Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306:reg:84:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 84 (pt 1/5)
Character Range: 138531–141405

84   Canberra Times, 31 May 2003; 17 December 2003; 6 February 2004.

  3.0                      PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

  3.1     Setting

  The main building is symmetrically placed on a block and is set within a landscape which incorporates the former Director's Residence as a separate building and car parking and roads. It is in an area surrounded by national institutions such as ANU and Australian Academy of Science (Shine Dome).

  3.2     Landscape

  3.2.1   Background

  Prior to the original development, the area had eucalyptus trees scattered over the site. Those trees not affected by the original building

  were retained but only a few of these remain today. Some native grasses remain west of the residence.

  The original landscape of the site was designed and implemented by Alexander E Bruce who was director of Parks and Gardens from 192636. It included avenues of trees around the site, and a scatter of trees throughout the site. The front of the building had a hedge around the drive and a rose garden and trees in the centre. The courtyard had a gravel path across lawns.

  The residence had a private garden. By 1974 some hedging and the rose gardens had been removed.

  Today, the 1970's trees remain in the front lawn, although the detailed planting in the front of the building has been removed, as has the detailed planting around the residence. The courtyard has undergone several changes with the latest in 1988 when a 'heritage' design was created and further maintenance work in 2018.

  The construction of the Annex in 1998 saw the loss of a section of the avenue of trees on Liversidge Street, and a number of mature Eucalypts. Since 1995, the Gabe Carpe memorial tree has been removed from the courtyard and replanted on the eastern side of the Main Building.

Figure 32: Early photograph of the building, 1936 (NFSA 2013)

     3.2.2   Site Details

  The landscape consists of a series of spaces around the building such as indicated in Figure 33.

Figure 33: Site Plan (NFSA 2018)

  This has evolved from the early landscape.

Figure 34: Aerial of Site, 1955 (ACTmapi 2018)

  A tree location plan and condition assessment prepared Canopy Tree Experts in February 2016 is provided below.

Figure 35: Tree Location and Condition Plan (Canopy Tree Experts 2018)

     3.2.3   Details of Key Elements

   1.  General formal symmetrical layout of front (Front Entry Garden Beds and Front Lawns)

  Integrity: Remains evident. Organic layout of high and low forecourt shrubs diminished the formal massing 'plinth' character. Minor asymmetry is introduced by the NFSA identifier/entry sign, and secondary driveway intersections, however these do not diminish overall symmetry at the landscape scale.

  Condition: Some over-mature and missing plantings (Hebe, Coleonema, Agapanthus). As a result of sandstone