A pair of sicklebacks
This statement may raise an eyebrow to many but in architecture circles, this “information” is nothing new. In fact, this has been the subject of several blogspots and social networking sites for quite a time now.
Well, this all started with a survey conducted by a Dutch dating agency in 1995 on women’s ideal partners wherein architects were voted as the sexiest male professionals. The survey found that women favored architects over other professionals “due to the esteem associated with the (architecture) profession.”
Architects are perceived as “balanced and rounded individuals who combine a creative approach with a caring, thoughtful disposition” and have the “ability to cope with pressure of work in a relaxed manner.”
Since the results of the survey came out, threads with “Architects are Sexiest” topics have become popular on the internet. Some dismiss them but a large chunk seems to agree. I really wonder why. A little research led me some interesting biological facts.
Indeed, nature has a way of rationalizing things. In the animal world, the female usually looks for the best male to mate in order to pass on strong genes to her offspring. Hence, females are after males with strong and dominant traits.
In some animal courtships, mate selection is determined by the nest-building skills of the males. The males try to impress a prospect mate by making a “beautiful” shelter and the male who makes the best nest will surely win his mate.
For instance, the bowerbirds found in Papua New Guinea and Australia, are known for its unique courtship behavior. During mating season, a male bowerbird starts to build a nest. He decorates it with sticks and brightly-colored objects to attract a mate.
In the water world, the stickleback fish also displays the same mating behavior. To lure a mate, males construct a nest out of roots and leaves of plants which are fastened together by secretions from their kidneys. In fact, the stickleback is considered “the real architect and builder” among fishes.
I think this explains why most women are attracted to architects, as the survey showed. It is the motherly nature of women to give birth and raise children. Instinct dictates that they need a safe, stable, and comfortable environment in order to rear and nurture their kids. And the most logical persons who can provide this need are no other than the architects.
So, guys, the next time to walk into a bar, try dropping the pick-up line, “Hi! I’m an architect.” I hope it will work.
