Showing posts with label Brisbane Buildings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brisbane Buildings. Show all posts

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Parliament House

Parliament House
Queensland Parliament House is located at 69 Alice Street, at the intersection with George Street and adjacent to the Botanic Gardens and Queensland University of Technology. A building of rich historical significance, Parliament House was constructed between 1865 and 1867 as the seat of Queensland government after separation from New South Wales in 1859. Aside from government obligations, there are free public guided tours at various times, and a gift shop, selling souvenirs and memorabilia, is located in the main foyer. There are also regular public art displays held in the parliamentary annexe.

Parliament HouseThe building was designed in what was then known as French Renaissance style (although now referred to as classical revival) by Queensland's first Colonial Architect Charles Tiffin. Various forms of Queensland sandstone were used in the building process, along with Mount Isa copper being used for the roofing. Additions were made several times during the late 1800's, although from that period on the building has remained largely unchanged except for maintenance work. A 22-storey Parliamentary Annexe was built during the early 1980's with a new Legislative Chamber on the 5th floor.

Parliament HouseThis week there has been a raft of activity at Parliament House due to the change of Queensland Premier from Peter Beattie to Anna Bligh. Anna Bligh becomes the first female Premier of Queensland and suceeded Mr Beatie with his retirement after nine undefeated years. I imagine that for her, walking through the doors of parliament as a new leader would have held as much special significance has it has for the 36 other leaders who proceeded her. How fantastic that they have such a culturally and architecturally splendid building to operate from.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Sunday, July 15, 2007

State Library of Queensland

State Library of Queensland
The State Library of Queensland is located in the Cultural Centre at Stanley Place, Southbank. Next to the Gallery of Modern Art, it reopened at its revamped location on the 25 November, 2006. The library is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with extended hours through to 8pm on Monday through Thursday. There are also commercial outlets including the Library Shop and Tognini's Cafe.

State Library of Queensland EntranceWith its mission of "Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other", the State Library offers a raft of services to the Queensland public. These include access to traditional hard materials like books, newspapers, journals, family history, maps and audio-visual, as well as a number of electronic services, such as bibliographic and full content databases. They also provide access to key historical collections of Queensland, including the John Oxley Library. The State Library has a distinct focus on Queensland’s documentary heritage, and advocates for as well as partners with public libraries all across Queensland.

State Library of Queensland Entrance
Despite the new look to the library, many of the traditional services offered have been provided to the community for well over 100 years. Since moving from the Former State Library in William Street in 1988, the Library has continued to grow and expand into a far more varied offering today. They provide services that would have been frowned upon years ago, particularly with the active kids programs (and noise that goes along with them!) Their electronic services are excellent, with wireless access throughout. Being a former librarian myself, I'm incredibly proud that such a great facility is available here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, July 6, 2007

Irish Murphy's

Irish Murphy's
Irish Murphy's Brisbane pub is located at the corner of George and Elizabeth Street. Part of the Irish Murphy's chain, their motto is to offer the best craic in town. They provide live music seven days a week, and have function rooms available. Their gallery restaurant offers more traditional Irish food, and their cafe bar menu offers standard pub fare. They also offer backpacker accommodation from around $30 per night, however, with an opening license through to 3am you need to be a bit of a party animal to stay there!

Irish Murphy'sThis building was formerly the Treasury Hotel. It was built in 1887-1888 and with the Transcontinental is the only building from this era on George Street still operating as a hotel. However, even back then the hotel was a replacement for an earlier hotel, the Dunmore Arms, from 1865. The site therefore has quite a long history. It was named to serve the new government treasury building across the street. The title TREASURY HOTEL still can be seen in the balustrade at the top of the building.

Today, despite being a pub of some repute, you can still see the classical design in the architecture. The upper two stories contain much of the original detail, but the first floor verandah has obviously been altered to serve the drinking consultants who frequent the bar on most evenings. It can be a bit cold to hand out there during winter, but with a few Guinness in your kick I'm sure it warms the cockles of your heart enough to endure!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, June 22, 2007

General Post Office

General Post Office
The General Post Office is located at 261 Queen Street, directly opposite Post Office Square. Facing the building, on the right you have specialty shops including the RACQ, and on the left, the Post Office and related postal services of Australia Post. Under the arch the complex is split by an arcade which runs from Queen Street through to Elizabeth Street.

