Louise Cox (architect) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Professor
Virginia Louise Cox
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| Born | 1939 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse(s) | Philip Cox (sep. 1988) |
| Children | 2 daughters (with Philip) |
| Practice | National President of Australian Institute of Architects (1994—1995), President of International Union of Architects (2008—2010) |
Virginia Louise Cox (born 1939) is an Australian architect. She is known for her important work in architecture, her leadership roles in international groups, and her efforts in teaching about architecture and protecting old buildings.
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Early Life and Education
Virginia Louise Gowing grew up in Sydney, Australia. Her father worked in shops, and her mother raised four children.
Louise Cox studied at the University of Sydney. She earned her degree in architecture in 1963. Later, in 1971, she also got a degree in town planning.
A Career in Architecture
After university, Louise Cox worked for an architecture firm in London for a year. Then, she returned to Australia. She joined Peddle Thorp & Walker in Sydney.
In 1968, she started working at McConnell Smith and Johnson. She became a director there from 1980 to 1997. During this time, she helped improve how old buildings are preserved. She also worked on many important healthcare building designs in Australia and Malaysia.
Leading the Profession
Louise Cox has spent over 50 years helping the architecture profession. She has been part of many organizations and government groups.
She joined the Australian Institute of Architects as a student. From 1986 to 1996, she was very active in the Institute. She served on many committees.
Cox made history as the first woman president of the New South Wales Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (1988–1990). She was also the first woman to be the National President of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (1994–1995).
International Leadership
In 1992, Cox was chosen to join the International Union of Architects (UIA). This is a global organization for architects. She became its president from 2008 to 2011.
Her work with the UIA was very important. She helped create rules for architectural education around the world. These rules included the UNESCO-UIA Charter for Architectural Education. She also worked on the UN-HABITAT World Urban Campaign. This campaign helps make cities better places to live.
When she became UIA president, Cox said it was important for the Asia and Oceania region to be understood by the rest of the world. She was only the second president from this region in 60 years.
Awards and Recognition
Louise Cox has received many awards for her work:
- 1999: She was made a Member of the Order of Australia. This award recognizes her service to architecture.
- 2003: She received the Marion Mahony Griffin Prize from the Australian Institute of Architects.
- 2011: France honored her by making her a Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters. The French Minister for Culture praised her for caring about nature and cities. He also noted her respect for the environment.
- 2013: She was given the National President's Prize by the Australian Institute of Architects. The judges said she gave an "enormous gift to architecture." They praised her passion and dedication.
- 2014: She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia. This is a very high honor. It recognized her "distinguished service to architecture." This included her work as an architect, her roles in international groups, and her efforts in teaching and heritage protection.
Personal Life
Virginia Louise Gowing married Philip Cox, who is also an architect. They married in Sydney in April 1972. They have two daughters named Charlotte and Sophie.
