Schaufelberg, Rees and Gummer
Typescript in Australian Archives, ACT, Series A762
In addition to the report of his work on the Adelphi Theatre, Ernest Schaufelberg's designs were also published on three other occasions: twice in 1936 with plans and photographs of the flats he designed--Longfield House at Ealing and Chivelston Court, Wimbledon Common. In 1939 an article on the Middlesex House project mentioned that on this design Schaufelberg was associated with the famous German pioneer of the modern movement, Erich Mendelsohn.
According to records in the R.I.B.A., Schaufelberg was never a member of that Institute, although on February 15, 1934 he was registered with the Architects' Registration Council. His life and career prior to these appearances in architectural periodicals remain unknown. It seems highly likely, however, that in 1911 he was an architectural student, as were his two associates in the entry, Vernor Rees and William Gummer. Both Rees and Gummer worked in the office of Edwin Lutyens, and it is a strong possibility that Schaufelberg was also employed there.
Verner O. Rees (1886-1966) studied architecture in London at the Royal Academy School of Architecture and the Architectural Association Design Club. In 1910 he won the Architectural Association Travelling Studentship and, the following year, the Royal Academy Silver Medal. In 1911 he also found a position with the architectural firm of Edwin Lutyens, leaving in 1912 for a similar position in New York to gain additional experience in his field.
Also working in Lutyens's office in 1911 and studying architecture at the Royal Academy was William Henry Gummer, Rees's contemporary from New Zealand. It seems likely that [Ernest?] Schaufelberg, the third member of the group that submitted entry number 35, although not a student at the Royal Academy, also worked in the Lutyens office.
Rees served in the Artists' Rifles during World War I, and from 1921 to 1925 he taught in London at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. In 1929 he was asked to return as VicePrincipal of the school, a position he left in 1933. In 193839 he became President of the Architectural Association. Rees also took an active part in the affairs of the Royal Institute of British Architects of which he was elected a Fellow and served as a member of its Council. His Presidential Address at the annual general meeting of the A.A. surveyed modern English architecture.
During the years between the two world wars Rees entered many competitions. His design for the Memorial to the Missing at Soissons won first prize (jointly with G. H. Holt)in 1925. That same year he and P. Morley Horder won the competition to design the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His entry for the new R.I.B.A. headquarters was awarded second place in 1929, and in 1934, 1935, and 1936 he won competitions for the library at University College, Swansea, Westmorland County Hall at Kendal, and the Harrow Municipal Offices. Rees also received an honorable mention in the 1936 competition for the Parliament House in Salisbury, Rhodesia. On at least one occasion Rees served as Assessor for an architectural competition--one held by the Brierley Hill Urban District Council in Staffordshire for the design of its new municipal buildings.
Rees's other important commissions included extensions to the Froebel Educational Institute on Roehampton Lane; the Sir John Cass Technical Institute, Jewry Street; and Westfield College of the University of London, Hampstead. In 1950 Rees maintained an architectural office in Hammersmith, London, and it was there that John Gummer, the son of his competition colleague, worked for a short time.
In its obituary notice in 1966, the London Times said of his designs:
Rees's great ability as a planner shows in all his work. His admiration for progressive tradition in nineteenth and early twentieth century French architecture is reflected in his earlier work, particularly in his splendidly confident and monumentally "moderne" Portland stone front of the London School of Hygiene in Malet Street. It is said that, like so many architects of his generation, he necessarily had to conform in his later work with an ideal of affluence which in fact has been achieved only by the impoverishment of our architecture and environment.
William Henry Gummer (1884-1966), a native of New Zealand, was articled to W. A. Holman of Auckland, and by 1910 he had become an Associate of the R.I.B.A. Probably this took place in the U.K., for from 1908 to 1913 he was living on the continent of Europe, in England, and the United States. Toward the end of this period he worked briefly in Chicago in the office of Daniel Burnham.
From January 1909 to June 1912 Gummer studied at the Royal Academy School of Architecture in London. He also worked in the offices of Leonard Stokes and Edwin Lutyens. A contemporary and fellow student at the Academy was Verner O. Rees, and it is possible that Schanfelberg was also a student of architecture, although the records of the Royal Academy indicate he did not study at that institution. Perhaps he was employed by either Stokes or Lutyens.
In 1911, while in London, Gummer entered the competition for the design of the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington. It would have been in that year that he also joined with his companions to complete their carefully designed plan for Canberra--a design with many appealing features.
In 1913 Gummer returned to New Zealand, evidently following the short period of employment in Chicago with the Burnham firm. In New Zealand he joined the firm of Hoggard and Prouse which maintained offices in both Auckland and Wellington. Apparently he remained in that position until he formed a partnership in 1923 with Charles Reginald Ford. Before that event and as early as 1920 he had become a member of the British Town Planning Institute and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Gummer and Ford enjoyed a large practice. Their commissions included the State Insurance Building and the Dominion Museum and Art Gallery in Wellington and the Dilworth Building, the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch, and the Guardian Trust Building and the Domain Wintergardens in Auckland. For their designs of the Auckland Railway Station in 1931 and the Remuera Library in 1926 Gummer and Ford received gold medals from the New Zealand Institute of Architects. That organization elected Gummer a Fellow in 1914, and he served as the Institute's president in 193334.
