Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306:reg:89
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01306
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 89
Character Range: 182154–184462

89   http://www.naa.gov.au/about-us/organisation/history/index.aspx

    The interwar stripped classical building tends to illustrate a starkly functional, symmetrical building to which classical orders could easily be added. A few touches of Art Deco were not uncommon.90

    Art Deco is a visually stimulating and intellectually undemanding
    style that first came into prominence at the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925. Art Deco motifs came to be especially favoured for both exteriors and interiors. The use of vivid
    decorative elements, which served no particular function, was often implemented. Straight lines often 3 in parallel were used horizontally, vertically and diagonally in conjunction with geometric curves. Low relief sculpture was popular.91"

  Due to the number of public buildings being designed in Canberra at the time there are several examples of the style in Canberra. These include:

Provisional Parliament House (now MOADOPH)                                   J S Murdoch       1924    (Figure 126 & Figure 127)
NFSA (Institute of Anatomy)                                                  W Hayward Morris  1929    (Figure 128 & Figure 129)
CSIRO Division of Entomology (Institute of Scientific Industrial Research)   W Hayward Morris  1929    (Figure 130 & Figure 131)
Old Patent Office                                                            E H Henderson     1936    (Figure 132 & Figure 133)
Australian School of Forestry                                                J.H Kirkpatrick   c1927

  It is interesting to compare these early Canberra buildings. Of all the examples NFSA stands as the best example due to the rich coloured motifs in the facade, the use of Australian fauna and aboriginal motifs (both influenced by MacKenzie) and the extent to which the design quality has been extended to the details which includes items such as furniture, joinery, door hardware, lights, light switches, radiator panels and step treads.

  Figure 126: MOAD OPH North Elevation (EMA 2003)

  Figure 127: MOAD OPH North Elevation detail (EMA 2003)

  Figure 128: NFSA Southern façade detail (EMA 2003)

,

  Figure 129: NFSA Southern Elevation (EMA 2003)

  Figure 130: CSIRO Division of Entomology (EMA 2003)