Australian architecture in the 20th century
1. Introduction
In this paper, we will be discussing the architecture of Australia in the 20th century. We will be looking at their unique style and how it has been shaped by their climate and environment as well as their culture. We will also be comparing and contrasting it with American architecture and the arts and crafts movement that started in England during the 1800s. We will then finish by looking at how their architecture has evolved into what it is today.
2. Australian architecture in the 20th century
Australian architecture in the 20th century can be classified into three main periods: pre-federation, federation, and post-federation.
The pre-federation period was characterised by Victorian and Edwardian architecture, which was brought over by settlers from England. However, there were also a few Dutch colonial and Georgian style houses dotted around the country. This period lasted until 1901 when federation occurred and the nation became one country.
The federation period lasted until WWI and was characterised by the Federation style house. This was a unique Australian style that blended aspects of both the Victorian and Edwardian styles with a few Dutch colonial features thrown in. This style became very popular during this time as it was seen as a symbol of patriotism.
The post-federation period began after WWI and lasted until WWII. During this time, Australian architecture was heavily influenced by expressionism, which was a German art movement that focused on emotions and feelings instead of realism. Walter Griffin, an American architect, is credited with bringing this style to Australia. He designed many famous buildings during this period, such as the Canberra Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House.
After WWII, Australian architecture entered a period of modernism where function took precedence over form. This was due to the need for practicality and economy after the war. However, there were still a few architects who continued to experiment with organic and exotic designs, which were inspired by indigenous cultures. Climate and environmental factors also played a big role in shaping Australian architecture during this time as most buildings needed to be designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outback.
3. Federation style house
The Federation style house is a type of Australian architecture that became popular during the federation period (1900-1914). This style blends aspects of both the Victorian and Edwardian styles with a few Dutch colonial features thrown in. The most distinctive feature of this style is its wide verandahs, which were designed to protect against the harsh sun and heat of Australia’s climate. Other common features include bay windows, gabled roofs, and leadlight windows.
4. Australian culture
Australian culture is very unique and has been shaped by many factors, such as the country’s history, geography, climate, and demographics. The first people to inhabit Australia were the Aboriginal Australians, who arrived on the land around 40,000 years ago. They had a nomadic lifestyle and lived off the land through hunting and gathering.
White settlement began in 1788 when the British arrived in Australia to establish a penal colony. Since then, Australia has been home to people from all over the world, which has resulted in a very diverse culture. The country’s geography also plays a big role in its culture as it is isolated from other continents by vast oceans. This has led to a unique Australian identity that is very different from other cultures.
5. American architecture
American architecture is one of the most iconic and recognizable in the world. It is a style that has been shaped by many factors, such as the country’s history, geography, and climate. The first European settlers to arrive in America were the Spanish, who established colonies in Florida and California.
However, the English had the biggest impact on American architecture as they were the ones who colonized the East Coast. They brought over many of their traditional styles, such as the Georgian and Federal styles, which would go on to influence the development of American architecture. The country’s geography also played a big role in shaping its architectural style as different regions developed their own unique styles.
The 20th century was a pivotal time for American architecture as it saw the rise of many new styles, such as Art Deco and Brutalism. These styles were influenced by European movements, such as expressionism and cubism. American architects also began to experiment with organic and exotic designs, which were inspired by indigenous cultures. Climate and environmental factors also played a big role in shaping American architecture during this time as most buildings needed to be designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outback.
6. Arts and crafts movements of the 1800s from England
The arts and crafts movement was a social and artistic movement that began in England during the late 1800s. It was a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and mass production. The main goal of this movement was to promote handcrafted products over those that were mass-produced.
This movement had a big impact on architecture as it promoted the use of traditional methods and materials. Many famous architects, such as William Morris, began experimenting with this style. The arts and crafts movement also played a big role in shaping the development of American architecture as many architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright, were heavily influenced by it.
7. Modern day architecture
Modern day architecture is a style that is constantly evolving and changing. It is shaped by many factors, such as technology, culture, and environment. Architects today are always looking for new ways to push the boundaries of design and create innovative buildings that meet the needs of our ever-changing world.
Some of the most popular trends in modern day architecture include sustainable design, biophilic design, parametric design, and public space design. Architects are also increasingly using new technologies, such as 3D printing and virtual reality, to create innovative designs that wouldn’t have been possible before.
8. Interwar period
The interwar period was a time of great change and upheaval. It was a time when many new styles and movements, such as expressionism and cubism, were born. This period also saw the rise of many new architects, such as Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier, who would go on to shape the development of modern architecture.
9. Post world war period
The post world war period was a time of great change and rebirth. It was a time when many new styles and movements, such as modernism and brutalism, were born. This period also saw the rise of many new architects, such as Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright, who would go on to shape the development of modern architecture.
10. Expressionism
Expressionism was a German art movement that began in the early 20th century. It was a reaction against the realism of the previous generation. The main goal of this movement was to express emotions and feelings instead of realism. This style is characterized by its use of bold colors and angular shapes.
11. Walter Griffin
Walter Griffin was an American architect who is credited with bringing expressionism to Australia. He designed many famous buildings during the interwar period, such as the Canberra Parliament House and the Sydney Opera House. Griffin’s style was a unique blend of expressionism and organic design, which was heavily influenced by indigenous cultures.
12. Dutch colonial
Dutch colonial is a type of architecture that was brought over by settlers from the Netherlands. It is characterized by its use of ornate features, such as gables and eaves. Dutch colonial houses were usually painted in bright colors, which was meant to ward off evil spirits.
13. Stripped classical
Stripped classical is a type of architecture that was popular during the interwar period. It is characterized by its simple, clean lines and lack of ornamentation. This style was a reaction against the ornate styles of the past. Many famous architects, such as Le Corbusier, experimented with this style.
14. Functionalist
Functionalism is a type of architecture that focuses on function over form. This style became popular after WWII as it was seen as more practical and economical. Many famous architects, such as Mies van der Rohe, experimented with this style.
15. Climate and environmental factors
Climate and environmental factors play a big role in shaping Australian architecture. The country’s climate is very harsh, with hot summers and cold winters. This has led to the development of unique architectural styles that are designed to withstand the heat and the cold. For example, many Australian houses have wide verandahs to protect against the sun and heat.
16. Exotic designs
Exotic designs are those that are inspired by indigenous cultures. These designs often incorporate organic elements and are meant to be visually pleasing as well as functional. Many architects, such as Walter Griffin, experimented with this style during the interwar period.