Gummer's activities as a town planner in New Zealand were
either limited or have gone unrecognized. It is known, however, that in
the late 1920 he served with six others on a group representing planning,
architecture, engineering, law, and surveying that studied proposed improvements
for the City of Auckland.
Strainer No. 1 General plan of proposed City drawn on Contour
map
Strainer No. 2 Longitudinal Street Sections.
a. Section through Federal Avenue from Kurrajong to Vernon.
b. Section East - to West Square Avenue.
c. Section through Avenue from East place to West place.
d. Plan of crossing of East to West place Avenue and Federal Avenue.
e. Section through Federal and Government "Places" from N. to S. looking
East.
f. Section through Federal Avenue from Station to River.
g. Plan of same.
Strainer No. 3
a. Section through Federal place looking South.
b. Section through Government Place looking South.
Strainer No. 4
Plan of Government Buildings etc.
Strainer No. 5
Birds Eye view of proposed City from West.
Strainer No. 6
Three views.
Strainer No. 7
View of City from East.
Note:- The names assigned in this report to places, streets, avenues, etc., are merely used to serve as explanatory indications: they are not intended as suggestions for official nomenclature.
General
It is indeed with feelings of pleasure that we beg to submit herewith
for your kind consideration a design for the proposed Federal Capital of
the Australian commonwealth.
The opportunity to create on tangible data a great and beautiful city in imagination and even partly on paper, comes seldom to the Architect and it was felt that to seize the occasion was a duty to all who have made the planning of towns a subject for study.
Although what here has finally found expression on paper is the outcome of careful prolonged special study of the subject, - undertaken and carried forward with great enthusiasm - it is, apart from the large plan, only an imperfect conveyance of our ideas. time has been short and it was found impossible to work out all necessary details engineering and architectural, to a point of perfection worthy of the general scheme. We sincerely trust that the judges will sympathetically expand what could only be faintly suggested by views and sketches.
We have endeavoured at the outset to place ourselves in sympathy with the ideals of the promoters, to realize as thoroughly the ultimate aims as the immediate wants, which brought such a project into being, and we venture to think that our efforts have been rewarded with some success.
While always bearing in mind the future growth of the City a certain concentration of effort was directed towards the formation of a nucleus that would meet all the more urgent wants. it was to be comparatively small and yet was to contain a number of parts of completely different character, each set at once and for all time into its proper sphere.
This nucleus, to be of limited size should yet be "great" from the moment of its inception, in fact, each line connected with it must be purposeful and dignified. such an effect can only be obtained if the main lines and points are put exactly on those portions of the specified area which might be compared to the Base line, and lines of deployment in military science. The Position of the Base must be obvious, a little to the rear of the Centre. The lines of deployment must be equally obvious and aim and reflect with equal ease.
We think it undeniable that Mount Kurrajong marks the decisive note in the ground chosen for the City. It can be seen from any point within the Site except from immediately behind Stony Hill to the West. We therefore place here, a little below and to the north of the summit the Houses of Parliament.
Placed there they will be seen from all directions. they will terminate some of the more important vistas from all sides, and by reason of their high placing and their size and height will always attract all eyes and form a picture, sometimes towering and clifflike, sometimes shimmering white in the distance through the clear air, always standing as a symbol of unity and power and commanding the landscape far beyond the confines of the City.
With the position of the Base thus settled and setting its front, as it should be, towards the sun, - almost directly in front of us, on the other side of the River is Mount Vernon. A prominent site, not by reason of its size and height, but by reason of its position centrally between Mounts Black and Ainslie.
This is the other natural end of the nucleus; it is as if made for an entrance gate to the City with Black and Ainslie as guarding Pylons. We there place the Central Station and from thence leads a great way nearly due south to the crowning feature.
Feeling round for the other "points d'advantage" and remembering the need of a well marked and reasonable sized City nucleus, we have swung a semi-circle from the Station to be called No. 1 Circle, the arms of which terminate on each side in a large "place". With the Central Way, this semi-circle, the roads from the East and West "place" tying the same up with the Houses of Parliament, with the important Government Buildings laid out around and below them, we have already erected the lines on which to develop the building up of the City.
These lines are mostly North and South arteries and the need for East and West communication is of course at once apparent. However the positions of the main lines are obvious. One connects the East and West "Places". This avenue is 135 feet wide with two 30 feet side roads, and a tree-planted promenade in the Centre. This promenade stops about 3 blocks from the intersections, and, the cont[?????] favouring such a course the centre portion is taken up by the roadway and led by a tunnel under the main South Way, the latter to be called for shortness "Federal Avenue." The side roads become narrower and run up to the main South Way level (1815) where they connect with the side service Roads of the "Federal Avenue".
Three blocks further South is another Main East and West avenue, in fact the most important one. {It can be compared with the Oxford Street of London or the Rue de Rivoli in Paris). It runs from East Square (East of East "Place") to West Square (West of West "Place") touching both those places at their South Ends.
From the two squares a circle is struck northwards (to be called Circle No. 2) touching the existing Canberra Church site and passing behind the Central station. To the South these squares open up wide avenues running directly South and taking up other main lines of traffic. The Western Avenue is leading directly to the University, the Eastern to the Stadium. Towards the East and West these Squares lead into wedge shaped parklands which have no definite boundaries either within or without the site. The two "Places" and the two squares form the main traffic centres, each serving a separate district and being closely and directly connected with one another and being the points of deployment to and from any part of the City.
