“Barbie has been a doctor, a dentist, a vet and a racecar driver, but now the iconic doll that has inspired and entertained little girls for generations takes on the job of architect. With the help of two American Institute of Architects members, Mattel Inc., has announced plans for Architect Barbie — complete with hard hat and blueprints — to be the latest addition to its ‘’Barbie I Can Be…’’ line of dolls.” Full Architect Barbie article
I just returned from the American Toy Fair in New York last week and I heard that Mattel will be coming out with Architect Barbie this Summer. I am encouraged that two AIA architects collaborated on this idea. However, I do think that encouraging young girls to play with blocks, to get a sense of the thrill of designing and constructing their own buildings, would be the direction to go in if we want to see more woman enter this challenging field. Block building enhances children’s spatial abilities, a sense of aesthetics, planning skills, and the experience of working cooperatively- all basic skills for a budding architect.
A picture of Architect Barbie
I like it.
I would delete “However” as it suggests a contradiction from the previous statement of being “encouraged that two AIA Architects collaborated on this idea…” Rather than saying “However” I would capitalize on how Barbie Architect can assist in catapulting women into becoming leaders in the field of Architecture by using the most basic & useful tool in understanding Architecture – building blocks! Mattel – why does Barbie not have a set of building blocks as part of her basic tool pack?
Thanks Kirsten for your helpful comments. My “however” does point to my conviction that young children’s block play over time can be an important influence on their future interest in architecture or, at least enhance their mathematical thinking and physical knowledge. It is an interesting question that might involve some research. Do some kinds of toys have a powerful influence on career choices? What is the relative influence of toys that present role models (Architect Barbie) versus toys (blocks) that help develop skills and concepts.
I am interested in how the children will react to this new Barbie. Will they be able to construct their own blueprints for buildings? Or will they simply change Barbie’s outfit and become uninterested in the architectural aspect of the toy? Is it empowering for young girls to see this iconic beauty figure as an intellectual as well? I am somewhat torn on the subject. Although I think that women should feel beautiful in all areas of work and life, I am concerned that making Barbie the physical manifestation of a female architect will send girls a contradictory message. You must be beautiful if you want to be a professional, intellectual, or scholar. Having a strong mind is not enough. You can solely be beautiful, but you cannot only be smart. This message permeates all Barbie dolls, but I think it is less of a double-standard when girls are simply playing “fashion” and “dress up.”
However, I do not want to take away from the progression of the doll. I think it is wonderful that she has different and powerful characters for girls to choose from. But, are the girls actually acting out the characters? Or are they letting Barbie play the character and only changing her clothes? Just something to consider. I definitely think that the architect Barbie should have construction-type toys (blocks!), and maybe some projects that the girls (and boys!) to create/complete.
I just found this link when googling “Architect Barbie.” It is interesting to see the change in outfit. The doll wearing pants was denied, whereas the doll with a short dress was accepted.
http://www.uminnpressblog.com/2010/04/architect-barbie-may-have-lost-but.html
Blocks rule… and so do books, but until the gender bias is removed from toys, and parents and grandparents stop pushing pink, feminine, “gender appropriate” gifts, I think Architect Barbie is a great idea! If it plants seeds of design thinking/problem solving/alternative world experience… even deciding what to wear to the construction site vs the city planning meeting vs the gala grand opening… is way better than simply what to wear to whatever social event.
I wish I had blocks, I buy them now for myself. I had to make do with dominos and checkers to build as a child, blocks were for boys. Maybe you could make pink blocks to get them in the hands of little girls as gifts… little pink houses?
I question whether ‘girly-fy-ing’ what might be considered within this patriarchal order of society ‘masculine’ toys will make a career in the construction industry more appealing to girls. I used to play with Lego for hours on end, and one could argue that this shaped my interest and subsequent career in Architecture. Indeed, my romantic side would like to think it did. However, I have many friends and siblings who would play with Lego and did not pursue a career in the industry. For one, toys that were heavily discussed amongst my 7 year old girly friends in the playground were all about image; the latest Barbie that could fly; the newest cabbage patch doll that could change its own nappy whilst cooking a three course meal. Without stating the obvious, it’s clearly the image of the toy that renders it successful. If building blocks could be marketed correctly to be ‘cool’ and girly, then fabulous. However, there is one massive jump between childhood and adulthood we seem to be forgetting; the teenager. I think this is the age we need to address in making the industry more appealing, and I think feminist approaches are tiresome and somewhat outdate. Let celebrate the female and her ways! E
I did not know that there was an Architect Barbie coming out. I think the career choice is very cool (and the comments left above were insightful, thank you!)
I was excited when they recently came out with the Computer Engineer Barbie (I appreciated the job there, also the practical shoes… thought I was utterly baffled by the inclusion of a watch in her ensemble when she’s got a smart phone right there to tell her the time. ~shrug~).
When I was a child, I loved Legos and Lincoln logs. I even had a build your own radio kit and would’ve adored things like K’Nex.
However, I got other, less interesting gifts; my little pony, Cabbage Patch kids, the Barbie dreamhouse… which I disassembled and turned into a multi-level parking garage and stable.
Was anyone else as disappointed as me that Barbie was 3″ taller than G.I.Joe? They always had to take her car when they went on dates, because she couldn’t fit into his jeep.
When I was a little girl, I asked for Legos all the time. I LOVED to build things. My well-meaning but clearly unobservant Unlce bought me Legos — with which you constructed a kitchen and most of the pieces were appliances. I promptly popped the head off the mother and shoved it in the oven a la Sylvia Plath. I wanted to build BUILDINGS not kitchens but I was a girl so apparently my interests must lie in the domestic arena.