Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620:body:0:p56
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 152119–155237

essential and important axial planning elements with the Parliamentary Triangle.  The planning principles of the group are as established by Walter Burley Griffin, and the architectural resolution of the group is as established within the office of John Smith Murdoch, Director-General of Works. (Criterion F1)
West Block is important for its association with Federation, being part of the Provisional Parliament House group, which formed the essential Government facilities in the early development of Canberra as the Nation's Capital.  The Secretariats are a remnant of the relocation phase of the Federal Capital when they formed the seat of Federal and political power. (Criterion A4) Australian Historic Themes: 4.3, Developing Institutions, 7.4 Federating Australia.
The Dugout is significant as a purpose-built World War II bomb shelter.  Along with West Block it is important for accommodating strategic international communication functions of Australia's war time activities. (Criterion 4) Australian Historic Themes 7.7 Defending Australia).
The building is a fine example of Federal Capital Architecture, a version of Inter-War Stripped Classical style.  It exhibits classical style proportions and features of arcaded entrance screens and courtyard arrival points. (Criterion D2)
The unpretentious style of the building with its low horizontal massing, the role of the building as part of a group linked by architectural style and function, and the contribution of the building group as a feature of the designed landscape of the Parliamentary Triangle, are significant aesthetic qualities now greatly valued. (Criterion E1)
The group of government buildings is uncommon.  Only one other similar formal grouping exists in Australia, and that is the Commonwealth and State offices group in Brisbane, also designed by John Smith Murdoch. (Criterion B2)
West Block has associations with the formative days of the National Library, the relocation phase of the Federal Capital, the planning and architecture of John Smith Murdoch and Walter Burley Griffin, and the evolution of Federal Government administration in Canberra. (Criterion H1)

3.5.2               Comment
In addition to the Statement of Significance, the following observations – informed by research and analysis undertaken for this HMP – are considered relevant to an appreciation of West Block's cultural heritage significance.
        * The contribution of Charles Weston in establishing the landscape setting for West Block and the broader Parliamentary Gardens precinct should be acknowledged (Criterion E, 'aesthetic significance' and Criterion H 'associations').
        * The physical evolution of West Block should be acknowledged, notably the significant iterative changes to the building's external appearance and massing carried out between 1937 and 1948.  While the building is demonstrative of key aspects of the Federal Capital Architecture, it is not an intact example.  There is also very limited internal evidence of original/early (pre-1950s) fabric/attributes.
        * It would be appropriate to place greater weight on the