At the beginning of the 20th century, a new model of women was born in the western society defined by their incorporation to cultural sectors and professional work, that was previously exclusive to men. Travelling companions in the forefront, both generous and enthusiastic, these women pioneers of architecture began to appear, coinciding with women’s access to further education, or what we could call to the places of learning. Women like, Eileen Gray from Ireland, Aino Maarsio Aalto (Finnish), Margaret McDonald Mackintosh (Scottish), Allison Smithson (English), Charlotte Perriand (French) and Ray Eames (North American) made their mark. In addition women who worked in the field also  became known due to their association with their companions: Jean Badovicci, Alvar Aalto, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Peter Smithson, Le Corbusier and Charles Eames.

 

Others such as Maïja Isola, Lily Reich and Marianne Brandt, belonging to the Bauhaus, as well as Margaret Kropoholler Staal,

Grethe Meyer, Nana Ditzel and Grethe Schütte-Lihotzy, worked independently but never reached the same recognition.

 

In Spain, 71 years and several generations of women have gone by since Matilde Ucelay, our first woman architect, who completed her studies in 1936 until the present day. Today we can say that the active evolution of professional women is perhaps, 

the most important parameter for the modern times of the 20^th century.

 

In the year 2007, the Higher Technical School of Architecture in Madrid had as many or more female students  enrolled as men in first year studies. An increase in of women´s involvement in the wonderful task of building has also been reflected in past years. According to information cited by the Architects´ Council of Spain, women make up 20% of the general group of architects in Spain. Although, this is still a small percentage, it is a significant one.