The East to West Square to Square Avenue is separated from the River by only one block of Buildings and a broad Embankment. The latter on both sides of the river form further East and West arteries. As can be seen on the plan all central, north and south roads, are gathered together on the South side of the River and to the front of the House of Parliament by an imposing "place" running 800 feet wide East and West and intended to form the Civic and Federal Territorial Centre of the City.
The portion enclosed by No. 2 circle, the roads running South from East and West squares and the circle connecting same indirectly behind the Houses of Parliament forms the second stage of the city development and makes already a fair sized town.
Parklands. From this stage of development the need to introduce larger Parklands into the growing City becomes imperative. Up to now Squares, Places, broad Avenues, Embankments, River and various tree-adorned open spaces were quite sufficient, taken in conjunction with the proximity of open country to secure ample breathing space to the nucleus. But this proximity to open parklands must be preserved and yet further development of the City on rational lines must be assured for all time.
On the North side of the River, where the greater commercial portion will be situated are arranged seven wedge-shaped pieces of parklands to run out into the open country to indefinite distances from the periphery of circle No. 2. East and West Squares (the Base of the Circle) are separated by one block of Buildings each from their respective Park wedges. The next wedges to the North begin on the East with the existing Canberra Church Crescent, and on the West with a Crescent at the edge of the existing rising wooded ground. both these park wedges are continued to East and West places by 180 feet three-planted avenues, from whence again they are practically joined up by East to West place avenue. The next two park wedges to the north again begin with crescents, each taking up several main streets, the eastern separated from the Park wedge by the Railway line, and two blocks of buildings, the Western starting directly from the Crescent. The Northernmost Parkwedge starts with the Station "Place" but the open park actually only beings after the two 90 ft. wide flanking avenues have passed over the Railway yards, alongside the Railway Administration Office block and the North Hospital.
From circle No. 2 beings the third ring of development, Residential and Commercial quarters being carried outwards between the Park wedges to a depth of about 530 yards and terminated by Circle No. 3, a broad tree planted Avenue parallel to Circle No. 2 and bordering on its outer periphery on to a circle of parklands extending unbroken from Canberra Church Park-wedge to the Park-wedge directly opposite to be called here Woodlands Park.
On the South of the River Parklands being directly behind the Houses of Parliament, extending in all directions where practicable and governed by five radiating Park avenues. Towards the North West the Park includes Stony Hill and University Hill, runs along behind the University and is terminated by the University Grounds and Residential Reserve. Towards the West the Park avenue after passing out of Parliament Park passes through residential portions, opens out into a park wedge and then into broad parklands. to the S.W. the Park Avenue skirts residential Reserves and Federal Park and runs past Red Hill. To the South a wedge shaped piece of park, kept clear of trees to insure an uninterrupted vista runs to the top of the Mugga-Mugga range forming with South East park avenue the confines of the large Federal Park. Towards the South East the park avenue becomes identical with the main traffic artery towards Queanbeyan and is shewn on the plan running through extensive Residential Reserves and then into another Wedge of park reserve, as faintly indicated on Birds eye view on sheet No. 5
The East park avenue runs through commercial and professional portions and then along the lake and past the Race Course, where on its southern boundary a broad park extends to beyond the City limit. This park has been deemed a proper place for Exhibitions and a large site with Buildings for that purpose is shewn on the Plan.
With the parks is included the large ornamental lake to the East of the City. The Western boundary of which is taken up by the Stadium (Buildings, Arena and Swimming Basin) and on the North West end is situated a Casino with ample pleasure grounds.
Another Swimming Basin is shewn on the West side terminating the South park ring towards the River. This park ring on its Southern limit runs into "Federal park".
Playgrounds
These park reserves of course include all spaces necessary for play
grounds etc., Refreshment Pavilions and Botanical and Zoological Gardens,
the exact positions of which it was deemed advisable not to fix at present.
Illustration No. 2 shews all parklands with their connecting tree planted
avenues (left uncoloured.)
Existing Trees
It must be understood that it is intended not to interfere with existing
woods, and wherever streets, parks and Residential portions etc., are projected
in the woods no tree should be touched unless its removal is necessary.
Official
On looking at the plan of the City the position of the Houses of Parliament
on Kurrajong is at once clear. Drawing No. 4 is a detailed Block plan of
the building together with the grouping of the other Government Buildings.
The Courts of Justice are placed on Camp Hill, about 80 feet below the
"House", but still sufficiently prominent to become the second feature
of importance in the "Lay out". Directly below the "House" and connected
with it by a broad stairway and an up and down carriage way on either side
of same is a monumental "Place" with semicircular ends with a columnar
Monument on each side. this "Place" is formed on the East by the high bank
of Camp Hill and would necessitate a retaining wall about 40 feet high,
and on the West by a semicircular building which would have its front turned
to the East, the "Place" side to contain as few windows as possible. This
building would contain a Fire Station for the Official Building group and
also Works Department Stores and various Government Offices. Some space
for police purposes could also be provided for in this Building. Below
this "Place" is situated "Government Place", a rectangular square surrounded
by Government Offices and measuring about 330 yards square. the East side
would be taken up by the Attorney General's Department and the West side
by the Prime Minister's Department and the Office of Works. the projecting
North ends would house: West; the Prime Minister, and the East: The Department
of External Affairs.
