Australian architect Louise Cox was presented the insignia of Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters by Frédéric Mitterrand, French Minister for Culture and Communication, on 21 November.
Frédéric Mitterrand applauded Louise Cox for her “exemplary attention to natural and urban contexts, respect of the environment and its transformation” throughout her professional career. Mitterrand concluded his address in these terms: “Through your energetic involvement and your federative enthusiasm, you offer a major contribution to the new orientation of the architecture of tomorrow where the aesthetic is more than ever interwoven with the principle of responsibility.”
Cox has served as president of the Australian Institute of Architects, and of the Institute’s New South Wales chapter as well as being the immediate past president of the International Union of Architects (UIA).
Cox received this decoration in the presence of UIA president Albert Dubler, UIA secretary general Michel Barmaki, president of the International Union of Women Architects Solange d’Herbez de la Tour and president of the Emergency Architects Foundation Patrick Coulombel.
Three other architects were also honoured at the ceremony at the Ministry’s salons in Paris. Frédéric Borel received the insignia of Commander in the Order of Arts and Letters, while Brendan MacFarlane and Dominique Jakob received those of Officer in the same order.
