1968 Dickson Library

The ‘free’ design of the complex demonstrates an important development in architectural style in the 1960's by contrast with the more rationalist architecture in Canberra at that time. The library was awarded the RAIA ACT Chapter Twenty Five Year Award in 1995. The original interior design was significant; it provided an open plan solution, with a central mezzanine level articulating areas for children, adults and display.

Excerpt Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture n* R054

A place where grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren, can emotionally realize and enjoy the qualities of grouped individuals and deepen the reliance on research for choices that once appeared to arise only in market places.

ET

Holes as objects to look at as though created without a historical or utilitarian background but just symbols, scenery.

This is after all the requirement common to every art experience and suggested solution to our man-made environment.

ET

photos : Harry Sowden © et

client: National Capital Development Commission for Department of the Interior

engineers: K. Sellick

mechanical engineers: Jewell & partners

quantity surveyors: Rider Hunt & Partners

builder: A.V. Jennings

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