St Catherine's Hall Launceston - Timeless Modernist Design

St Catherine's Hall in Launceston  is a great example of Modernist design style

Community halls sprung up over Australia in the Post War period, and they provide an interesting social history that highlight the importance of halls such as St Catherine's that provided the community with a place to meet for events, functions, dances.  St Catherine's Hall in Launceston is an excellent example of 1950s architecture and it's design qualities are many.  The main entrance is fascinating with the use of a series of angled steel beams, the red brick facade, timber panelling and stone all combine to create a stunning, timeless example of Modernist community hall design.  The "St Catherine's Hall" typeface on the main facade of the building oozes 1950s design style as well. 

Former Royal Derwent Hospital Ward Destroyed by Fire

Many wards at the former Royal Derwent Hospital have been lost by fire over the past couple of years or through demolition for site redevelopment.  The photo of the ward above was demolished soon after this photo was taken. 

The 1950s designed Ward 1 at the historic Royal Derwent Hospital complex was destroyed by fire this week. Fires have destroyed four hospital wards in the past couple of years, with others having been demolished for urban redevelopment. 


The wards that now remain from the mid 20th Century precinct are wards 10 and 12. Ward 10 is privately owned, whilst ward 12 is due to be demolished any-time. They are now the only remaining examples of wards that highlight this period of the hospital's history.


The massive complex that was the Royal Derwent Hospital (1830-2001) was the longest running institution in Australia and pre-dates Port Arthur, with buildings spanning from 1830 through to the 1970s. Georgian, Federation, Art Deco and Modernist buildings all existed on the site when it was sold off, but sadly mismanagement and neglect of the complex has seen many buildings vandalised, demolished or destroyed by fire.  


The 1950s designed western precinct of the former Royal Derwent Hospital highlighted a major shift in providing healthcare for for people with mental illness with it's open-plan layout.


Without the appropriate protection of Modernist buildings at the Royal Derwent Hospital, the diversity and linkage of architectural styles have been lost forever. Tasmania's 19th Century architecture is rightly admired and protected, but there is much catching up to do when it comes to our mid 20th Century architectural heritage. 

To view my photographic project of the former Royal Derwent Hospital click here and view a video of Ward 1 on fire and its demolition click here

Hobart Commonwealth Bank - Orange Glass Curtain Wall

Check this wonderful example of glass curtain wall design in Hobart with its striking use of orange panelling  offset against transparent glass.  The building is home to the Commonwealth Bank and this example is a clear shift away from the use of brick and concrete that was seen prior to the 1960s in many Modernist buildings.

Here we gain a sense of lightness through the use of glass as the dominant feature and thin bands of concrete that draw the eye upwards and offset the abundant use of orange panelling.  As it's one of Hobart's taller buildings it stands out from many vantage points, but the use of vibrant orange probably also has something to do with it being noticeable.  The Commonwealth Bank Building and others like it that sprung up around Hobart during the 1960s and 1970s transformed the cities urban landscape.

Brutalist Lookout Tower - the flexibility of concrete

This wonderfully designed concrete lookout tower in Launceston has several interesting features and really highlights the flexibility of concrete as a design medium. The staircase that spirals around the central concrete column is interesting, and if you take a closer look each stair has repeating circle patterns, some worn out from the many feet that have stood on them over time.   Sadly, as with many Modernist designs, the tower and its surrounds have an abandoned and neglected feel to them, whereas it should be celebrated as a great example of how concrete can be used.