Matéria Prima is an independent store based in Porto, Portugal, offering a curated selection of records, books, magazines, zines, and organizing music events. Our focus is broad and inclusive, encompassing diverse and experimental perspectives, with a strong commitment to making cultural materials accessible to a wide audience. We support innovative artists, musicians, independent labels, and publishers, particularly those addressing important social issues, such as gender equality and women’s rights.
In the context of Women Writing Architecture, we are proud to contribute by selecting works that reflect on the condition of women in today’s society. We continue to value the relevance of printed materials and believe in the power of literature and knowledge to foster critical discussions on gender and social change.

Matéria Prima has been asked to do a selection of five of their favorite books fitting into the Women Writing Architecture narrative, each of the selected books is coming with a description, which is deeply appreciated.

Each of these works, written or edited by women, explores themes that are critical to understanding the social conditions of women today. Here are the books we have chosen:

Elvira Leite – Quem te Ensinou? – Ninguém: This work by Elvira Leite delves into the world of education and self-learning. Leite explores the experiences of marginalized communities in their pursuit of knowledge, questioning traditional educational systems and offering a vision of learning as a deeply personal and emancipatory process. The title, which translates to “Who Taught You? – No One,” reflects the focus on self-taught resilience, emphasizing the voices that often go unheard in formal institutions.

Eva Gonçalves – Escola Infinita: In Escola Infinita (Infinite School): Eva Gonçalves reimagines the concept of education, advocating for an open-ended approach to learning. Gonçalves challenges conventional educational structures and proposes a vision of schooling that is dynamic and fluid, capable of adapting to diverse needs and perspectives. The book emphasizes the importance of creativity, inclusion, and the potential for infinite learning, especially in the context of social and gender equity.

Stephanie Haerdle – Juice: Stephanie Haerdle’s Juice is a provocative exploration of power dynamics and gender politics. Set against the backdrop of contemporary societal norms, the book uses vivid imagery and metaphor to critique the often-exploitative structures in place. Haerdle’s writing is raw and unfiltered, providing a sharp analysis of how power is distributed, consumed, and internalized in gendered contexts.

Ariella Aisha Azoulay – Potential History: Unlearning Imperialism: In this groundbreaking work, Ariella Aisha Azoulay challenges readers to reconsider how history has been constructed, particularly from an imperialist perspective. She argues for the necessity of “unlearning” the ways in which colonialism and imperialism have shaped our understanding of history. Azoulay’s text is an invitation to question the dominant narratives that have marginalized women’s voices and experiences, encouraging a more inclusive and equitable view of history.

Natascha Sadr Haghighian – What I Do Not Recognize Yet, Now at This Very Moment / Was ich noch nicht: This bilingual text by Natascha Sadr Haghighian reflects on identity, perception, and the act of witnessing. Through poetic and philosophical reflections, Haghighian examines the fragments of identity that often go unrecognized or are suppressed by societal expectations. The work engages deeply with the idea of unspoken truths and the complexities of understanding oneself and others in a rapidly changing world.

These books, each with its unique perspective and theme, provide valuable insights into the current discourse on women’s roles and the need for societal transformation. They invite readers to engage with critical reflections on education, history, identity, and power dynamics, offering both a challenge and a space for contemplation.

Note from the editor : Special thanks to my dear friend and fellow architect, Celeste Assal, for recommending this remarkable bookshop—what a meaningful discovery.