Joya: AiR / Catja Edens / NED
photo Simon Beckmann
Joya: AiR / Catja Edens / NED
“The work on my doctoral project ‘And the rest is history… On the archival representation of women architects’ happens parallel to a full working life. This can be a challenge, and I have been searching for ways to allow for an exclusive focus on my manuscript for a couple of weeks. Staying at Joya: AiR made it possible to do the continuous and deep work that my manuscript will benefit from. This beautiful, secluded place supported me through the intention and care that are palpable here – in every room, in every corner and on every surface.
The way the other residents – practicing artists – inspired me, took me by surprise. They showed me the importance of play, a recurring word whenever they spoke about their work – and a natural practice for them. They also taught me the power of vulnerability, which they allowed for in their work and presentations. It helped me to see how my own work could benefit from more play and vulnerability.
I have come to believe that experimenting and offering room for the imperfect can be especially valuable paired to the academic rigour that is expected in my field.”
Catja Edens
Bio
Catja Edens is an architectural historian based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She is currently working on her dissertation, 'And the rest is history. On the archival representation of women architects'. It examines the role of archives in producing a male-dominated architectural history and canon. Beyond her doctoral research, she works as a writer, teacher, researcher, director and curator, collaborating with architectural offices, cultural institutions, universities, and ministries. She was co-editor and author of Women in Architecture (Nai010, 2023) and Buildings by Women (Nai010, 2025), and curator of the exhibition 'Big Plans. 10 women urbanists shape the modern world,' shown at Van Eesteren Museum Amsterdam, Plaza Vertigo TU Eindhoven, and Bureau Europa Maastricht. She has written articles and books on a wide variety of topics in her field and was a guest lecturer at various cultural institutions and schools. Edens currently teaches at Delft University of Technology and the Rotterdam Academy for Architecture.