General Post Office FacadeThe General Post Office was opened in September of 1872. The original GPO building, was designed by colonial architect Francis Drummond Greville (FDG) Stanley with an Italianate influence. The two storied northern building was completed by John Petrie in 1872, and the southern wing, central tower and archway were erected from 1876 to 1879. The complex was established to meet the increasing communications needs of the colony of Queensland. Helidon freestone is used throughout the building, particularly on the facade, columns and arcades. Over the years further extensions and expansions of the complex were made, however the main original components remain intact.

General Post Office Clock
I love the historic grandeur of the building. Restoration work was undertaken in the mid 1990's, and today the building still shines as a result. The sandstone usage, like many other buildings in the city from that period, is sensational. One part of the GPO I love is the clock face on the northern building. It reminds me of the clock tower from Back to the Future! One day someone should dress up as Doc and slide from the tower down into Post Office Square.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Sunday, June 17, 2007

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
The Queensland Art Gallery - Gallery of Modern Art, or GOMA as its known to the locals, is a wonderful new gallery located in South Brisbane within the Cultural Centre precinct of South Bank. It is the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Australia. Opening hours are from 10:00am to - 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with the weekend opening time extended to 9:00am. Admission is free, except for special exhibitions and screenings. It was opened on the 2nd December, 2006.

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)The entrance foyer is dominated by this huge black and white work by Eko Nugroho. The prime reason for having an art gallery is to exhibit Art, however, aside from the many public gallery areas, there are also cinemas, a library, a number of cafes, and a gallery store. Multi-media and new technology is used as both an adjunct to certain pieces, and also as art in itself. They also have guest speakers and guided tours of the collections. A major exhibition, the Asia–Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art was the prime opening exhibition. At present, the main gallery is being refurbished for a new exhibition. Details of upcoming and current events can be found on the gallery website.

Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Today we were still able to wander through the existing exhibitions. There are some things which take my eye, and others that leave me wondering if a blank canvas with a small splotch of paint really is art. I enjoyed the indigenous aboriginal collection. One problem I have with these galleries is how hard it is to take your kids, and not let them touch the artworks, particularly things like carved stonework. Of course they want to explore! However, in this instance my boys were very well behaved.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, June 1, 2007

Transcontinental Hotel

Transcontinental Hotel
The Transcontinental Hotel is a historic pub located at 482 George Street opposite the Brisbane Transit Centre. Open from 10:00am until late each day, the complex offers restaurant, bars and a pokies gaming area. Renowned as both a live music and dance venue, as well as a great place to get cheap eats, the Trans, as it is locally known, has been a Brisbane pub institution for a number of years. I do not, however, believe the hotel currently offers accommodation.

Transcontinental HotelThe Transcontinental Hotel has quite a long history with Brisbane. It was constructed in 1883-4 as a first class hotel for the city's gentry. It originally contained 27 bedrooms, seven public rooms, billiard room and a private bar over four levels, with the lower level being below street level. It was reputed to have one of the largest bar trades in Brisbane, with only the best liquor carried. Over the years, although the facade has remained largely intact, the interior has had significant remodelling.

Today, the trans has several theme nights, changing from pub sports on Monday, music jam night Tuesday, funk and R&B Wednesday, university night Thursday, office Friday and differing varieties on Saturday and Sunday. The crowd is a mix of backpackers and tourists, the office set, and students, depending on which night you go. During happy hours the beer is cheap and flows regularly, and their pub meals are quite good value.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Spencers Building

Spencers BuildingThere are times when I wander around the city that I come across places and wonder what there history could be. Like in any city in the world, you can come across derelict buildings. This one, at 45-47 Edwards Street, is in obvious need of repair. Although the facade is still intact, inside is a complete mess. There is rubbish and signs of squatters on the main entrance floor, and although the main structure is intact, the building is basically untenantable. There is also graffiti over the building as well.

