Kathryn Findlay facts for kids

Kathryn Findlay (born 26 January 1953 – died 10 January 2014) was a talented Scottish architect. She was known for her unique and creative building designs. Kathryn worked on many interesting projects in both Japan and the United Kingdom.

Her Early Life and Learning

Kathryn Findlay was born in a town called Forfar in Scotland. Her father was a sheep farmer. She first studied fine arts at the Edinburgh College of Art.

In 1972, at the end of her first year, she moved to England. There, she studied architecture at the Architectural Association. This is a famous school for architects. While she was there, she learned from well-known architects like Peter Cook. Kathryn finished her studies and earned her diploma in 1979.

Building a Career in Japan

After graduating in 1979, Kathryn Findlay traveled to Tokyo, Japan. She started working in the office of a very famous architect named Arata Isozaki. It was there that she met Eisaku Ushida, who would later become her husband.

In 1986, Kathryn and Eisaku started their own architecture company called Ushida Findlay Architects. They worked together in Tokyo for many years. Kathryn also taught at the Tokyo University. She was the first woman to be an academic in their architecture department. She was also the first foreigner to teach there since the 1800s!

While in Japan, Ushida Findlay designed some very interesting buildings. Two of their most famous projects were the Truss Wall House (built in 1993) and the Soft and Hairy House (built in 1994). These buildings helped their company become well-known.

Later Work in the UK

In 1999, Kathryn Findlay returned to London, England. She brought her architecture practice with her. She continued to work on many important projects. Some of her notable designs included the Grafton New Hall (completed in 2002) and Pool House 2 (finished in 2009). These projects were even nominated for awards by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Kathryn also worked on plans for other buildings that were not built. One was a very unusual 'starfish' shaped country house in Cheshire. Another was a Maggie's cancer support centre for a hospital in Wishaw, Scotland. Maggie's Centres are special places that offer free support to people with cancer and their families.

In 2006, Kathryn became a professor of Architecture and Environment at the University of Dundee in Scotland. She was recognized for her contributions to architecture. In 2007, she became an Associate Member of the Royal Scottish Academy.

A big project Kathryn worked on was the ArcelorMittal Orbit for the London Olympics in 2012. This tall, twisted sculpture was designed by artist Anish Kapoor. Kathryn Findlay worked as a delivery architect, helping to make sure the design could be built.

Just before she passed away on January 10, 2014, Kathryn Findlay received a very special award. She was given the 2014 Jane Drew Prize. This award celebrates women who have made a huge difference in architecture.

See also

In Spanish: Kathryn Findlay para niños