows the two renowned architects in their respective spheres of influence—Oshinowo in Nigeria and Mandrup in Denmark. The impressive contrast between their working environments, from the heat of Africa to the Nordic cold, powerfully demonstrates how different climatic, cultural, and social conditions shape architectural practice. Despite these differences, both architects are united by their commitment to challenging existing conventions and breaking new ground in architecture. The film illustrates how they develop innovative solutions in their respective contexts that are aesthetically appealing, functional, and sustainable.

High-Profile Panel Discussion at Harvard GSD

Following the screening, renowned architect Toshiko Mori moderated an inspiring panel discussion. The discussion panel brought together the film's protagonists, Tosin Oshinowo and Dorte Mandrup, with director Boris Noir, ArchDaily founder David Basulto, and Andrea Zürcher, CMO of Sky-Frame. The discussion illuminated not only the transformative power of architecture and the diversity of design but also offered insights into the challenges and successes of female architects in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The exchange between the international experts enabled a multi-layered examination of the current architectural landscape and its future perspectives.

Sky-Frame's Commitment to Diversity and Innovation

With the "Women in Architecture" film series, Sky-Frame underscores its commitment to diversity and innovation in architecture. As a leading manufacturer of frameless sliding window systems, the company's philosophy is to overcome boundaries—both in architectural design and in social contexts. The event at Harvard University Graduate School of Design provided a forum for professional exchange and helped emphasise women's important role in architecture and inspire young talent. The strong response from the student audience confirmed the growing interest in more diverse and inclusive perspectives in the field of architecture.

The event was organised by Womxn In Design, a student-run organisation committed to advancing gender equity in and through design. This underscores the importance of such initiatives for the next generation of architects. Sky-Frame will continue to support such platforms to promote and enrich the discourse on architecture, design, and social responsibility.