Spencers BuildingHowever, there was a time when this building, and its associated building next door, formed part of the warehouse district near the bustling original Port of Brisbane. Known as Spencers Building, the building was completed in 1890 to a design by colonial architect FDG Stanley. Unfortunately it was flooded in the 1890 floods not long after completion, however over the intervening years it was used as a coach building premises, tent manufacturer, leather manufacturer, and as is noted on the facade, a typewriter dealer. Unfortunately it has since fallen into disrepute.

Spencers BuildingI can only hope that at some point in the near future, the building will be redeveloped, and the classical Victorian detailing will be maintained. There is still hope for this, as the adjacent building still maintains an example of what the facade could be like if the entire structure was refurbished. There is ample space inside and whatever its future holds, it does offer its owner a great opportunity to maintain the aesthetic qualities of this type of architecture.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Former State Library of Queensland

Former State Library of Queensland
The building at 159 William Street has a long and auspicious history within the public life of Brisbane. Like many other buildings in the area along William Street, this is another of the city buildings designed by Colonial Architect Francis Drummond Greville (FDG) Stanley. It was modelled on 16th century Italian architecture. Constructed between 1876 and 1879, it was the first purpose-built home for the Queensland Museum.

Former State Library of Queensland
Unfortunately, it proved inadequate for museum purposes. It reopened as the Public Library of Queensland in April 1902. Over the years the collection expanded, and the the library building itself was extended in 1958-59. The name was changed to the State Library of Queensland in 1971. In 1988 the State Library moved to new, larger premises in the Queensland Cultural Centre at Southbank.

Former State Library of Queensland Mural
Along with the historic building, the associated annex with mural by Victorian artist Lindsay Edwards, are still prominent architectural and artistic features on William Street. I believe the building may still be used as a library store, although I also understand that it is partially home to offices of Tabcorp, associated with the Treasury Casino across the road. Hopefully we'll never lose such a unique facade.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thursday, May 24, 2007

Brisbane Transit Centre

Brisbane Transit Centre
One of the key places associated with travel to and from Brisbane is the Brisbane Transit Centre. Located on Roma Street adjacent to Roma Street Station, the transit centre acts as a hub for trains and buses travelling within Queensland and interstate. City buses also utilise the transit centre. The complex also includes a number of shops, cafes and restaurants, two office towers, multi-level car park and also a Holiday Inn hotel. The Transit Centre can be entered via ground level, or by a pedestrian overpass across Roma Street, which is accessed by a stairway or escalator.

Components of the centre have a long history. Roma Street Station was Brisbane's first railway station and opened in 1876. Over the years, the station was extended, with new platforms and facilities added. The most recent, and most significant change to the Railway Station occurred in the 1980s when the transit centre, incorporating the Hotel and associated business towers, was constructed.

If you are a tourist or backpacker, travelling around the city and into the far reaches of Queensland on the train and bus will no doubt take you through the transit centre. There are a number of tour operators on the site, and many tours run from here. Baggage and storage lockers are available. Use this as a starting point, and not only the delights of Brisbane and it surrounds will be available to you, but so will the whole of our magnificent country.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Wednesday, May 23, 2007

William Buck Centre Windmill

William Buck Centre WindmillThe William Buck Centre at 120 Edward Street has an interesting windmill sculpture in its entry foyer. Well, this is what I've called it! I've been unable to find much specifically about the sculpture. As you can see from the pictures, it incorporates what appears to be a stainless steel spiral over an eight pointed framework. It rotates clockwise and must be close to 3 metres in diameter from casual observation.

The William Buck Centre incorporates some incredible environmentally supportive technology. It has a large solar panel roof structure, which has been built into the overall structure. The whole office tower has been designed to minimise energy consumption. Energy efficient features include movement and light-level sensors, low-flow shower roses, dual-flush toilets, movement detector urinals, flow limiters on taps, solar hot water collectors. Studies with the Environmental Protection Agency have shown the results of these efficiencies, and the tower has a 4.5 star building greenhouse rating.

