FEMALE GAZE

What role does gender play in design? Can we build cities that are safe for women? Two leading voices in design hope to find the answers

- CAYLEIGH BRIGHT

NTHABI TAUKOBONG

Creatives and artists alike are beyond gender. Our world does not operate within these limitations because we can cross over and tap into whatever energy we need during our creative process, and that is where authentic freedom of design originates. I think a true creative knows how to straddle both sides of the equation regardless of their gender. You cannot categorise people and designers into these boxes only, understanding that we are more concerned with achieving the best creative outcome for our projects.

As in life, we find in design aYin and Yang, dark and light, negative and positive, to the look and feel of what we are creating. What would be easier to relate to in terms of word choice is a masculine or feminine style of design – which, in all essence, is not a bad outlook: when we think of typical masculine energy and style of design, we often tap into its hard elements and qualities. And when we think of a feminine style, we tap into the softer, more nurturing qualities of a goddess.

As a creative, I need to enter into a genderless role, allowing the authentic creative process to work through me. I know that, at any given time, I can tap into the creative parts I need to produce a holistic interior that best suits my client. Male and female design styles can help you to a point, but often you need to delve deeper than that, transcending beyond human limitations. I have found true design harmony can be best achieved when both spheres of energy are balanced.

‘I am all about breaking stereotypes and am in the process of empowering those who feel unfavoured. It is not just a man’s world’