Curtin University has appointed architect and artist Professor Nathaniel Belcher as its new Head of School of Design and the Built Environment.
Previously a Professor of Architecture at Pennsylvania State University in the USA, he was educated at both Virginia Tech and Harvard University, and holds a post graduate qualification in architecture.
Curtin University Faculty of Humanities Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Alan Dench said Professor Belcher’s international experience as both an artist and architect was a great compliment to the School of Design and the Built Environment, which covers a range of discipline areas from digital and creative design to architecture, geography and spatial analysis.
“Professor Belcher’s research and teaching specialties include Brazilian architecture and modernism; avant-garde practices in diverse cultures; and African American architecture, urbanism, artefacts and culture,” Professor Dench said.
“He has completed field research and presented lectures throughout the United States, Cuba, Brazil, Lisbon, London, Panama and France, as well as other international locations, with his work featured in numerous publications and exhibitions.
“We welcome Professor Belcher and his dynamic area of expertise to Curtin University and look forward to his leadership as Head of School of Design and the Built Environment.”
Professor Belcher said he’s thrilled to be continuing his career at Curtin University, especially noting the School of Design and the Built Environment’s upcoming move to its newly built home on campus.
“I’m really excited to start a new chapter in my career, not only in a leadership capacity, but working alongside academics from one of the top 100 schools in the world for Architecture and the Built Environment.
“As the pre-eminent Western Australian school for Design and the Built environment, the School is proud to be relocating to the heart of the campus in Stage One of the Greater Curtin Exchange Development. The advent of this new home is the impetus for continued transformative excellence in research and professional design pedagogy.
“This institutional investment is a significant university commitment and testament to the way in which design and built environments – through active impact and engagement – can improve quality of life, positively change community wellbeing, and enhance our made world.”
Curtin University’s School of Design and Built Environment is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture and the Built Environment and is in the top 200 for Art and Design in the 2020 QS World Rankings by Subject.
