Architecture in Melbourne
ARCHITECTURE IN MELBOURNE: THE JOURNEY TO MODERNITY
The interwar period 1919- 1939 showed some major evolution in the world of architecture within Australia. The influences such as world war one and great depression triggered the need for a new mindset as a way of demonstrating regeneration and positive growth. One side of this was the journey of modernisation which allowed for new trends and styles to be created that no longer payed such homage to the past and tradition, but rather moved forward in obvious progress and difference. We can view this evolution in architecture with new materials, technologies and ideals becoming available, new methods and possibilities were also opened up.
THE TWO WAYS TO BE MODERN
The interwar period saw architects draw their inspiration from either one of ‘the two ways of being modern’ (RMIT, 2008) – modernism or art deco. Modernism being solely Europe’s influence and art deco coming from both Europe and North America. The change in orientation from our ‘mother country’ England to Europe and North America allowed changes to occur as we were allowing ourselves to gather inspiration from different sources.
THE ARRIVAL
The arrival of art deco and modernist architecture within Australia arguably had three root causes.
1) Australian architects travelling abroad either to study or work. These architects then returned to ‘design and execute work in the new idioms’ (RMIT, 2008). Percy Everett is an example of this who designed buildings based around the art deco and modernism principles he had learnt about whilst studying in North America.
Percy Everett’s Technical School Essendon, 1938, a successful three dimensional design incorporating both the full range of geometric shapes and motifs, plus the finishes utilized by the Modernists in Europe, image courtesy of the National Trust- Victoria Australia.
2) International architects who immigrated to Australia bringing with them the influence of their knowledge.
3)
The interwar period 1919- 1939 showed some major evolution in the world of architecture within Australia. The influences such as world war one and great depression triggered the need for a new mindset as a way of demonstrating regeneration and positive growth. One side of this was the journey of modernisation which allowed for new trends and styles to be created that no longer payed such homage to the past and tradition, but rather moved forward in obvious progress and difference. We can view this evolution in architecture with new materials, technologies and ideals becoming available, new methods and possibilities were also opened up.
THE TWO WAYS TO BE MODERN
The interwar period saw architects draw their inspiration from either one of ‘the two ways of being modern’ (RMIT, 2008) – modernism or art deco. Modernism being solely Europe’s influence and art deco coming from both Europe and North America. The change in orientation from our ‘mother country’ England to Europe and North America allowed changes to occur as we were allowing ourselves to gather inspiration from different sources.
THE ARRIVAL
The arrival of art deco and modernist architecture within Australia arguably had three root causes.
1) Australian architects travelling abroad either to study or work. These architects then returned to ‘design and execute work in the new idioms’ (RMIT, 2008). Percy Everett is an example of this who designed buildings based around the art deco and modernism principles he had learnt about whilst studying in North America.
Percy Everett’s Technical School Essendon, 1938, a successful three dimensional design incorporating both the full range of geometric shapes and motifs, plus the finishes utilized by the Modernists in Europe, image courtesy of the National Trust- Victoria Australia.
2) International architects who immigrated to Australia bringing with them the influence of their knowledge.
3)
Bibliography: Books Stephen A, Goad P, McNamara A, 2008, Introduction to modern times: The untold story of modernism in Australia, Melbourne, Miegunyah Press Leslie D, 1980, Australian Architecture, 1901-1951: Sources of Modernism, Sydney, Sydney University Press Perren C, Ring K, 2007, Living the Modern: Australian architecture, Ostfildern, Hatje Cantz Articles RMIT, 2008, Modern in Melbourne: Melbourne architecture 1930 -1950 “three ways of being modern”, viewed 3 October 2010 Woodham J, 1997, Design and modernism, oxford University Press, New York, viewed 3 October 2010 <http://onlineres.swin.edu.au.ezproxy.lib.swin.edu.au/593224.pdf> Smith W, Lewi H, 2008, The Magic of Machines in the House, Journal of architecture 2008, vol 13 issue 5, p 633-660, viewed 3 October 2010 Websites Fishlock S, 2001, walking Melbourne, Melbourne’s Great Buildings, viewed 3 October 2010 <http://www.walkingmelbourne.com/melbourne_buildings.html> Singingman, 2010, What impact has technology had on architecture of the 20th century, viewed 3 October 2010 <http://www.scribd.com/doc/6440355/what-impact-has-technology-had-on-architecture-of-the-20th-century>