Penelope Seidler has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Sydney in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to the field of architecture, the arts and the wider community.”
Seidler completed a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Sydney – after first enrolling in philosophy, history and anthropology. The university ranked her as one of its most notable architecture alumni.
“For over five decades, Ms Penelope Seidler AM has played a crucial role in not only the sphere of architecture, but also in the fields of arts, culture and education in both Australia and internationally,” said University of Sydney vice-chancellor Stephen Garton.
“She has left an indelible mark. Her knowledge and advocacy has helped pave the way for crucial change and she has been an inspirational mentor and role model, particularly for women.”
Seidler registered as an architect in 1964, joining the office of Harry Seidler and Associates that year. As wife and business partner to the late Harry Seidler, “she has played a significant role in the operation of the practice while also defining herself as a key figure in the cultural sector,” the university said in a statement.
She remains the director of Harry Seidler and Associates, a position she has held since 1966. She is directly responsible for commissioning artists for the firm’s projects.
“Ms Seidler’s ambition and passion have defined her role within the field of architecture and cemented her as a leader of art and architecture in Sydney and internationally,” said the university. “Together with her late husband, she pioneered the integration of modernist art and architecture in Australia. The works of her architectural practice have demonstrated how the principles of modern architecture and urbanism and the values of rational design and innovative engineering can come together with an extraordinary business acumen to create some of the most internationally significant buildings in Australia, including Australia Square.”
The university also praised Seidler’ “lifelong dedication to the cultural sector as a patron, advocate and philanthropist.”
She has held positions on arts boards and councils including the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Contemporary Art, New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the Venice Biennale.
She is a current member of the National Gallery of Australia Foundation.
In 2015, Seidler pledged $750,000 towards the establishment of the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney and in 2018 she made a further $1 million donation to the university to establish the Penelope Visiting Professor in Architectural History professorship.
Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the wider community or who have achieved exceptional academic or creative excellence.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
