The 2021 Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize was jointly awarded to John Macarthur and Conrad Hamann.
The jury noted in its citation:
"Macarthur’s educational contributions through research, mentorship and intellectual leadership reflect more than 30 years of championing new architectural insights. His publications (over 170) bridge the academic and wider culture of architectural practice through heritage, criticism and design. His masterful analysis of historical and philosophical ideas about visual perception, aesthetics, beauty and the picturesque defines both professional and popular views of architecture.
In 1990, Macarthur established The University of Queensland’s Centre for Architecture, Theory, Criticism and History (ATCH), ensuring rigorous recording and study of Queensland architecture, including its climatic and regional character. The research project Hot Modernism, on which he was lead investigator, won the 2017 National Trust John Herbert Memorial Award.
Macarthur’s leadership, teaching and PhD supervision have influenced a generation of Australian students, practitioners and researchers. As dean and head of the UQ Architecture School (2009–13), he received an Award for Excellence in Research Higher Degree Supervision (2011) and a Commendation for Teaching Excellence (1999).
Broad community involvements attest to Macarthur’s public and professional influence. He is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has served as a member of Research Evaluation Committees for the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) process and of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. He is also a past president and life fellow of the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand (SAHANZ).
An insightful storyteller, Macarthur connects ideas across centuries and disciplines, drawing unique and insightful analogies between art, philosophy, history and architecture. He generously, eloquently and masterfully presents complex scholarly revelations with good humour, humility and a munificent sharing of knowledge."
