Eric Parker was the first full time member of staff of the School of Architecture at Newcastle, being appointed in 1957 and was its second Professor of Architecture from 1974 to 1984. He taught Building Technology alongside Drawing, History, Theory and Design Process, Design Studio, Professional Practice and Law. He had a passion for planning, the arts and the big picture. There are numerous examples of Eric’s community involvement which have altered the face of Newcastle over the years.
Ross Deamer (l) and Eric Parker (r)
Eric was a wise and giving educator. He fought for Architecture to be included in the foundation disciplines of the new University of Newcastle in 1965 and successfully resisted later attempts to remove the discipline by those who saw no place for the professions in university education. Times have surely changed!
Eric exposed his students to architecture at a global level, a shock for many who initially knew little more than the buildings of Newcastle and a few in Sydney. He developed a passion for history, human society and the arts in all students who knew him. He was an intimate educator and considered all architectural souls were to be saved and then richly developed.
Eric retired in 1984 and died in October 1994. He is survived by his widow, Ruth, who is an ardent supporter of the award and the scholars.
Consequently, the decision was made, in 2000, to honour Eric Parker by way of this important travelling scholarship.