Home Affairs, Treasury, Trade and Customs and Defence have sites provided for them in Blocks facing "Federal Place" while the Postmaster General, the Printing Office and the Mint face East. All these Blocks are probably too large for present needs, but it was thought wise to provide a scheme of ample proportions as it is very probable that in say 200 years all that space will be required.
The Courts of Justice being on Camp Hill in an isolated position two curved blocks of Buildings are shewn on plan completing a place here to be called the "Place of Justice". These Buildings are thought to be valuable to be let as offices for Parliamentary Agents, Solicitors, Barristers etc. with a portion of the adjoining Blocks for professional men of all descriptions.
The three smaller Buildings in isolated positions to the right of the Houses of Parliament and to the south of (Camp Hill) the Courts of Justice would be sites for Dining Rooms in connection with the Houses of Parliament and Courts of Justice and a Parliamentary and a Law Library Buildings.
All streets serving these Buildings are running out of "Federal Place" from whence any main artery to any portion of the town can easily be reached. the principal Avenue opens out from the centre and runs North to the Station on Mount Vernon. Just before reaching the Bridge across the River there is a wide space laid out as formal Arboreal Gardens providing prominent sites for the National Theatre on the East [i.e. West], a Library, Museum and Art Gallery on the West [i.e.the East]. These sites are all slightly sloping towards the River and the arrangement of the Embankment on a lower level to Federal Avenue is thought to insure free access for any vehicular traffic particularly for the Theatre while at the same time insuring a quiet Embankment Road very agreeable for pleasure drives.
On the two side centres of "Federal Place" are placed monumental fountains and from the axis of each a radiating Road 90 feet. wide runs Northwards, the eastern [i.e. western] leading in two bridges over the river, passing over an island and leading into Main East and West Avenue opposite "East Place" [i.e. West Place]. The western [i.e. eastern] passes also across the river to "West Place" [i.e. East Place].
It has already been mentioned that "Federal Place" is intended to form the Civic and Federal State Centre. Two prominent Buildings therefore mark its termination. On the West is placed the City Hall (No. 20) with Criminal and Police Court in close proximity and on the East the State House (No. 16) ends the centre Vista. the Place however does not end with those buildings. Behind each it narrows and runs east and west terminating in apse fashion. These apses take up wide main routes leading North, South and East and are intended to bear the burden of the main traffic running to and from the official centre to the side portions of the City, thus relieving "Federal Place" of most through traffic and insuring it a quiet and dignified atmosphere.
University
To the West of this "Place" facing it and centering on the lower group
of Government Buildings, located Westwards by the South outlet from West
Square is situated the University. On a point just behind Quarry Hill and
in front of Stony Hill about 60 feet above the River, the Building will
strike a very prominent note in the scheme. The side elevation (North)
will face the River and the South front will face Stony Hill on the summit
of which should be placed a tree backed monument connected with and adorning
the Seat of Learning. [In the left margin: "Illustrations Nos. 6, It has
been thought advisable to give the University a large site, amply provided
with Gardens and Sports Grounds. the grounds thus run to the West as far
as the River and only separated from it by a broad Embankment which latter
is roomy enough to form the main West artery from the City to the West
Industrial Settlement and from there into the country. The northern portion
of this site has been deemed of great value for Residential flats and private
Schools and a row of five large Blocks is shewn on plan.
Barracks
Towards the West of the site is situated a large peninsula formed by
the bend of the River, facing East with its higher portions (about 60 feet
high) and rising rapidly from the alluvial flat, while towards the west
it runs down slowly to the River level. This peninsula has been selected
for the Barracks site containing Barracks Stables, Residential and Club
buildings and a moderate sized Drill Ground in two portions. Towards the
North this ground is bordered by the Park Avenue running over the neck
from West Square. A road is also shewn running from the Barracks to a Military
Entraining Station on a siding from the main line).
Prison
A little further to the West and close to the Road from "West Square"
and to the River on the rising ground running up to the Black Mountain
is shown the Prison site. Situated in the Parkwedge running West from West
Square is shown a large Building intended for a Technical College.
Technical College.
Another Technical College has been shewn facing the River near the
Main south Avenue from West Square on plan No. 36, No. 37 is a site intended
for a School of Art.
Industrial: Gasworks, Central Power, Govt. Factories.
On the Alluvial Flat surrounding West Square Parkwedge and bordered
to the west by Barracks and to the South by the River are shewn the Gasworks,
Central Power Station and Government Equipment Factories.
Railway Sidings are shewn leading from all these sites to Central Station.
Hospitals.
Three sites for Hospitals are marked H. on plan One in the park wedge
to the North of Central Station. Another on the spur below Mount Ainslie
facing the Canberra Church Park wedge and a third facing the River near
the West apse of Federal Place. It would of course be an easy matter to
provide more sites, but as they cannot in any measure be accurately determined
now, it has been thought advisable to leave that to a later stage if required.
The Central Station and Railway.
