Friday, July 23, 2010

University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus Photographic Series

An Ariel view of the Sandy Bay campus and sports grounds.  
(source: Archives Office of Tasmania: AB713-1-11965-1)
 
The University of Tasmania campus located in Sandy Bay, overlooking the River Derwent and the impressively dominating  Mt Wellington as it’s backdrop.  The ascending University campus boasts a vast collection of significant post War buildings. The original buildings were built in the late 1950s and many still stand today, showcasing a style that was cutting edge at the time it was designed, and something that Hobart, or indeed Tasmania had not witnessed before on such a large scale.

Throughout the next series of blog entries I will take a closer look at the diverse range of important Modernist Buildings that come toghether to make a wonderful in-tact post war University campus.

It's interesting to note in the photograph above how 'clean' the site looks with the photograph being taken not long after all the buildings were built.  The buildings were set out to form a U shape, and as you walk from the bottom  to top there is an empty space where the University Hall was to be built, but never was.  The Student Cafe is now in this space. 

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Art Deco & Moderism Australia Blog Launched


My latest blog, Art Deco and Modernism Australia has just been launched. Through my photography and written words I look forward to sharing Modernist gems that I have found and documented throughout Australia.

Art Deco & Modernism Architecture Tasmania will continue as normal.

Every wondered what this vast country has on offer for Modernist exploration? Drop by and check out the new Australia wide site and let us know what you think!

Click here to launch Art Deco & Modernism Australia

Monday, July 19, 2010

Launceston Princess Theater

 The Princess Theatre is a classic of example of a building that has been given an Art Deco style face-lift.  The original facade was a Victorian period design, but was redesigned in the Art Deco style in the early 20th Century to good effect.  The neon lighting still glows of a night when a show is on, and walking out from a show you are greeted opposite by the Launceston Landmark Art Deco commercial Building that is Holyman House. The facade reminds me of bubble gum for some reason, perhaps it's the colour it's painted?!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Parliament Square Hobart Precinct Development Axed

 The development of Parliament Square that would see several 20th Century buildings demolished, including the 1960s office block 10 Murray Street, and the 1950s Art Deco former Government Printing Offices has been rejected. RMPAT (the Resource Management Planning Tribunal) refused the application for development.

To view a full report on the decision click here

Monday, July 5, 2010

T&G Tower Clock revisited - from a closer vantage point

The T&G Tower in Hobart is an iconic Art Deco design, and whilst it has stood the test of time, the exterior of the building over the years has been falling into decay with paint peeling from the building, graffiti and even the clock tower itself wasn't working.  When I last took photographs of the T&G Building (see this blog entry here for older photos) the clock wasn't working and the bottom right hand side was smashed.  A closer vantage point some months later reveals that the clock was working and repairs have been done to the facade.