Modernism is a cluster of designed ideals, building spaces and items designed to meet needs and functions suitable for living a particular lifestyle. Present architecture refers to a group of styles of architecture that emerged in the 20th century (Lu, 2010). The 20th-century architectural methods were developed using construction technologies that primarily used materials such as glass, steel and reinforced concrete. The techniques arose after the traditional forms of construction such as the neoclassical architecture and beaux-arts were rejected (Lu, 2010). Industrialization and the objection of the excessive metaphorical use of the Victorian style stimulated the development of the architectural styles that characterise the 20th century, particularly those in Australia.
In the first post-war decade, Australia’s architecture was muted by the lack of sufficient building materials and blocks. Architectural practitioners in Australia had various ideas on designs of modern buildings, but the lack of amenities caused them to envy the overseas’ development. In fact, indigenous Australians had buildings that were semi-permanent, which were a product of their limited available materials (Lu, 2010). However, with time, Australia accessed the necessary facilities that allowed its architecture industry to grow consistently with the emerging western world’s trends. Despite the limitations of Australia’s climate and cultural factors, Australia’s architectures managed to construct buildings that were a reflection of the increased American urban influence (Lu, 2010). Notably, Australia’s architectures did not forget to incorporate Australia’s diverse multicultural society’s cultural tastes and requirements into their modern buildings. Queenslander and federation styles are some of the important forms of residential architecture that arose as an adaptation to the advancement in the industrialisation of the recent times.
The term ‘modern’ is a time concept that refers to the current or present times. ‘Modernism,’ on the other hand, is a word that is used to depict the revitalisation of multiple disciplines such as art, architecture and the rest of the various factors that have an impact on the society (Lu, 2010). The concept of ‘modernisation’ covers a society’s transformation period from the traditional times to the modern period. Modernization is closely associated with industrialisation by most sociologists and historians (Lu, 2010). This paper seeks to discuss the concept of modernism, modernity, and modernisation in the Australian society while focusing on its influence, as a machine for working, on the modern buildings that were designed in Australia between the wars.
Specific Designers or Architects and Their Designs
Jørn Utzon is the architect responsible for the dramatic expression of the Sydney Opera House (Suwa & Tversky, 2013).
Mitchell Giurgola and Thorpe designed Canberra’s Parliament House which is an iconic landmark (Suwa & Tversky, 2013).
Walter Burley Griffin is an Australian architect responsible for Newman College
ICI House is a representation of architects Bates Smart and McCutcheon’s distinguished works (Suwa & Tversky, 2013).
Edwards Madigan Torzillo & Briggs designed the famous High Court of Australia
Australia's and the world's leading architects, Harry Seidler was awarded for his work in developing Australia square, the first modern international styled office towers in Australia (Suwa & Tversky, 2013).
The Shine Dome was designed by prominent architect Sir Roy Grounds.
John Andrews became a renowned Australian architect for his work in developing Cameron Offices
Australia’s Early Modernist office Designers or Architects, Who Were Working in the 1920s and 1930s
Architect
Notable buildings and awards
Rodney Alsop
Temperance and General Mutual Life offices in several state capitals
Alexander Dawson
Francis Greenway
Government House Stables Offices, Sydney
George Sydney Jones
President NSW Institute Office of Architects
Old Registry Office, Supreme Court of New South Wales
Architect Alexander Dawson who was an appointed officer of the New South Wales government constructed the Old Registry Office, Supreme Court of New South Wales. As a government architect, he was responsible for the government’s public building projects in the New South Wales state (Twomey, 2004). As a government architect, he operated separately, advising the government on matters related to heritage protection, architecture, and design. He served in various committees and boards. He played the role of managing the general Government architects Office (GAO).
When constructing the Old Registry Office, Supreme Court of New South Wales, Alexander Dawson used the Victorian Tudor style of construction. The Victorian Tudor construction style was dominant in the 19th century (Twomey, 2004). The style that was named after Queen Victoria is a representation of naming monarch architectural styles. Its characteristics are influenced by the qualities of the historic Middle East and Asian distinctiveness. The Victorian Tudor constriction style is in the same class as Georgian Architecture, Regency Architecture and Edwardian Architecture (Twomey, 2004). Victorian Tudor style of construction just like the Regency architecture uses a range of eclectic styles that have their origins from Gothic and is an alternative of the main neoclassical stream.
The style is consistent with the current modernisation as it makes use of the contemporary interior designs and decorative arts with the typical elegant furniture. It uses materials such as stones or brick depending on the cost of the materials and the wealth of the owner of the building (Twomey, 2004). Prevailing demand conditions profoundly dictated the prices and availability materials. As a government building, the Supreme Court of New South Wales was constructed with dressed stones that were cropped into standard blocks and arranged in courses. Clay tiles, natural flint and tile hangings, which were relatively expensive were also used in the construction of the Supreme Court of New South Wales (Twomey, 2004).
How the Modernization of Office Building Has Transformed and Changed Australia
The Modernization of Australia’s office buildings has enabled the restoration of the purpose, the function of it workspaces while allowing the maintenance of most offices in original designs. Australians have been able to recognise the new endeavour undertaken by their country while keeping memories of their places of work since they managed to give them a feeling of appurtenance in their cities (Page & Nanson, 2011).
