International Union of Women Architects (UIFA) Conference Materials, 1981/2024

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], International Union of Women Architects (UIFA) Conference Materials, Ms2012-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
4 Cubic Feet 3 boxes, 4 oversize folders
Abstract:
The International Union of Women Architects (UIFA) was founded in 1963 by Solange d'Herbez de la Tour. The organization aims to promote women in the profession by increasing the public's awareness of contributions made to the field by women and by creating a network of international colleagues. UIFA encourages the exchange of information through its regular conferences hosted by participating chapters from around the globe.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English and Japanese.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], International Union of Women Architects (UIFA) Conference Materials, Ms2012-001, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains publications and presentation material from UIFA international events beginning with the Second Workshop of UIFA in 1981 and continuing to present day conferences. Newsletters and pamphlets from individual chapters of representing nations (specifically UIFA Japan) are also present.

A significant portion of these materials have been donated by Milka Bliznakov, International Archives of Women in Architecture (IAWA) founder as well as frequent speaker and attendee at UIFA events. Bliznakov used UIFA Congresses as a catalyst for meeting leading woman in the profession and for encouraging participants to donate collections to the IAWA.

Newspaper clippings and journal articles documenting the October 1976 Congress in Iran, with a particular focus on architect Noushin Ehsan. Also included is an article about women architects from 1974 and one on Ehsan and her work from 2002. Materials are in English and Persian.

The website for the join UIFA/IAWA meeting in Blacksburg, Va., can be viewed using the Wayback Machine at the following link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220305171242/http://www.uifa2015.com/

The UIFA Japan Chapter (also known as UIFA JAPON) materials contain a collection of chapter newsletters from 2003-2006. Also present are publications, correspondence with UIFA Japan president Yumiko Higashi, photographs, and exhibition materials from "Houses for Working Women," February 2006.

The exhibition "Houses for Working Women" was presented by the Women Architects and Engineers Association and held in Tokyo from 13 January - 12 February 2006. Exhibitors present in collection include: Noriko Katsumi "How to live in winter weather" and "House with business space;" Masako Yakabe "House for living with grown children" and "House with mother's quarter;"Yumiko Higashi "Ultra-small house" and "Home with a classroom;" Sohu "Small home office;" Hisako Suzuki "Working couple house," "Two generations house with two independent buildings," and "House for three generations;" Masako Hazawa "House using a very small lot" and House with built in furniture."

In late 2010, the International Archive of Women in Architecture partnered with UIFA JAPON to develop a traveling exhibit entitled "For the Future: The Pioneering Women in Architecture." The exhibit, conceived as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the IAWA, featured pioneering architects from Japan and the United States. The exhibit was expanded to memorialized IAWA founder Dr. Milka T. Bliznakov, who passed away in November 2010. Installation of the exhibit was delayed by the Great East Japan earthquake (Friday 11 March 2011). UIFA JAPON members collaborated with the IAWA to display the exhibition at eight venues across the Kanto region of Japan from June 2011 through March 2013. The catalog is printed in Japanese and English.

Materials are comprised of a small selection of UIFA JAPON newsletters from 2003-2006, 2012, and 2024. Issues include nos. 55, 59, 63, 67, 92, 128, and 129. Newsletters are written in Japanese and English.

25th Anniversary issue of chapter publication: "Towards a Society with Equality, Peace, and Beauty"

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1963, by Solange d'Herbez de la Tour, the International Union of Women Architects/Union International des Femmes Architectes (UIFA) aims to make known and promote the Woman Architect; to establish relationships and exchanges between professional women; to collect all information concerning the stature and professional life of these women world-wide; to favor friendship links and solidarity, between all members, without political, racial, or religious discrimination. UIFA also works closely with the International Union of Architects (UIA) and others for the interest of the built environment.

UIFA members range from over 75 different countries.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in multiple accruals from 2001-2015 and in additional undated donations. An addition was made in 2023.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the International Union of Women Architects (UIFA) Conference Materials was completed in January 2012. The 2015 accession and additional items were incorporated prior to 2023. A 2023 addition was incorporated in October 2023.

Arrangement:

The International Union of Women Architects (UIFA) Conference Materials is arranged subject: Series I: International UIFA Events, which is arranged chronologically, and Series II: UIFA Chapters.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard