Industrial Abandonment Hobart

Something interesting occurs to places when they change from towns to cities. Amongst the glitzy new buildings that rise upwards to compete for space, there are countless abandoned buildings that tell the story of a time that has passed, but crumble away, day by day.

The above photo was taken in central Hobart. This vast building that has stood empty and boarded up for a long time now. The site is on valuable real estate, and as such the future for these buildings looks dim.

It's interesting as to what parts of our history are deemed to be important to retain and buildings that are torn down because they are viewed as unworthy or importance or historic value. Time after time around Tasmania modernist buildings are torn down, with the term 'heritage' being viewed by many as 19th century buildings only. The neglect and demolition of such buildings ignores the contributions of how such buildings have helped to shape Tasmania and its identity today.

Hydro Electic Commission Sub Station

This photograph highlights the details of the wonderful little sub-station that stands in central Hobart city. There are many great examples of sub-stations around Tasmanian towns and cities from the 20th century.

Hobart CBD posses many fine examples of Art Deco architecture that are sometimes large, but in the case of the HEC sub station building, it shows that the little buildings too, pack their punch in style.

TAFE Tasmania Hobart City Campus

The city TAFE campus in Hobart is an architecturally interesting building. From what I can work out the site is made up of two different buildings. A glass and concrete building can be seen to the left, whilst a steel frame and glass build is evident to the right. It's likely that the buildings were used for something other before being used by TAFE. The complex is immense and occupies a substantial space on the outer edges of the central business district. I think the two different styles work well against one another and the way the buildings are stepped in the central area works visually. The use of brown brickwork against the raw concrete is also an interesting design style.

Art Deco & Moderism Australia Blog Launched

My latest blog, Art Deco and Modernism Australia is up and running. Through my photography and written words I look forward to sharing Modernist gems that I have found and documented throughout Australia. Photographs of Modernist gems from Melbourne to Mossman and everywhere in between will be explored.

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

Magistrates Court - Launceston

Whilst the Launceston Magistrates Court was mentioned in a previous blog, this photograph shows the building from the North-West facing facade.  A very interesting mix of red brick, white paned panels and windows are on show.

Click here for a previous blog entry that talks about the use of local stone in the construction of the building and a photograph of the main facade.

University of Tasmania Christ College #6

Christ College (1960) is perched on the highest point of the University of Tasmania campus, and was built for student accommodation and is still used for this purpose today. It is regarded as one of the most important post war series of buildings of Tasmania. The views from site take in Hobart City and the River Derwent, with Mt Wellington as the backdrop. It's a dramatic complex with an equally dramatic setting.

It was designed by Hartley, Wilson & Bolt. The firm designed many wonderful examples of mid 20th century Architecture in Tasmania, and their architectural legacy has been largely undervalued which is a shame, because they designed a very large number of modernist buildings in Hobart that have helped shape and contribute to Hobart's identity.

As you ascend up the winding road towards Christ College you are surrounded by gum trees on either side and then the vast complex greets you. There have been more recent accommodation buildings (early 2000s) added to the site, but the vast majority of the original 1960s design remains.

The main entrance certainly makes a statement and the use of non painted breeze block work is deliberate by the architect. Whilst the complex may look quite imposing from the outside, Once you enter the main entrance the complex, and enter into the heart of the complex, the site takes on a more human and communal scale.

Look out in the future on Art Deco & Modernism Architecture Tasmania for a special series that explores the buildings of Hartley Wilson & Bolt.