Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01869:reg:6:p23
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01869
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 6 (pt 23/86)
Character Range: 78747–83790

courtyards with loggias and pergolas, verandahs, internal courtyards and adjacent gardens. Despite these influences the central stylistic expression of the building retained its classical orderliness.                                                                                                                                The building reflects the embracing of classical symmetry and forms without the adoption of the  full classical vocabulary and in this way it expresses a modest but refined architectural style. Key features of the style displayed  by  the  building include: symmetrical facade, division into vertical bays indicating classical origins, vestigial classical entablature (being the horizontal decoration towards the top  of the walls including the cornice), simple surfaces and spandrels (the  panel between the top of a window on a lower level and the bottom of a window on a higher level) between storeys subdued to emphasise verticality.
The characteristics of the building's style and their expression in Old Parliament House's exterior and interior, are due to the design work of the Commonwealth's first government architect, John Smith Murdoch. Murdoch's design is modest, embracing classical symmetry and forms, having balanced masses with projected bays with arched bronze framed windows. The architectural detail between the storeys (spandrels) also emphasises the verticality of the elevations.
Old Parliament House and its curtilage also forms the central feature of a precinct. This precinct includes the two Secretariat buildings (East and West Blocks), the Old Parliament House Gardens, Constitutional and Magna Carta Places and the National Rose Gardens. There is some commonality in the design of early buildings within this precinct. This precinct reflects a period when there was an increase in Commonwealth Government power and an increase in the public's interest in Canberra.
The essential character and symmetry of Old Parliament                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       The essential character and symmetry of
House have remained intact despite several substantial additions. The design of the building and its layout, its                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Old Parliament House have remained intact despite several substantial additions. The

NATIONAL HERITAGE LISTED VALUES                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      COMMONWEALTH HERITAGE LISTED VALUES
Attributes key: fabric shown in green; associations and uses shown in bold
curtilage spaces and its interior rooms all demonstrate the customs and functions of the Commonwealth Parliament.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    design of the building and its spaces, and the movable items associated with its operations demonstrate the customs and functions of the Commonwealth Parliament. The divisions within Parliament and the hierarchical system of government are reflected in the categories and styles of both the rooms and furniture available to individuals of different status.
The building's  Chambers reflect the  roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The seating arrangements particularly indicate the formal and adversarial nature of debate. The Public and Press Galleries illustrate the nature of public and press access to formal Parliamentary processes. This access is further demonstrated by the spaces allocated to the recording of