Professor Lynne Jack, Interim Director of the Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction at Heriot-Watt University Dubai and Associate Principal, International Research, Heriot Watt University provides an educationists’ and an academic’s perspective on designing physical spaces that are inclusive, safe, and sustainable for all users.

• How does the design of a built space change with the gender of the designer?  

A built space is shaped by several factors, including environmental, social, cultural, and economic influences. Gender is only part of the equation when designing a built space; however, it can be a significant factor. 

A designer’s perspective reflects on the built environment; how each designer imagines a space is influenced by the above factors, and gender is a key part. No two individuals perceive a physical environment in the same way, and as designers/architects, a lot of individuality comes through design. For instance, designers should consider the needs and experiences of diverse groups of people, including women, children, and the elderly, in their design decisions. Although there is no conclusive research on the role of a designer’s gender in designing a built space, it is evident that individual personalities affect our design perceptions. 

• What does a gender-neutral approach to the built environment mean?

Designing physical spaces that are inclusive, safe, and sustainable for all users, regardless of their gender, identity, or background, is imperative. It is crucial to recognise that the built environment is not neutral and can reflect societal norms, including gender-based inequalities, which need to be removed. A gender-neutral approach emphasises the importance of representation, empowerment, and inclusivity, ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are incorporated in the design and planning of physical spaces. Prioritising gender equity and inclusivity in design can help create supportive spaces for all individuals, including women and people with disabilities. 

• As the management and use of a building/ infrastructure turn towards renovation/ retrofit to increase efficiency, can the input of women be invaluable?

One of the key opportunities with renovation and retrofitting is that of increasing energy efficiency of the built space. Looking at the role of gender on this particular subject, there aren’t any local studies that can be quoted; however, women certainly provide valuable and unique perspectives to supporting a sustainable built environment. And there needs to be more women representation in the sector. The International Energy Agency (IEA) states that despite making up 39 per cent of the global labour force, women only account for 16% of the traditional energy sector. For management levels, the numbers are even lower. The barriers women face in the energy sector are similar to those they face elsewhere in the economy. IEA also states that the energy sector's challenges are more pressing since the sector is going through a transformation process. For example, clean energy transitions will require adopting innovative solutions and business models and greater participation from a diverse talent pool.

• How can efforts to decarbonise the construction industry and shift towards more sustainable, circular and local materials supply chains be more inclusive towards women?

The most crucial step is to provide equal opportunities for women to enter and advance in the industry. This can be facilitated by promoting equal access to education, mentorship, and training. There is an unconscious bias when referring to certain educational paths – some fields are seen as more suited to males and some for females. And this has hampered the accumulation of a diverse talent pool. Efforts by educationists and industry representatives are crucial to demonstrate equality in fields such as construction and others related to the built environment. It is also important to foster a culture of inclusion in the workplace that supports women and encourages their participation in all aspects of the industry. For example, women need to have equal access to leadership positions and should have representation in management roles and boardrooms. The physical environment also needs to be inclusive, and construction organisations have a major role in ensuring that. There is also a dire need to address gender biases in the industry, such as stereotypes that women are not as physically strong or capable as men, through training programs and awareness campaigns. 

• What can women do within the built environment sector?

Unconscious bias and hostile environments hinder women’s representation in construction and the built environment. However, by removing cultural biases, effecting mindset shifts, and offering the right support, women can thrive in the sector and remain an integral part of the industry. 

• How have you deployed education as a medium to close the gender gap in the built industry?

At Heriot-Watt University Dubai, we reach out to students before they begin their University journey to introduce them to various subjects related to the built environment, STEM and others. We reach out to school students to showcase future career opportunities to help them make informed decisions. While at the university, we expose them to workshops, activities, and programmes that can provide equal opportunities and experiences to both male and female candidates. As an educational institution, we constantly work towards inspiring students to take up any career path they set their minds to and ensure that no one is restricted within a role due to their gender.