The position for the Central Station has already been mentioned in
this report but the subject requires a more detailed description. A trace
of the proposed Railway was shewn on the large contour map on which the
plan of the City has been drawn, and is still distinctly discernable. Leaving
it where shewn, or even with slight modification, would have meant that
the laying out of a future capital City would have to suit the conjectural
laying out of a Railway line. In view of the important interests at stake
it was resolved to go to work unfettered by anything that might influence
the scheme to its disadvantage. In these days of highly developed vehicular
motor traffic it will not interfere with the usefulness of a Railway line
if it is placed about a mile away from the given centre. the main consideration
is its tapping point. If the Station is at the right place, then it matters
little how the trains get there so long as the getting there remains in
the realm of possibility. The Railway line as shewn on the plan has been
carefully considered, and although there are more difficulties to be dealt
with in its construction, than would be necessary in the position shewn
on the contour map, these difficulties are trifling, when the advantages
thereof are considered. These would be in the fact that the line will never
be able to cut the City in half,l that it will look well, seen from any
elevated portion, running through cuttings and over viaducts, completely
embracing the North Eastern segment of the capital, and in the fact that
the view from it (coming from Queanbeyan) as it turns into the City site
from behind Mount Russel, showing almost in one sudden rising of the Curtain
the great City with its Buildings, Parks and Monuments will be of the most
imposing character.
The permanent way at the foot of Russel is about at level 1870, then runs up to 1875 just above the Race Course, then in one gradient descends to 1865 at which level it enters the Central Station. Vernon is 1900 feet high. The Entrance floor level to the Station is placed on level 1890 which means that at least ten feet of ground would have to be taken from the apex. Illustration No. 11 shews the proposed arrangement of the Station approximately with levels marked on. The Station Building is placed slightly behind the apex of Vernon which would be situated about in the centre of the Railway "Place". Thus advantage is taken of the gentle slope to the North. by placing the Rails at the 1865 level we are enabled to approach all platforms (1868) level) from the 1890 level by horizontal bridges with stairways or moving platforms. Both East and West slopes of Vernon would give almost naturally the gradients for the Roads passing the Goods Yards. To the West of the Goods Yards and on the North side of circle No. 2 reaching to Circle No. 3 is shown space for marshalling yards. These of course could be extended "ad lib".
As the line enters the Railway yards on the East it passes 20 feet over Circle No. 2. Leaving the yards at the Western end the Rail level would begin to drop and pass underneath Circle No. 2 which at this point would be elevated 16 feet above the line. In the middle of the park belt the Rail level would be about 1855.
On either side of the Station Building would be 90 feet wide avenues running out of the Station "Place", conducted over the lines dropping easily on the other side to Circle No. 2 and forming the main North Park ways into the country. Between the Station building and Circle No. 2 is a site for Railway Administration Offices.
The River.
The Molonglo, as it exists at present is not a stationary watercourse.
It is obvious, that the River bed has been altered even within memory.
It would of course be imperative to define finally the course of the River
by means of Quays. to follow the existing accidental course could not be
adopted in this scheme. It was felt that as Quays must be built they ought
to be built firstly on economical lines e.g. as short as circumstances
will allow secondly in a manner that will add to the charm and dignity
of the City. The River bed is shewn on the plan 300 feet wide and the water
level under the Federal Avenue Bridge is to be about 1800 with the bed
about 1793. A lower Embankment would rise about 6 feet above the normal
level of the water and the main Embankment with its street etc. would be
at minimum level 1815 rising slightly where the nature of the ground demands
it. These levels would be maintained practically all along with the difference
that whereas the Federal Avenue Bridge is on level 1835 all other Bridges
to the East will be on level 1825, those to the West on level 1820. the
Bridges may be built in Iron, Ferro concrete or stone, and three sketches
are appended herewith shewing the use of the different materials. [In the
left margin: "Illustrations Nos. 12, 13, 14"] At the point where the avenue
running due east from the "Federal Place" apse crosses the River a dam
would be constructed at the 1825 level and keeping the water level in the
Lake at a level of about 1815. The overflow to be allowed to run over and
down the edges of Granite flagged Terraces, to level 1803, the water level
of the River at that point.
It would be of advantage if a channel was cut in the centre of the River say 60 feet wide and two feet deep with the bottom of same slightly consolidated to prevent excessive loss of water during successive years of minimum rainfall.
The Roads.
Roads, Streets and Avenues re shewn on the plan and width and position
of those have been influenced by the following considerations - [In left
margin: "Illustrations Nos. 15, 16, 17 & 18."]
1. Traffic and intercommunication.
2. Necessity for introducing tree planted spaces and the linking up
of Parklands.
3. Architectural considerations.
The various illustrations together with the plan will give most information necessary but it will perhaps be of use if various aspects are explained here. The following are the various widths of Roads employed:-
i. Avenue 270 feet wide.
a. The processional Road leading from the Station to "Federal Place"
this avenue would have a 60 feet wide processional central way with
a tree planted space on each side. Between the pavements (also tree planted)
and these promenades would run 30 feet wide "Service Roads." The adornment
of this route is indicated on Illustration No. 15 - It will be observed
that some of the promenades are shewn somewhat above the Road level. This
has been done in order to save coast of construction as it is deemed, (for
the beginning at least) that the construction of cuttings would be cheapened
if those spaces were allowed to remain at their original level. Sunk gardens
are not shewn, but in those portions of the great way where the Roads must
be raised above the level of the ground a certain amount of filling in
could well be saved if those spaces were for the present kept at a lower
level. Of course it would be a matter for the Engineer on the spot to say
whether the necessary Retaining walls, etc. would counteract any saving
of cost. In any case (and this applies to all roads) it is intended to
construct any highly elevated portions of Roads in Ferro-concrete and at
once reserve the so created space underneath for future uses as Tramways,
Tubes etc. and for present uses in Housing sewers and all pipes and wires
necessary for the proper equipment of the City. Naturally such places will
have to be properly ventilated.
