Ari Seligmann

Professor Ari Seligmann is an academic leader in architecture at Monash University, serving as Deputy Head of the Department of Architecture and Associate Dean of Education. His roles include coordinating the History/Theory stream and developing the university's integrated operative history program. He holds a PhD in Architecture (2008) and specializes in Japanese architecture, architectural photography, and urbanism. His work critically examines cross-cultural perceptions of architecture and the role of media in shaping architectural discourse.

Research focuses include the historiography of Japanese architecture, the Kumamoto Artpolis urban regeneration program, and the interplay between photography and architectural representation. Notable publications include Japanese Modern Architecture 1920-2015 (2016), a seminal English-language survey, and contributions to Architecture and Culture and Journal of Architectural Education. He actively participates in the Society of Architectural Historians, Australia and New Zealand.

Recent scholarship explores AI's impact on architectural education and debates around Brutalist architecture’s legacy. His research bridges historical analysis with contemporary practice, emphasizing pedagogy and public engagement. Supervised graduate students include Yvonne Meng and Jacqui Alexander. Awards include a 2022 nomination for the Vice Chancellor's Education Excellence Award.

Collaborations include the Global Buildings Performance Network, advancing decarbonization strategies for Southeast Asia's building sector. He leads the Monash Urban Lab, investigating Japanese urbanism and architectural innovation. His work underscores the societal and cultural dimensions of built environments, from historical preservation to future-oriented design.