Vale Jack Greenland

UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture & Building and UTS School of Architecture regret to announce the passing of Dr John (Jack) Greenland on Monday 19 September this year at the age of 96. Jack was a founding faculty member of the NSWIT (now UTS) architecture program from its inception in 1969, retiring as a full time academic in 1986 yet still actively teaching as an Adjunct Professor and Visiting Scholar until 2003. Jack also remained closely involved with the Faculty through his endowments: the Jack Greenland Travelling Scholarship, and the Jack Greenland Environmental Studies Prize. 

A jazz musician, pilot and adventurer, as well as an expert building physicist, Jack brought the wealth of his experience to his teaching.  Way ahead of his time, he enthused generations of students with his passion for environmental design and architectural science.  He had a keen sense of humour, was a great story-teller and was also a generous mentor to both students and colleagues. 

A fearless academic — Greenland by name, green land in his scientific beliefs, years before sustainability was even a word.  

– Adrian Boddy, former Head of School, UTS School of Architecture

Jack's book Foundations of Architectural Science: Heat, Light and Sound, first published in 1991, remains a significant text for students of architecture.  His international links with universities in China also led to the publication of a Mandarin translation of the book.  In 2004, he generously used the proceeds of these publications to present UTS with the faculty’s first travelling scholarship prize (the still-running Jack Greenland Travelling Scholarship).

We gratefully acknowledge Jack's valuable contributions to Australian architectural research and practice, UTS School of Architecture and the faculty during his 34 years of active service and beyond. Our condolences and thoughts are with Jack’s family as they celebrate his well-lived life.