Stroma Buttrose facts for kids

Stroma Buttrose (born October 20, 1929 – died February 26, 2020) was an important Australian architect. She was a pioneer for women in her field. Stroma was the first female Planning Assistant in South Australia. She joined the Town Planners Office in 1957. This office later became the State Planning Office.

Buttrose was also the first female Commissioner of the Planning Appeal Board. She wrote many books and articles about architecture. Her most famous book was City Planning in Australia, published in 1975.

Stroma Buttrose helped with big land surveys. These included the Gawler Land Use Survey and the Willunga Land Use Survey. Each survey covered a large area, about 100 by 40 kilometres. She also played a key role in creating the Development Plan for Adelaide. This plan, for the city's main area, was published in 1963. In 1973, she made history again. She was the first woman to become a Commissioner of the Town Planning Appeal Board. This board later changed its name to the Environment, Resources and Development Court.

Early Life and Education

Stroma Buttrose became interested in geography and town planning when she was at school. She attended schools in Hopetoun and later Woolands at Glenelg. She studied at the Adelaide University. There, she earned her Diploma in Arts and Education.

When she was 21, Buttrose traveled to Europe with her family. After returning, she taught Geography. At the same time, she worked on her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her main subject was Geography. In April 1957, she started working for the government. She was a temporary female draftsman's assistant for the town planner. In 1962, Buttrose completed her Master of Town Planning Degree. She studied at Adelaide University with Professor Rolf Jensen. She was in a small class of only ten students.

Contributions to City Planning

Stroma Buttrose made a big difference in how cities are planned in South Australia. As the first female Planning Assistant, she helped shape new ideas. Her work on the Gawler and Willunga Land Use Surveys was very important. These surveys helped understand how land was being used. This information was vital for future development.

Her biggest contribution was to the Development Plan for Adelaide. This plan guided how the city would grow. It helped make sure that Adelaide developed in an organized way. Being the first woman Commissioner on the Planning Appeal Board showed her leadership. This role meant she helped make important decisions about land use and building.

Publications and Legacy

Stroma Buttrose was not only a planner but also a writer. She shared her knowledge through many architectural publications. Her book, City Planning in Australia (1975), is a key work. It helped others understand how cities are planned in Australia.

Buttrose is remembered as a trailblazer for women in architecture and planning. She opened doors for many who came after her. Her work helped create better cities and communities. She showed that women could lead in important fields like urban planning.