Date of Birth: June 25, 1923
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: March 9, 2006
Biography
Harry Seidler was an Austrian-born Australian architect, recognized as one of the leading exponents of Modernism in Australia. Born in Vienna, Austria, Seidler fled the Nazis with his family in 1938 and eventually settled in Australia after studying architecture in England, Canada, and the United States. He was a student of Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and also worked with Alvar Aalto and Oscar Niemeyer. Seidler was instrumental in introducing the International Style of architecture to Australia. His career spanned over five decades, during which he designed many iconic buildings that have shaped the Australian urban landscape, including the Australia Square Tower, the MLC Centre, and the Horizon Apartments. Seidler was not only an architect but also an advocate for modern urban planning and high-density living. His work earned him numerous awards and recognition both in Australia and internationally.
5 Interesting Facts about Harry Seidler
1. Harry Seidler was the first architect to fully express the principles of the Bauhaus in Australia.
2. He designed more than 180 buildings throughout his career.
3. Seidler’s work includes both residential and commercial buildings, with a significant emphasis on high-rise office buildings.
4. He was awarded the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) Gold Medal in 1976.
5. Seidler was honored with an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1987 for his service to architecture.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harry Seidler
1. “Architecture is not an inspirational business, it’s a rational procedure to do sensible and hopefully beautiful things; that’s all.”
2. “The purpose of architecture is to improve human life. Create timeless, free, joyous spaces for all activities in life.”
3. “Good design doesn’t date. Bad design does.”
4. “I am convinced that the architectural profession as it is practiced today is not the same profession that I entered some 60 years ago.”
5. “A building is not something you finish. A building is something you start.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Harry Seidler’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of $10 million AUD.
Children
Harry Seidler had two children with his wife Penelope Evatt: a son, Timothy Seidler, and a daughter, Polly Seidler.
Relevant Links
1. [Harry Seidler & Associates Official Website](http://www.seidler.net.au
2. [Wikipedia – Harry Seidler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Seidler
3. [National Portrait Gallery – Harry Seidler](https://www.portrait.gov.au/people/harry-seidler-1923
4. [ArchDaily – Harry Seidler](https://www.archdaily.com/tag/harry-seidler
