Philip Cox

{{short description|Australian architect }}

{{other people}}

{{More footnotes needed|date=May 2021}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

{{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}}

{{Infobox architect

| honorific_prefix =

| name = Philip Cox

| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominal|country=AUS|AO|FAHA|size=100%}}

| image =

| caption =

| nationality =

| birth_name = Philip Sutton Cox

| birth_date =

| birth_place = New South Wales, Australia

| death_date =

| death_place =

| alma_mater = {{unbulleted list|University of Sydney|University of New South Wales}}

| spouse = Louise Cox {{small|(sep. 1988)}}

| partner = Janet Hawley

| children = 2

| parents =

| awards =

| practice = Cox Architecture {{small|(1963–2015)}}

| significant_buildings = {{unbulleted list|Australian National Maritime Museum|Sydney Football Stadium|Rod Laver Arena|Singapore Expo|Brisbane Magistrates Court}}

| significant_projects = Sydney Olympic Park

| significant_design =

| signature =

| website = {{URL|https://www.coxarchitecture.com.au|coxarchitecture.com.au}}

}}

File:Sydney Football Stadium 2.jpg, Moore Park, Sydney]]

File:AusNatMM.JPG, Sydney]]

File:Craigieburn train station facade.jpg, Melbourne]]

File:Energex head office in Newstead, Brisbane.jpg headquarters located in {{QLDcity|Newstead}}, Brisbane]]

File:Double-Helix-Bridge.jpg bridge at night, located in Marina Bay, Singapore]]

File:Kaohsiung Exhibition Center 20160109.jpg located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan]]

Philip Sutton Cox {{post-nominal|country=AUS|AO|FAHA}} is an Australian architect. He is the founding partner of Cox Architecture, one of the largest architectural practices in Australia. His work has won him multiple awards, the first being in 1963, one year after graduating from the University of Sydney.

Early years and education

Philip Sutton Cox{{cn|date=January 2025}} grew up in Killara on the North Shore in Sydney.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

Cox attended Gordon Public School and then the Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore) in North Sydney. In his first years at Shore, art was taught by John Lipscombe, who had helped plan the new art block which had been praised by the architect Harry Seidler, who had lectured in the building in July 1952. Cox decided at quite an early age that he wanted to be an architect, though this was not clear until it was nearly time to leave school. He won a Commonwealth scholarship which was to pay his fees.{{cite book |title=Philip Cox. Portrait of an Australian Architect |author=Towndrow, Jennifer |publisher=Penguin Books|year=1991 }}

Cox studied at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning between 1957 and 1962, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture, then at the University of New South Wales between 1970 and 1975, where he was awarded a Doctorate of Science.

Career

Cox commenced his first practice with Ian McKay in 1962, and in 1967 he founded his own practice, Philip Cox and Associates.

Shortly after he had graduated in 1980, Michael Rayner joined Philip Cox & Partners, working closely with Cox for the next ten years. Rayner was responsible for designing noted public buildings, including Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Exhibition Centre (now demolished) in Darling Harbour.{{cite web |last1=Wheeldon |first1=David |title=Construction & Architecture News |url=https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/cox-rayner-architects-designs-national-maritime-mu |website=Architecture & Design |access-date=2 June 2021 |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Qld architects to design Chinese museum - 9News |url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/qld-architects-to-design-chinese-museum/29c07b04-4dc7-45e9-9d81-edaa91532269 |website=www.9news.com.au |date=11 April 2013 |access-date=2 June 2021}} In 1990 Rayner moved to Brisbane and established Cox Rayner Architects.{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Amy |title=Interview: Michael Rayner – Brisbane bridge builder and rebuilder |url=https://thefifthestate.com.au/articles/interview-michael-rayner-%E2%80%93-brisbane-bridge-builder-and-rebuilder/ |website=The Fifth Estate |access-date=2 June 2021 |language=en-AU |date=2012-02-05}}

The firm grew, becoming become Cox Architecture, with offices across Australia as well as in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.{{cite web | title=Cox Architecture Sydney | website=ArchitectureAU | date=16 August 2017 | url=https://architectureau.com/organisations/cox-richardson-architects/ | access-date=2 October 2020 | archive-date=31 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331121225/http://architectureau.com/organisations/cox-richardson-architects/ | url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.coxarchitecture.com.au/|title=Cox Architecture official website|access-date=15 April 2011|archive-date=30 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030064528/http://www.coxarchitecture.com.au/|url-status=live}}

Involved in much of concept design for each project over 50 years, Cox stepped back from the business in 2015. Cox Architecture is responsible for projects throughout Australia and also in Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, South Africa, and Europe.

