Jennifer Taylor (architect) facts for kids

Jennifer Evelyn Taylor (born Bogle; 12 April 1935 – 7 December 2015) was an important Australian architect, teacher, and writer. She was known for her work on modern buildings in Australia, Japan, and the South Pacific.

Early Life and Education

Jennifer Taylor was born in Australia. She first studied nursing, but then decided to become an architect. She started her architecture studies at the School of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University. Later, she earned two degrees in architecture from the University of Washington in Seattle, USA.

A Career in Architecture

Jennifer Taylor spent much of her working life in Europe, America, and Asia. She taught in many architecture schools around the world. From 1970 to 1998, she was a professor in the Architecture department at the University of Sydney. Later, she taught at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. In 2000, she won the first-ever National Education Prize from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA). This award recognized her great work in teaching architecture.

Important Groups She Helped Start

Jennifer Taylor was a founding member of several important groups. These included International Council on Monuments and Sites Australia, which helps protect old buildings. She also helped start DOCOMOMO Australia. This group works to document and save modern buildings, sites, and neighborhoods. She was also part of the Australian Architectural Association.

Her Connection to Japanese Architecture

A big part of Jennifer Taylor's career was influenced by the Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. She first met him in 1975 during a special trip to Japan. Maki became her mentor. At first, she studied Japanese gardens. But then, she became very interested in modern Japanese architecture. She loved it so much that she kept going back to Japan. She started writing many articles and books about Japanese buildings. She said that Japanese work greatly influenced her own ideas.

Bridging Architecture Between Australia and Asia

Jennifer Taylor was the first Australian architect to create a strong connection with Asian architecture. She invited leading architects from Japan and China to give talks at the University of Sydney. She also traveled to Asia herself, giving lectures and sharing her knowledge. This helped create a dialogue, or conversation, between architects in Australia and Asia.

Awards and Recognition

Jennifer Taylor wrote many articles for international publications and spoke at conferences. She also helped judge many architectural competitions. In 1998, she received the first Marion Mahony Griffin Prize. This award celebrates female architects for their important work. In 2010, she won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) National President’s Prize. This award honored her lifelong dedication to architecture as a thinker, writer, critic, and historian.

Personal Life

Jennifer Taylor's father, James Bogle, was a doctor. He also played cricket for Australia when he was younger. Jennifer Taylor had two children. Her partner, James Conner, who was also an architect, survived her.