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Architecture and Sex

By Jackie Craven, About.com

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Androgynous Architecture? The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India

Both male and female: the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The famous memorial is a finalist in the competition to select New Wonders of the World

Press photo © 2000-2006 NewOpenWorld Foundation

Many buildings have both male and female qualities. Perhaps the texture is male, and the shape female. Or, the color is female, but the proportions... Well, you get the point.

A building that has both male and female characteristics might be called androgynous.

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India combines rounded shapes with masculine forms.

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