Women have been shaping the built environment for centuries, but their contributions have often been overlooked. BUONE NUOVE: Women Architects of Change, an internationally recognized exhibition, is setting the record straight. Hosted by UQAM’s Centre de design from February 13 to April 6, 2025, this exhibition traces the profound impact of women in architecture, both past and present. Originally launched at MAXXI in Rome, the exhibition has toured cities worldwide before making its way to Montreal, where it now includes a unique Quebec-focused component.
A Global Perspective on Women in Architecture
The exhibition is structured into four sections, each shedding light on different aspects of women’s architectural contributions. The Stories of Italian Architects segment explores the work of 21 pioneering Italian women, including Lina Bo Bardi and Gae Aulenti, who reshaped architecture and design through their innovative approaches. Their contributions span from the early 20th century to contemporary practices, with displays of sketches, drawings, videos, and documents offering insight into their creative processes.
Beyond individual achievements, BUONE NUOVE also examines collective efforts. Practices in Italy presents the work of six globally influential architects, such as Zaha Hadid, Liz Diller, and Kazuyo Sejima, whose projects in Italy have left a lasting imprint. Through interviews and multimedia content, the exhibition also highlights how women have influenced architecture through activism, writing, curation, and education.
Highlighting Quebec’s Women Architects
While BUONE NUOVE has already made stops in Stockholm, Doha, New Delhi, Berlin, and Toronto, its Montreal edition introduces a new Quebec-focused section. This segment showcases 16 leading Quebec women architects, including Manon Asselin, Anne Carrier, and Kim Pariseau, each represented by a significant project. This addition broadens the exhibition’s scope, ensuring that local talent and achievements are recognized alongside global contributions.
Quebec’s inclusion aligns with a broader goal: to inspire the next generation of architects. The exhibition doesn’t just focus on historical milestones; it also presents architecture as a field continuously shaped by diverse voices. This is reinforced by a historical timeline that maps women’s contributions to architecture over the past century, placing them within the context of key socio-political events.
Beyond the Exhibition: Public Engagement and Events
To make the experience more interactive, BUONE NUOVE invites visitors to participate in a postcard initiative. This project encourages the public to submit images and texts honoring women architects, which will be displayed within the exhibition. It’s an opportunity for visitors to actively contribute to the narrative.
In addition to its regular programming, the exhibition will host a special event for Nuit Blanche on March 1, 2025. This nighttime event, running from 6 p.m. to midnight, will include a free hands-on workshop designed to engage architecture enthusiasts in a creative and informal setting.
With free admission and guided tours available, BUONE NUOVE offers an accessible and thought-provoking look at women’s evolving role in architecture. Whether you’re an industry professional, a student, or simply curious about design, this exhibition provides an essential perspective on how women have shaped—and continue to shape—the spaces we inhabit.
Exhibition Program
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibition Opening | February 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM | UQAM Centre de Design | Free admission |
| Vernissage | February 12, 2025 | 6:00 PM | UQAM Centre de Design | Public opening event |
| Nuit Blanche Workshop | March 1, 2025 | 6:00 PM – Midnight | UQAM Centre de Design | Free participation |
| Exhibition Closing | April 6, 2025 | 6:00 PM | UQAM Centre de Design | Last day of the show |
| Guided Tours | By Reservation | Varies | UQAM Centre de Design | Free, booking required via centre.design@uqam.ca |
For more information, visit centrededesign.com.