With the advancement of the technology used in the construction of Australia’s office buildings, Australia’s offices have been able to experiences sustained security, culture, democracy, social and economic systems in a variety of ways (Page & Nanson, 2011). The advanced technology used to construct Australia’s offices has exposed Australia to globalisation, ICT and transport technologies. Exposure to technology has enhanced Australia’s sociocultural setting, improved its economy and its security (Page & Nanson, 2011). The offices that have been developed according to the new technologies have differentiated Australians, reduced their production costs and benefited Australia as a nation.
Australia’s employees who work in the new offices constructed according to the latest technologies have experienced working in a stunning environment. The offices offer the employees a safe working environment with numerous facilities that allow them to be comfortable for them to work efficiently and produce results. The offices that are constructed according to the advanced technologies have influenced Australia’s worker's way of thinking, learning and socialising while fostering their national culture
Impact of the Use of New Materials, New Technologies and Consumerism on the Australian Way of Life
Between 1917 and 1967, modernisation significantly transformed Australia. All aspects are affected by the quality of office work, which has dramatically been changed by modern technology’s disruptive influence since the 20th century to the present. Australians offices were given an edge due to the transitions of its economy (O'dea & Lister, 2006). The advance of technology enabled the offices to be transformed based on sustainability. The new technology that has been adopted over time includes the use of new materials, 3d printing, pre-fabrication and modular approaches.
Most of Australians offices were constructed using modular construction. Modular construction was preferred to other forms of office constructions (O'dea & Lister, 2006). Its preference was because of its to enhance efficiency in offices, minimise construction times and wastage while focusing on quality, optimising limited resources to be able to achieve an organisation’s objectives. The modular form of construction that has been widely used in the construction of Australia’s office's buildings saves on cost, reduces lost days, ensures less holding costs, and minimises the influence of an office’s surrounding environment on its office work.
Adoption of the pre-fabrication technology in the construction of Australia’s offices has allowed Australia to control the production of building materials over time (O'dea & Lister, 2006). The prefabrication technology of construction has been used to avail numerous job opportunities for most Australians. The modern method of construction is efficient in limiting wastage by 80 percent, reducing transportation costs, the reduction of the time used to construct the office buildings by 90 percent, and allows a 100 percent re-use of componentry. Therefore, the prefabrication modernised form of office construction has enabled Australia construction companies to realise significant benefits.
On the other side, pre-fabrication brings with it customisation difficulties. Since offices are constructed according to different specifications, the customisation of pre-fabrication technologies experiences problems, and it is expensive. Australia has been exposed to various risks due to its slow adoption of technology (O'dea & Lister, 2006). The limited understanding of the new technologies exposes the construction companies to negative quality and value perceptions by the public. With its adoption of technology, Australia has had to adopt a growth strategy of education the office workers and the large business community on how to maintain and work with their new spaces of work. The training of financiers and consumers on various on the use of different facilities that come with the advanced technology in the new office buildings is an expensive adventure by the government (O'dea & Lister, 2006).
How the New Materials and Technologies Used in Construction of Australia’s Buildings Has Improved its International Relationships
The use of new technologies in its construction activities has exposed Australia to immense transformation by indirectly affecting the operation and production of its major companies (Page & Nanson, 2011). The new technologies used in construction has enabled most Australian companies to trade in goods, invest in capital and facilitated the development of new products and processes. Sophisticated technologies and materials used in the construction of Australia’s buildings have stimulated the revolutionising of the sectors to incorporate diverse global constructions techniques and international communications (O'dea & Lister, 2006). Advancement of the manufacturing technologies has changed the existing production and employment patterns. Improvement of the air and sea transport has accelerated the flow of people and goods worldwide.
The fostered international relationships by new technological constructions in Australia has created and mandated greater interdependence among various firms and nations. Australia’s participation and contribution in the rapid rate of innovation and technology dynamics ensure countries experience only a brief comparative advantage. Australia’s architects have become renowned internationally, allowing them to participate in international construction mergers that involve shared production, mutual interests and strengths.
Conclusion
Architectural construction technology is complex and dynamic. Substantial adaptation and transformation of Australia’s Architects have allowed them to perform well and advance from traditional methods of construction to the modern construction methods causing them to be recognised globally (O'dea & Lister, 2006). Architects have been able to adopt regarding innovation, contemporary changes while embracing new technologies.
Australia’s acknowledgement and acceptance of change as a valuable business opportunity, while changing its construction strategies to focus on only those that have worked well in the past will ensure its growth and prosperity.
Modernization of Australia’s construction technologies has benefited most of its offices’ workspaces (Lu, 2010). A Conducive working environment, exposure to a variety of facilities that facilitate effective performance of office work and use of technology to expose Australia to the rest of the world are some of the benefits that are accrued to the new technologies that have been used in office construction. The continued embracing of new construction technology by Australia’s architects has the potential of putting them and their structures in the world records.
References
Lu, D. (Ed.). (2010). Third world modernism: Architecture, development and identity. Routledge.
Page, K. J., & Nanson, G. C. (2011). Stratigraphic architecture resulting from Late Quaternary evolution of the Riverine Plain, south‐eastern Australia. Sedimentology, 43(6), 927-945.
O'dea, M. G., & Lister, G. S. (2006). The role of ductility contrast and basement architecture in the structural evolution of the Crystal Creek block, Mount Isa Inlier, NW Queensland, Australia. Journal of Structural Geology, 17(7), 949-960.
Suwa, M., & Tversky, B. (2013). What do architects and students perceive in their design sketches? A protocol analysis. Design studies, 18(4), 385-403.
Twomey, A. (2004). The Constitution of New South Wales. Federation Press.
