Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306:reg:91:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 91 (pt 4/5)
Character Range: 192774–196158

Significance92

  The NFSA buildings are significant for their original role in housing the Institute of Anatomy. The collection housed became a significant record of Australian fauna and aboriginal life. The Institute also played a role in researching various aspects of national health. The present role,
  in housing the NFSA audio visual collection, maintains a high level of national significance for the building.

  The setting of the building in an open landscape, the front entrance address to the McCoy Circuit axis and symmetrical planning provides a strong aesthetic appeal to the whole place.

  The main building is an outstanding example of inter war stripped classical with Art Deco detailing comprising a strongly symmetrical plan and elevation treatment. The fenestration has a strong vertical composition, with simply detailed

  columns. More detailed elements are restricted to spandrel panels and doorways. External detail shows Art Deco influence with a distinctive Australiana character. The interior of the buildings (principally the main building) are fine examples of substantially intact quality Art Deco style interiors.

  The NFSA site has strong associational links with significant people involved in its design, development and administration.

Design Architect     W Hayward Morris
Other Architects     J S Murdoch oversaw design process
                     E M Henderson design and documentation involvement for interiors & joinery
Landscape Designer   A E Bruce
Administrators       Sir Colin McKenzie founding director and the driving force in creating the Institute Sir John Butters Chairman FCC. Had strong influence on development of the U shape plan.
                     Sir Neville Howse, Minister for Health & Defence at the time. Instrumental in getting Cabinet approval to construct building.

  The usage of the InnesBell Hollow Block system in construction of the ground floor is indicative of the use of a technique which was technically advanced for its time. The building is a rare example of the use of this technique which was a predecessor to the modern waffle slab.  The building has strong social links with the community through its original occupancy as the Institute of Anatomy and currently as the headquarters for the National Film and Sound Archive.

  4.7    Significance of Components

  From the overall analysis in Sections 4.2 4.5, the following section evaluates the significance of the various elements of the site. This process is aimed at assisting in the ongoing conservation and management of the place. The levels of significance are divided as suggested by J S Kerr in The Conservation Plan.

Grading       Justification                                                                                                          Comment regarding Significance
Exceptional   Rare or outstanding item of significance.                                                                              Damaging to, or adversely affecting the item's heritage significance.
              High degree of intactness. Item can be interpreted relatively easily.
              High degree of original fabric. Demonstrates a key element of the item's significance.
Considerable  Alterations may detract                                                                                                Fulfils criteria for local