ARCH1024 Australian Architecture: Expressionism, Rebellion & Pluralism

This essay examines the impact of architects Walter Burley Griffin, Kevin Borland, and Edmond & Corrigan on Australian architecture, particularly in Melbourne. It argues that their expressionist tendencies, initially seen as a rebellion against mainstream architectural approaches, ultimately paved the way for architectural pluralism. The essay analyzes specific projects like Griffin's Capitol Theatre and Newman College, Borland's Rice House and Clyde Cameron College, and Edmond & Corrigan's St. Kilda's Stork and RMIT University Building 8, highlighting their unique designs and the criticisms they faced. The essay emphasizes how these architects' courage to challenge conventions contributed to a diverse and innovative architectural landscape in Melbourne.

1
AUSTRALIAN ARCHITECTURE
Student’s Name
Course Name
Date

2
Abstract
Australian architecture was achieved not by default but due to the contribution of
renowned architects such as Griffins, Kevin Borland and Edmond & Corrigan. Their style of
architecture influenced the path taken by modern architects in achieving aesthetics and
innovative creativeness in their design. However, Griffins, Kevin Borland, and Edmond &
Corrigan’s approach to design is considered as a rebellion to the mainstream tendencies of
approach to design. The criticism in their designs lead to the birth of pluralism architecture
within Melbourne. The essay will highlight ways in which expressionist tendencies of the
Griffins, Kevin Borland and Edmond & Corrigan a rebellion against mainstream tendencies
and/or a gateway to pluralism within Melbourne Architecture.
First, the essay will discuss the architects’ background and some of the projects done by
Griffins, Kevin Borland and Edmond & Corrigan that have expression features that denote
rebellion on the common tendencies of expressing architectural designs. Such case study projects
done by Kevin Borland include the Rice House, built in 1953 that follows an organic roof form
with white arches. Rice House has a spectaculars design that has stood the test of time and was
considered an icon at that time. It was sited on the hill in Melbourne. The house resembles a tent
like encampment with two structures and Clyde Cameron College that features eclectic
cylindrical concrete forms, tubular channels and curved stairwells. Clyde Cameron College was
built in 1976 to 1977 as a training resident college for trade union. The site had a single story
farm house which was extended and integrated into the complex.
Projects done by Edmond and Corrigan that we will discuss include St. Kilda’s Stork,
and RMIT University. RMIT University building 8 done by Edmond and Corrigan is mainly
referred to as the ‘city within a building. The materials used for the construction of the facades

3
include metal, stone and glass. The character of the building resonates with the typical
Melbourne character; bay windows and cubular colourful structures. Projects designed by
Griffins will involve Capitol Theatre and Newman College in Melbourne. The Capitol Theatre
being one of the most notable buildings by Griffin in Melbourne. The theatre was designed as a
section of a ten storey building located along Swanston Street. It was commissioned in 1924.
We will discussed how these architects have been criticizes for the flaws found on their
design approaches despite the courage they put in their work to ensure they achieve a master
piece that stand to pass the test of time.
Architects Works
Walter Burley Griffin
Walter is an American architect born in 1986 in Illinois. He believed that his style of architecture
is naturalists, one that clearly integrate naturally or co-exist with the environment within which
the building is to be located. A good inspiration of such ideology came from one of the designs