b. That portion of West to East Square Avenue between South ends of
East and West Places. This Avenue also is divided into 3 Roadways and 2
tree planted promenades and connects flush with "Federal Avenue" North
of "Federal Bridge" with the centre and Northern Roads, whereas the Southern
road remains on the 1815 level or slightly above it and runs under Federal
Bridge. This arrangement has been deemed advisable in view of the probably
amount of East and West through traffic which then will not have to cross
the traffic stream to and from "Federal Bridge".
ii. Avenues 180 feet wide.
a. The Park Avenues radiating from East and West places to Circle No.
2 and Park wedges.
b. The whole of Circle No. 2 with South Extensions.
c. The narrow parts of East to West Square Avenue. These Avenues have
a wide tree planted promenade in the centre, 30 feet service Roads each
side and 30 ft. pavements also tree planted.
iii. Avenues 235 Feet wide
a. Circle No. 1 with South Extensions.
b. East to West place Avenue, already described on page No. 3.
c. Avenue leading south West from West Square and all radiating vistas
from Houses of Parliament. These avenues with the exception of the last
named also are tree planted in the centre with Service Roads on each side.
iv. Streets 90 feet wide.
These are to have 25 feet wide pavements trees planted and 40 feet
centre Roadways.
v. Roads 60 feet wide.
With trees on pavement edges on the South sides only.
Height of Buildings.
to make a generally applying Rule: No buildings should be made higher
than the width of the Street or Road which it faces. In the case of the
wide Avenues a height limit of 135 feet should be fixed. This is not to
affect Towers etc.
Gradients etc.
All roads have been drawn subservient to the general idea of the scheme.
Simplicity has been aimed at throughout and thus the cheque pattern has
largely entered into the design but wherever it was found, that the gradients
made straight lines difficult to carry out (except in a few main avenues)
the contours have been frankly followed. This all gradients shewn are greatly
below the limit and fairly uniform.
In one case the 180 feet Avenue leading up to West Square (from East Square) is frankly turned, where it runs up the slope, into an open vista with the centre space running up in terraces and the service Roads made just to serve light traffic. All heavy traffic to use the South or North side Roads according to the required direction.
a similar device has been adopted with the 180 feet Avenue running North from West Square (Circle No. 2) Heavy traffic going North from this Square must take either of the two curved 60 ft. Roads leading North into Circle No. 2.
About the middle between Federal Avenue and East place the North portion of West Square to East Square Avenue encounters the raised ground running South into the Alluvial Flat. There the North Service Road sweeps up from the Post Office and down again towards East Place, taking up on its way North 60 ft. roads on higher ground and connecting same with East Square to West Square Avenue.
It was of course unavoidable that some Avenues and Streets have steeper gradients in some of their portions than in others.
Characters of Various Portions
Illustration No. 2 shews by means of colouring approximate position
of the various Main characters of the Capital City.
Inhabitants etc. Illustrations
Generally they come under the following headings.
1. Official - Red,
2. Commercial - Blue,
3. Industrial - Yellow,
4. Residential - Green,
There will be portions where it will not be possible to sharply distinguish one from another, particularly where "Residential" and "Commercial" are concerned and the lines laid down are to be taken simply as a broad basis on which to guide the development.
Particularly as far as the nucleus of the City is concerned any strict regulations may be unwise and it may be advisable to let spaces in the nucleus without any grave restrictions for a period to be determined by experts on the spot.
It has been endeavoured to determine the size of the city with the greatest care. It would be idle to make any assertion as to the time when the city would assume the size shown on the plan, but it was thought advisable to show a definite scheme of a city to accommodate in all about 200,000 people.
That portion of the city which forms the nucleus and specially shewn on illustration No. 3 could easily accommodate 25,000. The portion enlarged up to Circle No. 2 with its South extensions and terminated by the line from Quarry to Junction Roads would contain about 75-80,000.
With the No. 3 Circle added it would bring it up to 125,000. About 15,000 could find accommodation in West Industrial portion, total 140,000.
The outer North Ring of Residences as far as shewn would accommodate about 25,000. The south Western Residential Reserve 15,000. The South Eastern Residential Reserve including triangle to the North of lake about 20,000
Total of Residential Reserve 60,000.
Thus a city of 200,000 inhabitants is made up of the different portions shewn on the plan.
Greater development than this is possible but is not considered in the present scheme, except so far as the arrangement of the framework is concerned.
This has been arranged with the greatest care and would allow of almost indefinite increase of the size of the City.
As shewn on the plan all Hotels, Boarding Houses Flats and Bachelor's Chambers within the Park circle are shewn as commercial property as it is fairly clear that it would not be in the interests of the city to ascribe a definite area to enterprises of this kind.
Commercial Boarding Houses and Hotels would spring up around the Station and probably along Circle No. 1
Residential Boarding Houses, Hotels of a superior class and Flats and Chambers would most likely choose sites facing the lake and in some cases the River.
