Photo by Max Dupain (1968) © Penelope Seidler
Australia Square
Architects: Harry Seidler & Associates
type Commerce
date of commission 1960
date of completion 1967
listing/protection RAIA NSW Chapter Register of 20th Century Buildings of Significance
current use Office Building Shops
current condition Adapted
address 264-278 George Street, Sydney 2000
gps 33º 51′ 53.64” S/151º 12′ 28.8” E
Submitted by Jennifer Hill in 2014,
The site of Australia Square was the product of a progressive and most extensive protracted site consolidation process which brought under one ownership an entire city block, involving over 30 different properties and more than 80 land titles. The project aimed at bringing a new openness into the congested centre of Sydney with a high rise tower on an open plaza area. The 13-storey, rectangular Plaza Building, was completed in May 1964 and the 50-storey, 171 metre circular high tower in 1967. The project was the recipient of a RAINs Sulman Award in 1967. The precast units serve as both formwork and finish for the surrounding concrete frame. This results in the tapering fin column creating a dominant visual statement.
Read the introduction to the first Australian selection for Docomomo (2000)