[puts99]

Hello all, this is my first post here, have been reading the forums for a lil while and thought I'd join in. I'm amazed by the regular posts and the popularity of these forums. I'm currently in my second year of my 5 year Bachelor of Architecture, in New Zealand and enjoying it.

I have a fairly big assignment and I have chosen one of my favourite Architectural works, the redevelopment of the new Canberra Parliament in Australia. I first saw it when the mighty V8Supercars would race the GMC 400 streetrace near the parliament and it looked stunning, one of my first architectural experiences.

Designed by Romaldo Giurgola the building/design in my opinion is truely stunning and I'm sure some of you have seen the building , or atleast pictures of it.

Part of my assignment is to create a detailed model, for which I can find plenty of pictures but no plans or elevations. I was hopeing someone could help me or if theres a magical library site that could help me. I've searched what feels like the entire internet but cannot find and plans,elvations,sections, dimensions or anything.

Either way will be a regular poster as this site seems great, any help would be much appreciated in terms of info or even opinions of the building.

Cheers

 

[Aussie Bhoy]

A picture says a thousand words

 

[Kiss the Rain]

Welcome to the forum!! What city are you from by the way?

 

[Randwicked]

Hello all, this is my first post here, have been reading the forums for a lil while and thought I'd join in. I'm amazed by the regular posts and the popularity of these forums. I'm currently in my second year of my 5 year Bachelor of Architecture, in New Zealand and enjoying it.

I have a fairly big assignment and I have chosen one of my favourite Architectural works, the redevelopment of the new Canberra Parliament in Australia. I first saw it when the mighty V8Supercars would race the GMC 400 streetrace near the parliament and it looked stunning, one of my first architectural experiences.

Designed by Romaldo Giurgola the building/design in my opinion is truely stunning and I'm sure some of you have seen the building , or atleast pictures of it.

Part of my assignment is to create a detailed model, for which I can find plenty of pictures but no plans or elevations. I was hopeing someone could help me or if theres a magical library site that could help me. I've searched what feels like the entire internet but cannot find and plans,elvations,sections, dimensions or anything.

Either way will be a regular poster as this site seems great, any help would be much appreciated in terms of info or even opinions of the building.

Cheers

There is an architectural book out there somewhere that actually has the entire floor plans and sections of the building. It's probably been removed from libraries everywhere for security reasons though, ha ha.

 

[CULWULLA]

hi, putts, ive found some really good plans/elevations BUT looks like you have to subscribe? bummer
link>
http://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/pab/app/image_gallery.cfm/143122

some plans i found (main dimension- 640m diametre)

architects Mitchell, Giurgola & Thorp MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP?

SCALE MODEL

the flag rises 81m above ROOF.
its actually a simple layout

 

[MILIUX]

how many storeys underground?

 

[cowface]

They should hold the flag up.

 

[Aussie Steve]

Australia should be very proud of this wonderful building. Its testimant to our history and future and its a must see for all.

 

[Daffy]

You should contact the Parliament directly.( www.aph.gov.au )I'm sure that they would help you once they are satisfied that your interest in the building is legitimate.

 

[Aussie Steve]

There is a book that was published in the 1980s with plans and elevations. I have a copy of the book at home. It shoudl be available at most major libraries. I'll have a look for the title of it tonight and post it here.

 

[GMAC]

Yeah I have seen those plans years ago, probably in one of the books that everyones talking about.

Miliux, as far as I can remember there is only one level underground which houses the public carpark. I am quite sure that there is plenty more underground that none of us will ever find plans for. There has always been rumours about underground bomb shelters and a tunnel to the Lodge etc etc.

It truly is one of the most original buildings in Australia and one of my favourites, probably because i was lucky enough to grow up in Canberra in the 80's, I still remember standing on the hill before they removed it for construction. And I remember it seeming to take forever to build, and even have pics of when the queen came to open it in 88. I also use to go to Church at St Andrews which is the big Church next door, all the kids use to wander over there and muck around on the lawns. There was one year when the bogon moths invaded Canberra and because of the lights they use to completely cover the walls so they looked black, we would stand in the middle of the grass slopes and clap really loud and millions of these moths would fly off suddenly returning the walls to light grey again.

Anyway, enough of my reminiscing.........

 

[Arunava]

^the tour guide at Parliament House said there was another larger underground level below the public car park. Didn't say what was in there though.

 

[Drunkill]

Yep, i asked when i went (for the second time) last year, Ian i think he was, said there were a few underground storage room and server rooms for computers holding data on the network. But he didn't mention anything elese

 

[CULWULLA]

when seen from above, it looks like its from a star wars movie. very futuristic for its time.

must be only gov bldg in world where sheep graze on roof?

 

[tayser]

it was built in the 80s when they thought the bureaucracy would keep on expanding at exponential rates & thus they... uhh sort of planned for that

I have a vague memory of a figure around about 35% space utilisation in the building - on a guided tour back in 1998.

 

[steve_nova]

....I'm sure some of you have seen the building , or atleast pictures of it.

Been in it and its very impressive I must say. A very pleasant excursion through it in 1997. I would certainly recommend a visit.

 

[Aussie Steve]

Parliament House Canberra, A building for the nation
Edited by Haig Beck
1988
ISBN 0732200075

 

[nagelixin]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am under the impression that you are no longer able to walk on the grass over the building?

 

[Aussie Steve]

I'll test that out in a few weeks time when i'm up there. If I can't then I won't be happy!

 

[BroadGauge]

Why are you saying "Canberra House", thats the name of a 10-storey ugly concrete building in Civic, totally unremarkable. Oh btw, it wasn't "redeveloped", it was just an empty peice of land before it was built there.

And no, you can't walk on the grass. If you go inside the building you can use the lift to the top, but theres a barrier to stop you from walking up to the top of the grass.