Also in the purely Residential quarters there will be need for Schools, Assembly Halls, Police and Fire Stations and Shops, most of which can not be shewn at this Stage of development. In fact each area will have to be planned and arranged in detail at its inception and only the main lines of Roads and Avenues i.e. those belonging to the Framework should at the outset be reserved by Government.
The plan as far as the outer Residential portions are concerned must not be taken as being the only solution presented by the Authors and will necessarily be subject to modifications brought about by various causes.
The only restrictions that should be placed on these areas at the outset are the following:-
a. Wind sheltered are to the East of Narraberundah range and Triangle
North of Lake. The minimum size of plot must be kept large, especially
near Government House. There should be instituted a Censorship over the
architecture with the view of obtaining a character of architecture suited
to the climate and preferably based on the Italian style of Renaissance
House. Simplicity and broad, long lines should be insisted upon.
b. Outer Circle. (North)
Smaller plots could be created there, but the architecture should be regulated so that the view from Houses of Parliament would not be spoilt.
In all cases existing trees should be kept wherever possible.
Industrial
The industrial portions shewn yellow on plan are:- On the North of
the Molonglo: Gas works, Central power station and Government Equipment
Factories, and are practically isolated. The West Industrial Reserve is
shewn laid out in square blocks but several blocks together could be purchased
for particular Factories and space in between would still be available
for minor industries, shops,; and Residences for Work people. One or two
of the North residential Quarters should be reserved for housing Railway
Servants.
Tramways
Illustration No. 1 shews the tram lines as they probably would appear
earlier than the completion of the City itself.
They consist of an Inner circle, having its origin at the Station "place".
A North Outer Circle and a South Outer Circle all connected among themselves
by 8 lines running in all directions out into the surrounding districts.
These tram lines are a good illustration of the ease with which future
development along radial lines can take place. Illustration No. 11a shews
type of car advocated by the authors and is in their opinion a vehicle
of good appearance and would be generally in harmony with the dignity of
the City. The red blobs on the Tramway plan are intended to shew suitable
sites for Tramsheds etc.
Stormwater Disposal
It has been mentioned in the conditions that a scheme for Stormwater
disposal must be indicated on the plan. We consider that this would have
tended to making the plan not so clear and it was therefore decided to
rely on a photograph of the plan with the Stormwater sewers shewn in blue
lines. the matter is really so important that a competent Engineer would
have to work many months to devise and draw it, while if its importance
had to be given the first place we should have had to design a City almost
purely in regard to the Stormwater disposal. Consequently it was decided
to design the City first and then dispose of the Stormwater in an effective
manner. the width of the River and the height of the Embankment together
with large and well constructed stormwater sewers in the numerous streets
are an ample safeguard against flooding and all that is required is the
regulation of the river in its lower reaches down to about 10 miles below
the City. A further measure of safety could be secured if works were executed
with the object to divert Stormwater coming from the heights of Black Mountain,
Ainslie and the Narraberundah Range from running towards the City.
Architectural
It is the architectural idea which will secure the required beauty,
dignity and grace to the City and thus the greatest amount of work has
been given to the subject. Unfortunately time was too short to give the
results adequate expression by means of drawings and sketches.
However the idea will be apparent throughout in the plan and the rough sketches appended herewith, and will only need some explanatory remarks.
In the planning the guiding Ideal has been symmetry and directness coupled with spaciousness and proper concentration.
symmetry in the ideal sense of course was not attainable, but it must not be thought that the necessary deviations due to the contours of the site, the course of the River, and the various nature of the requirements will affect the desired effect to its detriment. On the contrary they will help to banish monotony from the City and throw just the required touches of picturesqueness into the cold dignity otherwise expressed. In fact they will show that all human achievement must necessarily be governed by influences over which we exercise no control.
The site chosen by the Government through its officers is an exceedingly fine one and it would be unfortunate to try artificially to improve it. It was recognised at once that the building of the City on this site must improve it spontaneously. That means that whatever is built must be put on the ground in such positions as to emphasise each of the many good features of the Site. the site as it stands must be allowed to do its good work to the full, must for all time remain the visible and recognised basis of the conception and yet the City must rise triumphantly on it, set to perfection and enhanced in beauty by the setting, like a jewel. Then each particular part and even each important Structure must be regarded in the same way, in order to ensure that harmony and grace necessary to the creation of beauty and repose.
All this has been carefully borne in mind when the design was thought out, and we can confidently say that we believe that in this respect we have succeeded even better than we anticipated. A glance at the plan is sufficient to see at once all points of importance, not by means of contours, but by the setting which the objects on those points received. Naturally the varying degrees of importance have played a great role in that gradation as it was necessary to emphasise first of all the Houses of Parliament. And here is the first illustration of the above remarks. Mount Kurrajong is the most important point in the Site. With the Houses on it it will not lose that importance, on the contrary that importance is thereby emphasized and yet the real and ultimate triumph will be the "House" itself. And so it is with the Courts of Justice, the Central Station, the University, the Cathedral shewn on "Shale" the Stadium, Barracks etc. each within suitable surroundings and each intimately connected with the others.
