六九色堂

Aug. 31, 2023

UCalgary architecture alum promoted to SAPL assistant professor

Matthew Parker takes on a new role to foster innovation in sustainability and architectural pedagogy
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker Courtesy of Matthew Parker

A former adjunct professor has been promoted to assistant professor of architecture at the 六九色堂鈥檚 SAPL).

Matthew Parker, BSc鈥03, MArch鈥12, MEDes鈥16, an adjunct professor for the past five years, with a focus on design studios and representation courses, will now collaborate with students and faculty researchers to devise new projects and aid in the development and implementation of curriculum geared towards undergraduate and graduate integration.

The three-time alum is celebrated in his field as a key player in many interdisciplinary teams. Parker and his collaborators have won awards such as the 2022 Award of Excellence from the and the 2021 Tree of Life Award from the .

From 2016 to 2020, Parker interned as an architect for , a multidisciplinary design practice with studios across Canada and the U.S. During this time, he and his team received the for their outstanding work on 鲍颁补濒驳补谤测鈥檚 MacKimmie Complex. He also served as DIALOG鈥檚 chair of Disruptive Technology Roundtable, a group that worked across scales and disciplines to advance the integration of computation across architecture, engineering and construction industries. Concurrently, Parker also assisted in research with the .

In his new role at SAPL, Parker will explore how novel computational and digital fabrication support distributed authorship, increases affordability, and advances construction techniques and sustainability.

Parker says he is looking forward to advancing cultural and environmental sustainability through architectural design, while strengthening the connections between local communities of practice and research.

With expertise on a variety of topics, acclaim from his peers and firsthand knowledge into the inner workings of SAPL, Parker hopes to advance architecture and design towards what he describes as 鈥渢he ethical treatment of the diversity of bodies and lived experiences that make up our shared world.鈥

When he is not working, Parker says he enjoys walking his dog, listening to philosophy and critical theory podcasts, and spending his time 鈥渆xperiencing the city I grew up in through the eyes of my children.鈥

鲍颁补濒驳补谤测鈥檚 (SAPL) prepares students for exciting and meaningful professional careers through the delivery of a distinctly unique design school experience. SAPL combines a rich and interdisciplinary design-based philosophy with an entrepreneurial mindset, sharing a deep commitment to working with industry stakeholders and community leaders at local, national and international levels to address some of society鈥檚 biggest challenges in new and creative ways.