Renowned Australian architect Penelope Seidler has expressed concerns about the state of architectural education, stating that students today are not being adequately trained in the fundamentals of building.
“They learn about sustainability, environmentalism, and social responsibility, but not the essentials of construction,” Seidler shared in an interview. She emphasized the need for architectural students to gain a solid understanding of building materials, structural systems, and aesthetics, which are crucial for their profession.
Seidler has been the director of Harry Seidler and Associates since 1964, a firm founded by her late husband, Harry Seidler. She spoke at the San Marco Art Center in Venice during a retrospective on Harry’s work, co-organized with the University of Sydney.
Harry Seidler, often hailed as the father of Australian modernism, overcame significant challenges as a Jewish refugee during World War II to become a prominent architect. His early works, like the Rose Seidler House, and later global projects, including the Australian Embassy in Paris, reflect his modernist ideals.
Reflecting on contemporary architecture, Penelope criticized it as โcapricious,โ lamenting that while structural challenges have been resolved, the aesthetic and rational aspects often lack coherence. Her call to action urges a reevaluation of how architects are trained to ensure the profession retains its essence.
Source: Dezeen
