Why Canberra Modern?
Canberra is a young city with a rich architectural legacy. With major boom periods in the 1920s and again from the 1950s-1980s – the architectural aesthetic of the city is eclectic, but deliberately cohesive.
The mid-late twentieth century period of development in Canberra, specifically during the National Capital Development Commission’s (NCDC) oversight (1958-1989) has not been widely celebrated or recognised by the Canberra community.
Major developments not only in residential, but civic and community buildings saw the frequent involvement of architects now considered pioneers of the modernist movement, and the construction of a key collection of iconic and unique mid-century buildings in Australia.
Many of these structures, which make an irreplaceable contribution to Canberra, have already been lost and many face risk of being lost in the near future.
So we at Canberra Modern are here to help by engaging Canberra and Australia with their contemporary National Capital.
Top 20 Mid (& Late) Century Modern Buildings
20 buildings might seem a lot, but in a city that grew up in the mid-century period that showcases work from some of Australia’s most renowned architects, it is almost impossible to narrow the list to just 20! While many on the list are obvious and iconic, we also wanted to include a few buildings that are lesser known or are at risk of being lost altogether or visually lost in the midst of adjacent developments or inappropriate renovation
National Library of Australia
Parkes Place, Parkes
Bunning and Madden, 1968
NB: Happy 50th Birthday NLA!
University House
Balmain Crescent, Australian National University, Acton
Brian Lewis, 1954
NB: the interiors of this building are fab including custom design furniture by Fred Ward – a walk around the rest of ANU will also not disappoint, mid-century gems are everywhere!
Churchill House
AT RISK
Northbourne Ave, Braddon
Robin Boyd, 1971
Urambi Village & Wybalena Grove
Housing Co-operatives:
Urambi Village, Crozier Cct, Kambah Wybalena Grove, Cook
Michael Dysart, 1974
More Info at Camberrahouse.com.au
Photo: Darren Bradley
Callam Offices
AT RISK
Callam Street, Woden
John Andrews, 1977-81
NB: Also check out his residences at the University of Canberra and his Cameron Offices in Belconnen
Giralang Primary School
Atalumba Close, Giralang
Enrico Taglietti, 1976
NB: there are so many Taglietti gems – how about a side trip to the Dickson Library
School of Music,
Childers Street, Acton
Daryl Jackson & Evan Walker, 1976
Read the AIA/ATC fiche on the building
Edmund Barton Building
Kings Avenue, Barton
Harry Seidler, 1973
image: Canberra House
Civic Square
AT RISK
Including Legislative Assembly & Canberra Museum and Gallery
London Circuit, City
Yuncken and Freeman, 1961
Colonial Mutual Building
AT RISK
University Ave, City
Civil & Civic and Towell, Rippon and Associates, 1968
NB: this is part of an awesome intact group of commercial buildings on each corner of University Ave, Marcus Clarke
Street and London Circuit
Australian War Memorial Annexe
Callan St, Mitchell
Enrico Taglietti, 1979
Australian Academy of Science: The Shine Dome
McCoy Cres, Acton
Grounds, Romberg and Boyd, 1959
The Benjamin House
Also known as The Round House Gawler Cres, Deakin
Alex Jelinek, 1959
NB: Deakin, and nearby Yarralumla, is full of great mid-century houses, a meander through the streets is lots of fun
Australian Institute of Architects Headquarters
2A Mugga Way, Red Hill
Ancher, Mortlock, Murray and Woolley, 1967
Photo: Darren Bradley
St Joseph’s Church
Boronia Drive, O’Connor
Kevin Curtin, 1971
Australian Parliament House
Parliament Dr, Canberra
Mitchell, Giurgola & Thorp, 1988
Torrens Townhouses and Shopping Complex
AT RISK
Beasley Street, Torrens
Dirk Bolt, 1967
NB: the Burgmann College complex at ANU is also a great example of Bolt’s work
Anzac Park East and West (Portal Buildings)
AT RISK
Anzac Parade, Reid/Campbell
Richard Ure, Department of Works, 1965
High Court of Australia
Parkes Pl, Parkes
Edwards, Madigan, Torzillo, Briggs, 1980
NB: Of course, next door neighbour and architect sibling – the National Gallery deserves its own mention, but we are out of space!
Swinger Hill Housing
Barnet Close, Swinger Hill
Ian McKay and Partners, From 1969
Read More at Canberrahouse.com.au