Is BBC's Architecture Mini-Series Biased Against Women?

The BBC is in hot water over alleged gender bias in its mini-series "The Brits Who Built the Modern World."

1 minute read

March 9, 2014, 9:00 AM PDT

By Anna Bergren Miller @abergrenmiller


Controversy erupted after the third episode aired. In it, a group photo of six architects was Photoshopped to remove Patty Hopkins, the one woman present. The mini-series focuses on the five men included in the image, with Hopkins making an appearance only in the first episode. A RIBA exhibition tied in with the series does include Hopkins, explain Richard Waite and Laura Mark.

The BBC dismissed the accusations, pointing out that the series does not attempt a comprehensive history of British architecture.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 in Architects' Journal

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

November 11, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A road in north eastern Nebraska with power lines on either side, and grassy fields.

Eastern Nebraska is running out of electricity

Data centers and electrification are straining eastern Nebraska’s grid, throttling economic development.

November 6, 2026 - Grist

People walking and cycling on a street in Boston.

Study reveals best places in the U.S. for cycling, walking

New research from Streetlight Data examines bicycle and pedestrian miles per capita in the 100 largest U.S. cities by population.

November 8, 2026 - Smart Cities Dive

Mark, an older white man in a blue jacket, smiles in front of a plaque that commemorates his scholarship.

Federal government nominates new FTA administrator

Mark Aesch is currently the founder and CEO of a transportation management consulting firm.

November 13 - Mass Transit

A rendering of people walking through a park to the chicago bears stadium, which is large and dome shaped.

Developers reveal $10 billion stadium plan as ‘Hail Mary’ to keep Bears in Chicago

The plan would also boast a public park, high- and mid-rise buildings and a youth sports complex.

November 13 - Chicago Sun Times

People watch as carbon dioxide is vented during a safety demonstration outside Nome City Hall in Jefferson Co.

As Texas embraces carbon storage, a Black community questions the risks

Texas now issues permits for companies to store carbon dioxide underground. East Texas residents fear safety risks, and skeptics doubt the climate benefits.

November 13 - Texas Tribune

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.