Macquarie University Campus

Design: New South Wales Government Architect’s Office
Construction: 1964-76
Location: North Ryde, Sydney

Professor Hannah Lewi: The 1960s witnessed a surge in building for higher education and training. With the sector growing rapidly, it was an important testing ground for Australian architects, landscape designers, planners and artists.

The Macquarie campus is a highly significant example of this boom.

This multi-stage building and landscape program created a unified ensemble of strong off-form concrete and brick buildings, linked by landscaped courtyards and bush planting.

In particular, the library, with dramatic square concrete shading panels on its façade, formed a striking focal point for students and the new university community.

Today, like all universities of this era, the original unity of the campus faces significant pressures through ongoing redevelopment and maintenance programs.

Source: Australian Modernism’s Top 10: Part Two (University of Melbourne)