William Buck Centre WindmillInitially it was the novelty of the sculpture which drew me into the foyer in the first place. The panel underneath, highlighting information such as carbon emission efficiency gains, suggested that the building might have something more to offer. It was only when I began research into what the building was all about that I discovered its green nature. Lets hope that this offers more than a glimpse to the future, and all developments will incorporate these kinds of initiatives, as well as offering us unique public art.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Naval Offices

Naval Offices
The Naval Offices at 3 Edward Street are representative of the historic character of the Brisbane riverfront. They were built in 1901 as the administrative headquarters of Queensland Marine Defence Force, providing a residence for the Naval Commandant and his staff. The Naval Offices served as a key naval administrative location from the Royal Australian Navy's formation in 1913 and throughout two World Wars. The premises were occupied by the Navy through to 1959. Subsequently, they were used by various government departments until being leased as a restaurant in 1982. The Naval Offices are currently home to Baggaley's Florist.

Naval Offices Pediment
The architectural style of the building is mainly Baroque, with an ornate entrance pediment which incorporates the Naval Defence Coat of Arms. This is a largely intact example of a Federation period building. The original wrought iron entry gates still hang in the arched entrance way. The building is predominantly constructed from red brick which is essentially plain on the lower level and stuccoed on the upper level.

Naval Offices
This is another of the city buildings with a unique and largely intact historical significance. Being so close to the river, the naval representatives would have had a commanding view of the activities on the river during both wars, although now the Stamford Hotel has largely blocked their vista. They could also have monitored activities at the Naval Store, directly across the river. Today, there's flowers inside, so if you're looking for a brilliant bloom, have a look at their floral delights whilst you savour the history!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels

Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels
The Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels is a replica Belgian themed bistro and bar located at the corner of Mary and Edward Streets, at 169 Mary Street. The venue offers a restaurant with A La Carte menus and desserts, fine wines, cocktails, and of course Beer. There are function areas both within the restaurant on the ground floor, and an area on the upper terrace. The other outstanding feature is the outside open air beer garden. Opening hours are from 11am until late every day of the week.

Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels
The building itself is also known as the Coal Board Building, and has historical significance within Brisbane. Originally used as a warehouse, it was erected in 1887-88. It was used initially by importers of china and glass, and then subsequently used by boot manufacturers, and a variety of produce and leather merchants, engineers, hardware suppliers and saddlers' ironmongers. In the 1960's it was transferred back to government offices, before being converted to a bar/restaurant in the 2000's.

Belgian Beer Cafe BrusselsThere are a number of other Belgian Beer Cafes throughout Australia. The aim of the cafes is to recreate the look and feel of 1920s bars of Belgium along with their art-nouveau design. Each bar also features famous beers of Belgium - including Hoegaarden, Leffe and Stella Artois - with the customary two fingers of foam at the top. If you want a great place to enjoy a foaming beer in lush surrounds with the chic crowd, then this is the place. The chocolate desserts are also excellent!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The Inchcolm Hotel

The Inchcolm Hotel
The Inchcolm Hotel is a boutique hotel located at 73 Wickham Terrace. A part of the Quality Hotel chain, the hotel offers standard and deluxe suites, "Seasalt" restaurant, conference and function facilities, and a rooftop pool with views back down to the city. In 1999 The Inchcolm was transformed from a heritage listed medical chambers to its current reincarnation. There are 35 suites in the hotel, and these are unique in that they are named after significant people or places of interest in Queensland history.

The Inchcolm HotelWickham Terrace is significant for its relationship to the medical profession. This particular site has been associated with the profession since the 1880's. The original building contained private consulting rooms and then became a private hospital. In 1930 the current building was created in Georgian Style. Internally the building was divided into suites of medical offices, accessed via a narrow central corridor on each level. These suites now form the basis of the hotel. In refurbishing the building as a hotel many of the original features were kept including the silky oak wall panelling and doors, the original brass fittings and the 1920s New York style cage lift which still services the hotel today.

I love the look and feel of this hotel. The red brick rendering, overall faced, and the lettering pronouncing the hotel all give it a certain charm which harks back to the 1930's. The lettering in particular is deceptive, grabbing your attention because it appears out of focus - even though it isn't. It must be a trick of the camera as well! Although I haven't had the pleasure of staying here, I think it would be a great place to take a break.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Plough Inn

Plough Inn
The Plough Inn is the main pub on Stanley Street Plaza at South Bank Parklands. The inn offers both a traditional pub atmosphere, with beer on tap, along with a steakhouse offering both snacks and meals. The view is excellent, across the beach, river and city and to Little Stanley Street. There is the capacity to cater for a variety of functions for up to 500 people. It is open from 11:00am until late daily.

