Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223:front:0:p27
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 72284–75349

emphasis to the voids.  The resultant texture is static in form and '…emphasises neither horizontal nor vertical movement'[29].

    Windows located on the Phillip Street façade are designed with higher sills than those on other elevations, and are protected by horizontal cantilevered sun hoods to minimise the impact of sunlight caused by their western orientation.

Figure 20 – General view of the northwest corner of the Head Office building.  Figure 21 – General view of the podium soffit adjacent to the north side of the RBA Head Office entry.  Note the original suspended marble soffit was replaced in c2001.

Figure 22 - Oblique view of the south elevation of the RBA Head office building.  Figure 23 – Oblique view looking northeast along Phillip Street.  The RBA building is indicate by an arrow.

4.3                Interior Description

4.3.1            Generally
The interior of the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office building has been adapted since its opening in 1964 for operational reasons, including some irreversible changes and loss of original fabric.  The major extension (late 1970s) to the south of the original building resulted in changes to the internal layout of office areas and other spaces within the tower together with extensive replacement and/or adaptation of services at each level.  Other modifications undertaken since 1964 generally relate to addressing non-compliance issues and operational requirements.

The RBA Head Office, as a government agency, adopted government policy to use Australian sourced and manufactured materials where possible.  Architectural finishes and detailing within the Head Office drew on international influences, particularly contemporary Scandinavian design as seen in the use of timber finishes, linen panelling and natural colours.

Public spaces such as the ground floor reception and lift lobbies incorporated granite and marble finishes.  Its anodised aluminium louvred ceiling was designed to reflect the structural bays, while the floor levels changed throughout the public spaces to delineate the entrance to the museum, reception area and banking chamber.

Recent refurbishments have drawn on the original palette of materials to maintain and enhance the 1964 architectural character of the main spaces.

Figure 24 – Example of fire stair finishes and painted steel balustrades within the RBA Head office building.  Figure 25 – Photograph of typical refurbished lavatory areas throughout the RBA building.

4.3.2            Ceilings
Ceilings are generally suspended acoustic ceilings with fluorescent lights and air-conditioning grilles, although some ceilings, such as those in lift lobbies and the Board Room include set plaster ceilings with integrated downlight or suspended track lights. The original (1964) anodised aluminium louvred ceiling has been retained above the Ground floor entrance lobby, banking chamber and museum entrance.

There are no ceilings located in the basement loading and parking areas, some service and plant rooms spaces.

4.3.3            Lifts