Earth, Women and Know-how
Villefontaine, France, 2022
Organizers: Les Grands Ateliers, ASTerre, CRAterre and Misereor.
Led by: Isabella BREDA, artist; Natsuko UCHINO, ceramicist, Kinya MARUYAMA, architect, Becky LITTLE, artisane; Olivia SCHNEIDER, artisane; Alison HILTON, artisane; Emmanuelle DIGUERHER, maçonne.
Objectives: Tackle the issue of women's underrepresentation in the construction sector while also highlighting the diverse applications of earth as a construction material.
"Terre, Femmes et Savoir-faire" is an annual event held under the auspices of the UNESCO Chair in Earth Architecture, Constructive Cultures, and Sustainable Development, as well as the National School of Architecture of Grenoble. The event is dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the construction industry while simultaneously celebrating the versatility of earth as a building material. This dual focus is in line with the pressing challenges of our era, particularly those arising from the Anthropocene era, where human activities profoundly impact terrestrial ecosystems. It prompts a reevaluation of our relationship with the Earth, all living beings, and particularly women, who have historically been overlooked. By spotlighting the role of women in construction and sustainable building practices, the event aims to offer a fresh perspective on a sector traditionally dominated by men.
The third edition, entitled "La Force des Liens” (the power of bonds), featured a week-long practical workshop interspersed with exchanges and culminated in the conference "Caring for the Habitability Conditions of the Earth," led by the French philosopher Chris YOUNÈS.
The workshop fostered an exceptionally friendly atmosphere, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and skills with great generosity and kindness. Participants had the opportunity to experiment with earth, fibers, and bamboo, resulting in the creation of diverse artistic works.
