Part W – The Alternative List

An evening celebrating some of the incredible women in architecture who've been overlooked by conventional systems of recognition and awards. The Alternative List is the first public campaign by Part W that celebrates women who have consistently been overlooked and unrepresented in architecture.

Since its inception in 1848, the Royal Gold Medal has been awarded to only one woman in her own right, and three husband and wife teams. The Alternative List is intended as a wry awareness-raising campaign, to bring attention to the continual gender imbalance in the way women across the industry are recognised and valued.

The Alternative List ask for nominations for women across the centuries who have, as the Royal Medal requires “made a significant contribution either directly or indirectly to architecture”. The resulting and continually evolving crowd-sourced list sees over a hundred nominations for women who have made incredible contributions to the built environment over the past 171 years, and throughout the world.

One of the London Festival of Architecture’s Core Events, “GOLD:Part W” on 13th June will see 10 guest speakers talk about those they have nominated for the alternative list. This is an opportunity to learn about a range of amazing women, both individuals and collectives.

A diverse range of speakers working in architecture, design, planning, journalism and activism will share their knowledge about the women they have put forward to The Alternative List - in an energetic, open and lively evening 6.30 - 9pm at The Workshop (the old fire station) in Vauxhall.

Part W members include Sarah Wigglesworth, Christine Murray, Dr. Harriet Harriss, Yemi Aladerun, Sarah Castle, Hilary Satchwell, Fiona MacDonald and friends, and members of the collective will be participating in this public event. Part W (CIC) was founded by Zoë Berman and is co-chaired with Alice Brownfield.

The group are working to create a diverse and equitable event. There will be an on-site crèche available for children under 12, places for which can be reserved in advance. The event is being held in an accessible space, food and drink will be on offer and volunteers will be on hand to welcome attendees to this evening of talks.

Part W is a voluntary group. Funding from paid tickets will go towards our campaign work. We also strongly believe in the need to ensure knowledge-sharing, and the need for industry events to be accessible to all. Accordingly half-price concession tickets are available for students, over 65s and those who receive benefits. Tickets are subject to an Eventbrite handling fee.

A percentage of GOLD tickets are being given away to ensure wider access to the event. These tickets are being disseminated through partner organisations who promote access to, and diversity within, the built environment professions. If you are not in a position to pay for a ticket and would like to join us, do not hesitate to get in touch.

The event is organised in support of the London Festival of Architecture’s Elephant Campaign.