Susana Torre's House of Meanings (1970–1972) Proposes Feminist Architecture Through Open-Ended Matrix
Between 1970 and 1972, Susana Torre, an architect born in Argentina, initiated the House of Meanings project, which critiques the functionalist designs and the Beecher's house model that marginalized women. The design incorporates an open-ended arrangement of parallel walls, forming a three-dimensional grid of three to four meters that fosters interconnected communal areas and private modules. Engaging with feminist culture, Torre's architecture reflects women's societal roles. After studying at Columbia University, she moved to the U.S. during Argentina's Dirty War. The concept was partially executed in two projects for female clients in Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo, designed to accommodate extended families while challenging traditional suburban zoning by blurring spatial boundaries.
Key facts
- Susana Torre is an Argentine-born architect working primarily in the United States
- House of Meanings was developed as a theoretical project from 1970 to 1972
- The design features an open-ended matrix of parallel walls with modular additions
- Torre critiques functionalist domestic layouts, modern open plans, and Beecher's house prototype
- Two specific projects were developed from the theory: one in Puerto Rico and one in Santo Domingo
- Torre studied at Columbia University and settled in the US during Argentina's Dirty War
- The design eliminates corridors and entrances to erase hierarchy between movement and dwelling spaces
- Torre's practice consistently engages with feminist culture and women's roles in architecture
Entities
Artists
- Susana Torre
Institutions
- Columbia University
- Heresies: A Feminist Publication on Art & Politics
- Smithsonian Institute Press
- Burning Farm
Locations
- Argentina
- United States
- Puerto Rico
- Santo Domingo