Glenn Murcutt AO has been appointed the inaugural Seidler Chair in the Practice of Architecture at UNSW. The Chair is funded by gift from architect and patron Dr Penelope Seidler AM as a tribute to the late Harry Seidler.
“It is important for me to ensure the next generation of architects has as many opportunities as possible to learn from the best – someone who is a master in their field,” said Dr Seidler, “My late husband Harry felt very strongly about this, too, so the Chair is a tribute to him.”
The Chair has been created for the benefit of students who will have the opportunity to learn from a distinguished practicing architect in a design studio environment as well as lectures of the theory of architecture from a design perspective. Murcutt, who is a Pritzker Prize Laureate and an American Institute of Architects Gold Medallist, has had a long history with teaching, leading the annual Glenn Murcutt International Masterclass. He also currently teaches a regional studio to graduating students at UNSW.
“I teach because I have a great love of architecture and design. And I believe teaching makes a good architect a better one,” said Murcutt. “It’s a fine tribute to Harry, with whom I had a very good relationship. He brought world architecture to Australia, so to be the first recipient of the Seidler Chair is pretty amazing.”
Seidler has also funded PhD scholarships which support the advancement of knowledge in Australian modern architecture, as well as international studios which include a two-week design program at an architecturally significant location overseas.