This historic building was originally built as a hotel in 1885. It replaced a previous, less substantial structure on the site, which had functioned as the Plough Inn since 1864. It had its hey day through the tun of the century due its proximity to the South Brisbane wharves, ensuring its popularity amongst the sea going trade. It was also a significant meeting point for troops during World War II. In 1987 the building was modified to function as a tavern during Expo '88.

Plough Inn
Today the pub is quite a popular meeting point and eatery, being a focal point for the many tourists who visit Southbank. By both night and day the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming, and the grub is good. It is very easy to sit at the entrance to the pub with a cool, refreshing drink and watch the world go by.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2007

The Myer Centre

The Myer Centre
The Myer Centre is one of the premier shopping and entertainment centres in Brisbane. Located at 91 Queen Street and spanning from the Queen Street Mall through to Elizabeth Street it is a six floor shopping complex. The Centre is home to close to 170 stores, including the largest Myer department store in Queensland, as well as Target and Coles. It opened in March 1988. A full centre directory can be found on their web site. The centre is open most days with store trading mainly from 9:00am - 5:30pm and extended hours on Fridays.

The Myer CentreAside from shops, the Myer Centre also is home to an eight screen cinema complex on the top level. Underneath the centre is four levels of car parking, and the Queen Street Bus Station is located on the lower ground level. A major food court is also contained on the lower levels, and coffee shops and eateries are interspersed amongst the specialty shops on most levels. If you can't find something to suit your tastes in either food, goods or fashion, then you're not trying hard enough.

The Myer CentreThere are two other things I like about the Myer Centre, and they relate to history. Architecturally, the facades of the buildings facing the Queen Street Mall, all date back to the turn of the century. The former Myer store used to be directly opposite the current location, and those facades have similar architecture. The second piece of history is personal. I remember coming to Brisbane in the 90's, and one of the highlights for me was going to what was then known as "Tops", a kids entertainment area on the highest level, and riding the dragon rollercoaster. Sadly, this was all removed when it became unprofitable, although interestingly enough in this case, the dragon has been up for sale!

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Friday, May 4, 2007

Port Office Hotel

Port Office Hotel
The Port Office Hotel is a restaurant and bar complex located at the corner of Margaret and Edward Streets. It consists of the restaurant F!X, several bars, a nightclub, a Boardroom, a private wine room and also includes function facilities to cater for corporate events or weddings. Open most days from 11:30am until late, the most active nights are Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Port Office Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in Brisbane. The building served as the place for accommodation of the officials engaged in shipping activities in the original port. Initially known as the Shamrock Hotel, it began operation in May of 1864. It has been rebuilt and refurbished a number of times since its early days, with the latest major refurbishment done in 2000. Internally some of the early timber doors, architraves, and skirtings survive but otherwise the majority including has been altered in various refurbishments. It is a heritage listed building.

Having eaten at the F!X restaurant I can recommend eating there. As a place to relax, the Marble Bar provides a great location to put up your feet and watch the world go by as you have a drink. Upstairs in the Velvet Room you can either enjoy the nightclub, or hang out on the veranda overlooking the street. Overall, if you're looking for a place to hang out and chill, you can't go too wrong heading here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thursday, May 3, 2007

MacArthur Museum

MacArthur MuseumThe MacArthur Museum is located on the 8th Floor of MacArthur Chambers, which can be found just down from the corner of Queens Street and Edward Street. The museum is dedicated to honouring the story of General Douglas MacArthur and the Headquarters Allied Forces South West Pacific Area during 1942–1944. This was a pivotal point in the Second World War. The building was used because of its central location and reinforced concrete roof. The museum is open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and can be visited with a small admission charge.

MacArthur Museum
There has been much written about Macarthur and his command during World War II. It was on July 20, 1942 that the Southwest Pacific Area headquarters was moved to Brisbane. MacArthur had been appointed Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in the are, and to remove all ambiguity the then Australian Prime Minister John Curtin put MacArthur in command of the Australian military as well. The museum focuses on Macarthur's time in Brisbane, highlighting not only the man, but how the War affected the city, the people at the time, and the interactions with the large influx of American military.

