The Barbie Blueprint
The 2023 summer blockbuster The Barbie Movie reignited discussions about Barbie’s role in society and how she’s evolved over the years. While the movie had a somewhat heavy tone, the doll herself serves as a point of play, imagination, and inspiration to young girls. After watching the film with my husband, two thoughts came to mind: "Was the person who designed the set a Barbie or a Ken?" and, most intriguing, "Can Barbie be an architect?"
Reflecting on my childhood, I realized that Barbie never occupied the role of an architect in my playtime adventures. It's been a few decades since I last played with Barbies (not to age myself), but I can still recall the central themes of her many roles. From horseback riding, teaching, battling with G.I. Joe, and hosting get-togethers at her Dreamhouse. Architecture wasn’t part of her skill set.
My interest in architecture came from growing up in Columbus, Indiana, and playing with toys like K’NEXs, Lincoln Logs, and video games like The Sims. Going to the city library and drawing were big components of my playtime and imagination, and luckily still is. But as I reflect on my pathway to architecture, Barbie was never in the picture. This led me to wonder: "Did Barbie need to be an architect for girls to aspire to become one?"
Over the years, Mattel has carefully shaped Barbie’s career abilities to reflect the evolving roles of women in society. Their “I Can Be…” series introduced various professional Barbies such as, Mars Astronaut, Rock Star Barbie, Doctor Barbie, SeaWorld Trainer Barbie and President Barbie; all aiming to inspire girls by showing them that they could take on diverse, traditionally male-dominated careers. In 2011, Mattel introduced Architect Barbie at the AIA National Convention in New Orleans.
Amid booths showcasing new building materials, services, and cutting-edge architectural technologies, Mattel’s pink and white display was a bold contrast, featuring Barbie in a blueprint-print dress, rectangular black glasses, a pink document tube, and a white hard hat. While some might have found her attire—a mix of high-heeled booties and architectural motifs—charming, many female architects saw this portrayal as a missed opportunity. To them, Architect Barbie’s over stylized femininity didn’t align with the practical reality of the profession, which often requires hard hats and boots more suited for construction sites than the catwalk. After seeing Architect Barbie it made me think; “Are we allowed to wear pink?”, but then I remembered, this Barbie wasn’t for an adult, professional me. It was for little Morgan, and young girls like my childhood self. This barbie was for girls who believed and dared to be bold, and follow their self evident truths.
Architect Barbie symbolizes the power of imagination and the breaking of career boundaries. In fact, Barbie has always been a cultural icon representing evolving social expectations, and her foray into architecture reflects broader conversations about women’s representation in this field. Susan Rogers, in Places Journal, emphasizes “that while Barbie may not directly inspire girls to become architects, she plays an important role in broadening their imagination of what’s possible.”
Zaha Hadid, one of the most iconic architects of the 21st century, never had an Architect Barbie to guide her. Instead, she was influenced by the grand spaces she experienced growing up. For Hadid, the world itself was an inspiration. The question remains: Do young girls need to see a doll in an architect’s role to believe they can become one? While not necessary for everyone, it’s a tool that opens up doors of possibility and dialogue.
Interestingly, The Barbie Movie itself sparked conversations about architecture through its set design. Designed by Sarah Greenwood, the film’s set design is a vibrant blend of nostalgic and surreal elements, drawing inspiration from mid-century modern architecture, particularly the retro vibe of Palm Springs. Greenwood’s vision for Barbieland was a hyperreal, candy-colored dreamscape—a playful yet exaggerated world where form and function were secondary to fun and fantasy. The design has reignited interest in how architecture intersects with pop culture, prompting architects to reconsider the playful aspects of design and the cultural impact of spaces.
Yet, Barbie’s cultural legacy, whether through her roles or the film’s imaginative sets, underscores the importance of visibility in shaping aspirations. In an industry that remains largely male-dominated, Barbie’s portrayal as an architect—though imperfect—offers a symbol of progress. It sparks conversations about representation and inspires young girls to see themselves in fields like architecture, where they can shape the world around them. Though Architect Barbie might not single handedly change the profession, she reminds us that the conversation about gender equity in architecture is ongoing.
Ultimately, the introduction of Architect Barbie, combined with the film’s innovative set design, highlights the importance of representation and imagination in architecture. So does Barbie have to be an architect for young girls to find themselves on the pathway to becoming an architect? I think the answer is no, but what Architect Barbie does achieve is opening the world to more possibilities for girls.
The challenge that we now face as a profession is ensuring that there is adequate and equitable access to the tools, support, resources and opportunities to make the possibility a true reality.