Then the same architectural idea applies to the connections, the avenues and streets, to the vistas in the same and vistas and views from and to various important points. Each avenue and place and most of the streets are carefully considered as units and each has its own characteristic Vistas to both sides. Buildings, Monuments parks etc. are placed so,l that streets centre on to them, ;thus always stopping the view in the distance and relieving monotony otherwise created by a straight unbroken road. These focus points are sometimes single buildings in close proximity, sometimes they are single Buildings across a Place with a Monument, fountain etc[.] interposed and often they are groups of buildings on elevated positions in the distance. In many instances they are tree-crowned parklands and especially east and west imposing Hills. Whichever way the eye travels it will encounter a prominent beautiful object emphasized by the simplicity and calm of the Blocks of Buildings leading up to it. the curved Roads and avenues of course do not need this careful planning as each side row closes the vistas naturally.
Here and there towers and important Building features rise spontaneously out of the mass of tone giving blocks of Buildings (vide Post Office etc.) and enhance the beauty of the skyline when seen either from the other side of the River or from any elevated position.
These remarks should suffice in drawing attention to the details of the planning and it is hardly possible to go verbally into each feature separately.
Something however must be said in regard to the Architecture of the Buildings themselves.
The official group of Buildings is shown on two chalk sketches. Detailed work has not been attempted and what is done is merely to emphasize the skyline, thought to be most suitable by the authors. The heights of the Buildings could be increased if required, provided the skyline remains the same. the width of Government Place is about equal to the distance from St. Thomas's Hospital to Houses of Parliament, or from South end of Waterloo Bridge to Somerset House in London or from the Chambre des Deputes to the Admiralty building across the Place de la Concorde in Paris. this will give an idea of the imposing dimensions of Government Place while at the same time proving that the Public Buildings round the same will show up to advantage and by their practically uniform skyline will give the necessary emphasis to the dominant features viz: The Houses of Parliament and the Courts of Justice. these two latter are again carefully graduated in such a manner that the one may be emphasized without taking away any due importance from the other. Federal Place again will add to the dignity of the Government group by isolating it to the required extent and giving it an unmistakably official South front. This South front, standing about 8 feet higher than the Buildings on the opposite side would make an imposing feature seen from the Place, and with the State-house on one end and the City-hall on the other would form a splendid Civic and Federal centre, combining with the official Buildings and "Places" in such a manner as to create a grouping not equalled anywhere in the world at this present day.
Street Architecture
Illustration No. 4 shows the North end of Federal Avenue with a glimpse
of the Central Station. Although small in scale it is deemed sufficient
to indicate the guiding idea in the Street architecture. This idea is simplicity
and repose coupled with modernity. It would be a mistake even to try to
create a Greek or a Roman city. We are living in an age when immense constructional
facilities and advantages have been created by modern requirements. A shop
simply must have window space and the most beautiful marble and porphyry
columns will be regarded as unpleasantly interfering with the commercial
purpose and value of the Building. then the climate requires shelter from
sun and rain and yet the footpath should not be obstructed except by trees
and lamp standards.
The Buildings shown roughly are designed as Ferro Concrete buildings. they could be faced with stone and marble, Terracotta, Brick or plaster, or combinations of these materials. it would be unwise to impose general restrictions but it should be at once laid down,; that these different materials must be used in a uniform manner in each portion. Road, Avenue, or Place. thus Federal Avenue might be faced with stone relieved and entwined by coloured marble bands. Circle No. 1 for instance might be in Stone and Brick. Circle No. 2 perhaps in Brick and Plaster. East Place in Terracotta with colour introduced. West place in Stone and Plaster. We would advocate the extensive use of Plaster combined with colour and protected in exposed portions by Stone, Brick or Marble.
The Shelters should all be Cantilever Asphalte or lead roofs with fall towards the Building and designed in Bronze or Cast Iron and the width and height carefully regulated for each street. No wide verandahs over the footways should be allowed, but if such verandahs are required for Hotels, Restaurants or Tea rooms, they must be built up behind the general Building line. The introduction of Balconies should be encouraged but their projection must be restricted to 5 feet.
Roofs have all been shewn flat covered with Asphalte or patent roofing materials and we should prefer to have those throughout. But should high Roofs be permitted by Government, then it should be laid down that they must be designed not singly but in whole street fronts and also that they must be fireproof.
All Park gates, Railings, Stone and Marble Screens to East and West Places, Lodges, Fountains, etc. must be designed in harmony with the general scheme. Previous experience in all parts of the world has conclusively proved the necessity for competent Censorship.
This is not meant to be an expression of want of confidence in the ability and knowledge of future generations of Australian Architects, but simply a suggestion of a safeguard by means of which possible mistakes could be eliminated.
Those cities in the world, where the artistic instinct is most developed and which therefore could easiest do without a censor have for many years past insisted on laying the responsibility for the beauty of their cities on the shoulders of an expert in Art and Architecture. Other great cities whose people have very little understanding in Art matters do not want a censor because the necessity of beautiful surroundings is not apparent to them
The beginning to build a Federal Capital for Australia is a unique opportunity to bring home not only to Australians but to all the world the fact, that it is possible to initiate a beautiful and practical idea, and, to carry it through, no matter how long the time required to do it, by means of a well thought out policy. If the plan is good, the policy built up on broad lines and well sustained, then there can be no doubt that the larger the Capital grows, the greater will be the pleasure and pride of the Australian people.
Selected, transcribed, edited, provided with headnotes, and formatted as a web document by John W. Reps, Professor Emeritus, Department of City and Regional Planning, West Sibley Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. Tel: (607) 255-5391, Fax: (607) 255-6681, E-mail: jwr2@cornell.edu |