MacArthur Museum
For some time I was unable to easily locate the museum, largely due to the reduced opening hours. This doesn't negate the fact that the museum provides a great reference point for a significant time in Brisbane's history. It is incredible that 60 years on a location in what is effectively a commercial building has still been maintained in such a dedicated fashion. It reminds us of our history through not only the stories of the times, but also in the heritage of the building itself. It also gives us an historical awareness of how successful the allied coalition in the area was.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Naldham House

Naldham HouseNaldham House is located at 193 Mary Street, at the intersection of Mary Street and Felix Street. Currently home to the Brisbane Polo Club who began operating from the building in 1990, the building has a long history, originally being part of the maritime community. Naldham House was built in the late 1870s with major extensions in 1889 and served for almost a century as a shipping office. In 1988 major external and internal alternations were carried out in converting the building into premises for the polo club.

Naldham HouseThe site where Naldham House stands, adjacent to the Brisbane River, was acquired by the Australasian Steam Navigation Company (ASN) in March 1852. In 1864 a two storey office building was erected, and was extended during the intervening years to 1888, when renovations began creating the building in its current form. The name Naldham House came about in 1915 when the building was taken over by McDonald Hamilton - Naldham being a contraction of the two names. For many years the port trade played a significant factor in the economic success of the shipping companies, and they dominated much of the Brisbane River waterfront.

Naldham House
The building itself exudes English colonial style. The building forms a thin rectangle with the visually dominant tower being located at the north-eastern end. I love how the stark white rendering has been maintained, and the architectural integrity has been kept intact. You can take a virtual tour of the insides of the building, and here you can see the definite formal British club influence of the renovations.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Net

Net is a stainless steel sculpture which adorns an outside wall at the entrance to the Neville Bonner Building at 75 William St. As part of a public art commission in 1998, the artist Barbara Heath has again demonstrated her significant jewellery skills by creating this large interlinked set of rings. These form the shape of an elongated cylinder running down the side of the building.

The Neville Bonner Building recognises the contribution to Australian public life of former Senator, Neville Bonner, AO. It is a permanent reminder of Mr Bonner's distinguished career and contribution to Queensland and Australia. Neville Bonner was the first Indigenous Australian to be elected to the Parliament of Australia. In reading reviews at the time, my interpretation is that this sculpture refers to related themes of the area's original indigenous inhabitants including interconnectedness with the land and river, and their associated fishing practices, hence "net".

Barbara is certainly active throughout the Brisbane artistic community with both her work as sculptor and jeweller. I find it refreshing that not only does she do great work which earns her an income, but that she actively pursues public art and design projects. This, to me, allows her to give back to the community and allows us all to appreciate her craft. I've also had the pleasure of being in communication with one of her colleagues Malcolm Enright who has provided valuable insight into her work, as well as providing further resources on the wonderful city that we live in.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Aurora - Queensland Country Life Building Facade

The Aurora Tower at 420 Queen Street is currently the tallest building in Brisbane. With 69 floors and at an overall height of 207 metres it is visible from many suburbs outside the CBD. It comprises 18 penthouses, 54 skyhomes (two storey luxury apartments) and 408 apartments. There's also a recreation deck with pool, spa, gym, sauna, and mini cinema. Centrally located, if you were into inner-city living it would be a great place to live. Aurora Tower was opened on May 5, 2006.

The interesting thing about this building was the inclusion of the facade from the old Queensland Country Life Building. At 432-440 Queen Street, it has been incorporated, as you can see, into the fascia of the Aurora Tower. This dates back to 1888-89. In the late Victorian style, it is an example of Richard Gailey's work, a prominent architect of the time. Note the well maintained and restored rendering, Corinthian columns and intricate cornice work which has been done.

This is a fantastic example of how the old and the new can be brought together. We have a great new building, providing residential accommodation and many high technology components befitting a building of the 2000's. Juxtaposed with this is architecture from more than a century prior, showing the intricacies and engineering skills of craftsmen without any of the benefits of modern technology and design. Its brilliant, and another reason why it is so great to live here.

Cheers, I Love Brisbane, Wes.

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