Cox has been described as "epitomising the Sydney School of Architecture" in earlier projects.{{cite web |url=http://www.indesignlive.com/articles/people/philip-cox-a-half-century/ |title=Philip Cox: A half century |work=In design live |author=Lynch, Owen |date=10 September 2013 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=21 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521222018/http://www.indesignlive.com/articles/people/philip-cox-a-half-century |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ultimatehides.com/architect_designer-12-PhilipCox.htm|title=ULTIMATEHIDES website|access-date=15 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219123649/http://www.ultimatehides.com/architect_designer-12-PhilipCox.htm|archive-date=19 February 2011|url-status=dead}}

Awards and honours

Cox has won many architectural awards, the first being in 1963, one year after graduating from the University of Sydney.{{cite news |author=Bleby, Michael |url=http://www.afr.com/leadership/entrepreneur/profiles/architect-philip-cox-delivers-upfront-on-architectures-deficiencies-20160810-gqpgrv |title=Architect Philip Cox delivers upfront on architecture's deficiencies |work=Australian Financial Review |location=Australia |date=20 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820174135/http://www.afr.com/leadership/entrepreneur/profiles/architect-philip-cox-delivers-upfront-on-architectures-deficiencies-20160810-gqpgrv |url-status=live }}

Cox has received the Sir Zelman Cowen Award, the RAIA Gold Medal in 1984, Life Fellowship to the RAIA in 1987 and Honorary Fellowship of the American Institute of Architects in the same year.{{cn|date=January 2025}}

In 1988 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of service to architecture.{{Cite It's an Honour |ausawardid=869645 |date=26 January 1988 |recipient=COX, Philip Sutton |award=Officer of the Order of Australia |postnominal=AO |access-date=21 August 2016 }}

In 1993 he received the inaugural award for Sport and Architecture from the International Olympic Committee, and was elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in the same year.{{Cite web |title=Fellow Profile: Philip Cox |url=https://humanities.org.au/fellows/fellow-profile/?fellow_id=111 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Australian Academy of the Humanities |language=en-AU}}

Other roles

Cox has held a range of voluntary positions during his professional career including Vice President, Environment Board, RAIA, NSW Chapter; a Member, Historic Buildings Committee, Cancer Patients Assistance Society of NSW; Vice President, Cancer Patients Assistance Society of NSW; Vice Chairman, Architecture and Design Panel, Visual Arts Board, Australia Council; and Chairman of Education Board of the RAIA, Federal Chapter.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

Major works

Cox was the architect responsible for initially implementing the American Radburn design for public housing in New South Wales.

Cox and his firm have designed many iconic public buildings in Australia and throughout South East Asia, including a number of the buildings used for the Sydney Olympics. The following list provides a summary of some of the major architectural design works of Cox and his firm, ordered from earliest to most recent, where Cox has either worked individually or as part of consortia:

