Assistant Professor

Matthew Parker stands as a distinguished three-time alumnus of the University of Calgary, having earned his BSc in 2003, followed by a MArch in 2012, and culminating with an MEDes Thesis in 2016 that explored the role of machine vision in the production of architecture and the city. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor with the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (SAPL) - his alma mater - Matthew brings a wealth of academic and professional experience to the table. 

As an award-winning and internationally published designer he has made significant contributions to the fields of architecture and education. His current research interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing the (re)production of architectural images within the contemporary mass-media landscape, innovative design pedagogies fostering alternative models of cultural and environmental sustainability, and the potentials of computation and digital fabrication to support distributed models of design-authorship. 

In a professional capacity, Matthew worked for DIALOG, a prominent design firm from 2016 to 2020. During this tenure he was part of a team that designed and delivered several cultural and institutional projects across scales. Notably his work on the University of Calgary's award-winning MacKimmie Tower/Complex Redevelopment has received national and international recognition. His commitment to advancing the integration of computation across architecture, engineering, and construction industries was further underscored through his tenure as chair of DIALOG's Disruptive Technology Roundtable: a collaborative initiative aimed at propelling industry technology forward, fostering innovation, and interdisciplinary cooperation. 

 Matthew believes that nothing of consequence arises from a place of comfort and, as such, he is committed to challenging prevailing ideologies that perpetuate the status quo. His teaching approach foregrounds architecture’s ability to contribute to a more just and equitable future; he is committed to exploring alternative pedagogies that embrace the multiplicity of bodies and perspectives that make up the broader global communities we inhabit. Consistent within Matthew's portfolio of work is an unwavering commitment to push boundaries, foster inclusivity, and redefine the role of architecture in shaping a more progressive and interconnected world. 

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Contact Info
mdparker@ucalgary.ca

Education
BSc (UCalgary)
MArch (UCalgary)
MEDes (UCalgary)