Yes, Architect Barbie.
In Barbie’s 50 years, this is the first time she’s explored architecture as a possible career path. Mattel has partnered with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to conduct architecture workshops with Architect Barbie for young girls at the AIA Convention and Design Exposition, which was this past month. Hooray for encouraging girls to become architects!
In addition to spreading the word about a career in architecture, Mattel is also introducing a trade focused design competition for members of the AIA. The challenge is to design Barbie’s new Dream House using guidelines provided direct from Barbie herself (see below). The finalists selected by Mattel and the AIA will have their work displayed online for the public to vote on and choose the winner. It has already started, and the finalists will be announced by the AIA on 7/12/11. The winner, who will be chosen by the public through online voting, will be announced on 8/2. I can’t wait to see the finalists!
In case you were interested, here are the competition guideline highlights, direct from Barbie:
- My Dream House™ should reflect the best sustainable design principles and also be a stylish space that I can live in comfortably.
- A sleek, smart home office is important for any doll. With more than 125 careers, I need a spacious office that can accommodate my hi-tech gadgets for meetings, client visits and presentations.
- I love to entertain so I need living and dining areas that are open and connected allowing for mingling and easy entertaining from one room to the other.
- The kitchen should be functional and fabulous with top-of-the-line appliances — large countertops and lots of space to cook. I also love natural light in my kitchen so windows are critical. I am quite the chef you know!
- As the original “fashionista,” you can imagine how large my closet needs to be! I have unlimited fashions and accessories, so I need lots of shelving, shoe racks and a closet that can be easily organized—getting ready can’t be a chore every day.
- As the ultimate “California girl” from Malibu, I am all about location, location, location! My house must have fantastic views of my fabulous backyard and overlook the ocean.
Architect Barbie comes with a hard hat, blueprints, a small-scale model of the Dream House, a building-themed outfit, and — of course — black-rimmed architect glasses! Unfortunately, if Barbie has ever been on a construction site, she will quickly find out that those heels are a recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, a cute idea. What do you think of Architect Barbie?
Rene R. on 05.25.2011 at 11:44 AM
This doll makes me soooo happy! I am an architect student and this doll really empowers the women in the field. Because lets face it’s still a very male dominated field. It also helps little girls and some boys :) feel like they can do anything be anything. This is fantastic! However, she should be wearing more black hahaha.
Brisbane architect on 05.26.2011 at 07:11 AM
Brilliant, loving the doll & especially loving the Dream House design competition.
Vermont planner on 05.26.2011 at 09:34 AM
This seems to be all about Barbie making a nice home for herself with big closets and a large yard. We won’t expect Barbie to take on climate change, affordable housing or sprawl in her new career.
Christppher on 07.09.2012 at 18:13 PM
Boring…*yawn* Can’t it just be a bit of fun and inspiration?
Femmedia on 05.27.2011 at 14:07 PM
too bad architect barbie would only be able to draft plans while on her hands and knees in real life since her tiny waist cannot physically hold up her torso. But who cares, at least she’s got tons of shoes and accessories!!
Andrea on 05.27.2011 at 20:27 PM
She clearly isn’t an Australian Architect- she is not wearing standard issue BLACK architects uniform
Helene on 05.29.2011 at 04:02 AM
Nice idea, but way too pink, especially the house. I’m an architect, and I would make their day at the building site if I turned up dressed like that!
And what is it with the idea of architects and blueprints, I thought blueprints hadn’t been used for ages, I started working in the beginning of the computer age, and even back then blueprints were old news!
SteveDenver on 06.01.2011 at 02:44 AM
This looks like the “Elle Woods” version of an architect.
Dave on 09.09.2011 at 05:29 AM
An interesting approach, can be very inspirational for several ladies I know who are a bit scared of taking up architecture as a profession, if they looked up at barbie as a role model in their childhood, they may look at architecture differently now!
Jasmin on 09.16.2011 at 17:22 PM
We need such type of events to encourage younger girls to study architecture.Only 30% are female students.I love new barbie dream house plans and the competetion it has received.
More inspirational articles like these are needed ..
syarifah on 09.17.2012 at 09:21 AM
it should be wearing black suit with round eye glasses, short hair cut/ curly hair, maybe without finger tips
Dion on 01.04.2013 at 22:08 PM
Great fun and clever marketing. Good that she wants a sustainable design. It has just made me wonder if Barbie and all her accessories, houses and toys have any recycled plastic in them?