Gender Neutrality in Public Spaces

Public spaces are highly defined by gender conceptions and traditional power structures. How we engage with public spaces changes intensively depending on our gender. The ideas of space and gender are intrinsically connected. This issue leads to a strong division of the public sphere. While men tend to prefer function and comfort, women lean towards appearance and comfort. The common factor is comfort and that's the key to making a gender-neutral space where there is no feeling of dominance. Moreover, it also leads to discriminatory behaviors towards minority gender. This article describes the requirement to consider the issue of gender in the common spaces to progressively conceive the public sphere following the changing society we live in. By properly understanding the preferences of the vast spectrum of genders we can begin to achieve a more neutral and less of a gender bias environment that encourages equality. Analyzing the problems faced by different genders in a public space through online surveys and interviews with renowned architects will help us formulate the best-required solutions that would help eradicate gender misconceptions while designing a public space. Avenues for future research are identified to explore gendered practices that hinder the development of women and the LGBTQ community in the society.