class="wikitable sortable"
CompletedProject nameLocationAwardNotes
1963St Andrews Presbyterian ChurchLeppington, South-western Sydney, New South WalesJohn Sulman Medal {{small|(1965)}}{{small|(demolished)}}{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/philip-cox-bristling-at-garden-plan-critics/story-fn9656lz-1226887033485 |title=Philip Cox bristling at garden plan critics |work=The Australian |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=20 August 2016 |author=Rushton, Gina |archive-date=19 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419023914/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/philip-cox-bristling-at-garden-plan-critics/story-fn9656lz-1226887033485 |url-status=live }}
1965C B Alexander Agricultural College{{NSWcity|Tocal}}, New South Wales{{unbulleted list|John Sulman Medal {{small|(1965)}};|Blacket Award {{small|(1965)}}}}{{cite web |url=http://architectureau.com/articles/philip-cox-remembers-Ian-McKay/ |title=Vale Ian McKay |author=Cox, Philip |work=Architecture AU |date=7 September 2015 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=28 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828062611/http://architectureau.com/articles/philip-cox-remembers-Ian-McKay/ |url-status=live }}
1969Hawkins Residence19 Norma Crescent, {{NSWcity|Cheltenham}}Wilkinson Award {{small|(1969)}}
1977Bruce StadiumBruce, Australian Capital Territory
1985Ayers Rock ResortYulara, Northern TerritorySir Zelman Cowen Award {{small|(1985)}}
1987Haileybury ChapelSpringvale Road, Melbourne, Victoria|
1988Sydney Convention & Exhibition CentreDarling Harbour, Sydney, New South WalesJohn Sulman Medal {{small|(1989)}}{{small|(demolished 2013)}}{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/architect-lashes-out-at-stupid-demolition-20130115-2crm1.html#ixzz2uEXe8WmJ |title=Architect lashes out at 'stupid' demolition |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=16 January 2013 |author=Hasham, Nicole |access-date=18 August 2016 |archive-date=7 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207121905/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/architect-lashes-out-at-stupid-demolition-20130115-2crm1.html#ixzz2uEXe8WmJ |url-status=live }}
1988Rod Laver ArenaFlinders Park, Melbourne, Victoria{{small|(refurbished 1995)}}
1991Australian National Maritime MuseumDarling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales{{cite news |title=How the museum boss got engaged |last=Meacham |first=Steve |date=3 December 2001 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |page=14}}
1988Sydney Football Stadium{{NSWcity|Moore Park}}, Sydney, New South Wales{{small|(demolished 2019)}}
1995Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre{{QLDcity|South Bank}}, Brisbane, Queensland|
1994Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic CentreSydney Olympic Park, Sydney, New South Wales|
1997Sydney Harbour CasinoDarling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales{{cite web |author=Pickett, Charles |url=https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2013/11/04/casinos-and-stadiums-philip-cox/ |title=Casinos and stadiums: Philip Cox |work=Inside the collection |publisher=Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences |date=4 November 2013 |access-date=21 August 2016 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815111707/https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2013/11/04/casinos-and-stadiums-philip-cox/ |url-status=live }}
1999Sydney Super DomeSydney Olympic Park, Sydney, New South Wales|
1999Singapore ExpoChangi, Singapore|
2001National Wine Centre of AustraliaNorth Terrace, Adelaide, South AustraliaAustralian Institute of Architects: [http://dynamic.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=20025028 "National Wine Centre"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031350/http://dynamic.architecture.com.au/awards_search?option=showaward&entryno=20025028 |date=4 March 2016 }}, retrieved 15 November 2013
1996Cairns Convention CentreCairns, Queensland|
2000Princess Alexandra Hospital RedevelopmentWoolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland|
2001Goodwill BridgeSouth Bank, Brisbane, Queensland{{Cite journal |issn=0003-8725 |volume=91 |issue=5 |page=66 |last=Musgrave |first=Elizabeth |title=Goodwill overture |journal=Architecture Australia |date=September 2002 |url=http://www.architecturemedia.com/aa/aaissue.php?issueid=200209&article=12&typeon=2 |access-date=20 July 2011 |archive-date=28 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928094611/http://www.architecturemedia.com/aa/aaissue.php?issueid=200209&article=12&typeon=2 |url-status=dead }}
2002Western Australian Maritime MuseumVictoria Quay, Fremantle, Western Australia|
2004Brisbane Magistrates CourtGeorge Street, Brisbane, Queensland|
2005Challenger Institute of Technology, Marine CampusFremantle, Western Australia|
2006Northern Stand, Melbourne Cricket Ground|

|

2007National Institute of Circus ArtsPrahran, Melbourne, VictoriaAward for Architectural Steel Design – Large Project, Australian Steel Institute VIC {{small|(2008)}}
rowspan="2" | 2008District Court of Western AustraliaPerth, Western Australia|
Australian Film, Television and Radio SchoolMoore Park, Sydney, New South WalesState Commendation for Commercial Architecture, AIA NSW {{small|(2010)}}
rowspan="3" | 2010Energex Headquarters{{QLDcity|Newstead}}, Brisbane, Queensland

