John Macarthur

Professor John Macarthur is a leading academic in architectural history and theory at the University of Queensland. He holds a Bachelor (Hons 1st) and Master of Design Studies from UQ, followed by a PhD from the University of Cambridge. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences. As founding director of the Architecture, Theory, Criticism and History (ATCH) Research Centre, he continues to drive interdisciplinary research. His roles include past Dean and Head of the School of Architecture, UQ, and member of the Australian Research Council's College of Experts.

His research explores the intersection of architecture with aesthetics, art, and cultural history. Notable works include The Picturesque: Architecture, Disgust and other Irregularities (2007) and Is Architecture Art? (2024). He has authored over ten books and 150 papers, focusing on topics like the picturesque, modernism in Queensland, and architectural pedagogy. Awards include Fellowships and Life Membership in professional societies.

His publications span books on architectural theory, edited volumes on pavilions and heritage, and journal articles addressing aesthetics, urbanism, and historical analysis. He actively engages in conferences and digital archives projects, such as the Digital Archive of Queensland Architecture. His work bridges historical critique with contemporary debates on architecture's cultural and artistic roles.