Architect Barbie

by Laura Thomas

A joke to start off this blog......

One day a father gets out of work and on his way home he suddenly remembers that it's his daughter's birthday. He pulls over to a Toy Shop and asks the sales person, "How much for one of those Barbie's in the display window?"

The salesperson answers, "Which one do you mean, Sir?

We have: Work Out Barbie for $19.95, Shopping Barbie for $19.95, Beach Barbie for 19.95, Disco Barbie for $19.95, Ballerina Barbie for $19.95, Astronaut Barbie for $19.95, Skater Barbie for $19.95, and Divorced Barbie for $265.95".

The amazed father asks: "It's what?! Why is the Divorced Barbie $399.95 and the others only $19.95?"

The annoyed salesperson rolls her eyes, sighs, and answers: "Sir..., Divorced Barbie comes with: Ken's Car, Ken's House, Ken's Boat, Ken's Furniture, Ken's Computer, and one of Ken's Friends.

Why the joke? Because Architect Barbie is not a joke but finally a reality. From the Barbie, I Can Be..... series created to inspire little girls to play roles of women in different career fields, Architect Barbie was released in 2011 and sells for $13.99. Her outfit consists of a pink layered dress that is detailed with geometric print , topped with a gradient blue dress that depicts a city skyline. The outfit is finished off with a pair of black anklet boots, a streamlined black jacket with white accent stitching, hipster glasses and a decorative square bracelet. Like every Barbie, she has accessories. She comes with a scaled house model, drawing tube, drawings and a hard hat. Where ever this girl needs to go she is prepared but will need a change of clothes and shoes if she's going to a job site :)

While this is great I would love if they come out with the Architectural Grad Student Barbie. She would looked like death warmed over with half closed baggy eyes, dressed in sweatpants with a Saluki T-shirt, flip flops, greasy hair in a pony tail from not showering. Accessories could include a backpack full of books, a laptop, drawing tube, an energy / coffee drink, alarm clock that says 3:00 am, bunch of broken models and crumbled up paper.

Architects have been fighting for Architect Barbie since 2002 and are thrilled to see her finally come to life. Architectural Record and American Institute of Architects have written articles and a few blogs about this doll. The reaction to this doll in the architectural community alone is outstanding.

I myself will be purchasing two of these dolls, one to "play" with and keep the other one in the box. Young or old, male or female, this doll is flying off the shelves and into many offices, studios and schools around the world. For students she represents a goal that is achievable. For those who have struggled to be identified as an architect, she achieves that. For the men, she is the dream intern that they wish they had in their office. Architect Barbie will be a great gift for friends and families of the architectural community, so make sure you ordered yours today. Shameless plug I know but this is so cool!