|

|

The HelixMarina Bay, Singapore{{cite web |url=http://www.archdaily.com/185400/helix-bridge-cox-architecture-with-architects-61/ |title=Helix Bridge / Cox Architecture with Architects 61 |date=10 January 2012 |access-date=19 August 2016 |work=ArchDaily |archive-date=11 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111203320/https://www.archdaily.com/185400/helix-bridge-cox-architecture-with-architects-61 |url-status=live }}
AAMI ParkSports & Entertainment Precinct, Melbourne, VictoriaWorld's Most Iconic and Culturally Significant Stadium, World Stadium Congress {{small|(2012)}}
National Award for Public Architecture, AIA {{small|(2011)}}
State Architecture Medal, AIA VIC, {{small|(2011)}}
William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, AIA VIC {{small|(2011)}}
rowspan="2" | 2012One One One Eagle StreetBrisbane, QueenslandJohn Dalton Award for Building of the Year, AIA QLD {{small|(2013)}}
Corian Design Awards Winner (Project) {{small|(2015)}}
{{cite web |url=http://www.archdaily.com/372586/one-one-eagle-street-cox-rayner-architects |title=One One Eagle Street / Cox Rayner Architects |work=ArchDaily |date=15 May 2013 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=1 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901081531/http://www.archdaily.com/372586/one-one-eagle-street-cox-rayner-architects |url-status=live }}
Queensland Performing Arts Centre RefurbishmentSouth Bank, Brisbane, QueenslandInterior Design Impact Award, AIDA {{small|(2016)}}
2013Neuroscience Research Australia{{NSWcity|Randwick}}, Sydney, New South WalesThe People's Choice Award, Randwick City Council {{small|(2013)}}
2014Kaohsiung Exhibition CenterKaohsiung, TaiwanExcellence Award, Chinese Institute of Engineers {{small|(2014)}}{{cite web |url=http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/industry-news/cox-wins-taiwanese-project |title=Cox wins Taiwanese project |work=Architecture & Design |date=27 August 2010 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=21 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821055358/http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/industry-news/cox-wins-taiwanese-project |url-status=live }}
rowspan="2" | 2015Carnarvon Police and Justice Complex{{WAcity|Carnarvon}}, Western Australia|
Newcastle CourthouseNewcastle, New South Wales|
2016Anna Meares Velodrome{{QLDcity|Chandler}}, Brisbane, QueenslandVenue for 2018 Commonwealth Games{{cite web |url=http://www.sleemansports.com.au/The-Venue/Sleeman-Facilities/Anna-Meares-Velodrome.aspx |title=Sleeman Sports Complex Anna Meares Velodrome |access-date=7 January 2018 |publisher=Stadiums Queensland |archive-date=15 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190115055117/http://www.sleemansports.com.au/The-Venue/Sleeman-Facilities/Anna-Meares-Velodrome.aspx |url-status=dead }}
rowspan="2" | 2018Sir John Monash CentreVillers-Bretonneux, France{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-must-remember-pm-opens-100m-monash-centre-in-france-20180424-p4zbex.html |title='We must remember': PM opens $100m Monash centre in France |first=David |last=Crowe |date=24 April 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=25 April 2018 |archive-date=24 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424162850/https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-must-remember-pm-opens-100m-monash-centre-in-france-20180424-p4zbex.html |url-status=live }}
Jakarta International VelodromeJakarta, Indonesia|
rowspan="2" | 2020National Maritime Museum of ChinaTianjin, China|
Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services PrecinctChristchurch, New Zealand|
2021Oman Across Ages MuseumMuscat, OmanSpecial prize for an Exterior, Prix Versailles {{small|(2024)}}

|{{Cite web |date=2024-12-04 |title=Prix Versailles 2024 World Titles unveiled |url=https://www.archilovers.com/stories/30593/prix-versailles-2024-world-titles-unveiled.html |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=Archilovers |language=en}}

Personal life

Cox is separated from wife Louise Cox AO, a fellow architect.{{cite news |author=Bleby, Michael |url=http://www.afr.com/leadership/entrepreneur/profiles/architect-philip-cox-delivers-upfront-on-architectures-deficiencies-20160810-gqpgrv |title=Architect Philip Cox delivers upfront on architecture's deficiencies |work=Australian Financial Review |location=Australia |date=20 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2016 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820174135/http://www.afr.com/leadership/entrepreneur/profiles/architect-philip-cox-delivers-upfront-on-architectures-deficiencies-20160810-gqpgrv |url-status=live }} They married in Sydney in April 1972 and have two daughters.

His longtime partner is the journalist Janet Hawley.

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

Further reading

  • {{cite book |author=Cox, Philip Sutton |title=Cox Architects : selected and current works |date=1997 }}
  • {{cite book |author1=Cox, Philip Sutton |author2=Harrison, Stuart |author3=Kaji-O'Grady, Sandra |author3-link=Sandra Kaji-O'Grady |author4=Johnson, Anna |title=Cox Architects & Planners |date=2008 }}
  • {{cite book |title=Australian Architects: Philip Cox |date=1984 |publisher=Royal Australian Institute of Architects |location=Canberra }}
  • {{cite book |title=Australian Architects: Philip Cox, Richardson & Taylor |date=1988 |publisher=Royal Australian Institute of Architects |location=Canberra }}
  • {{cite web |author=Pickett, Charles (Curator) |url=https://maas.museum/inside-the-collection/2013/11/04/casinos-and-stadiums-philip-cox/ |title=Casinos and stadiums: Philip Cox |work=Inside the collection |publisher=Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences |date=4 November 2013 |access-date=21 August 2016 }}
  • Patrick Bingham-Hall (2020). Philip Cox: An Australian Architecture. Pesaro Publishing.