Australian Architecture in Modern History Essay

Introduction

Art is a perfect reflection of its age. Every period in our history is characterized by the unique approach to creating masterpieces that will be later associated with this very epoch. The modern age characterized by the extreme diversity in attitudes towards art gave rise to multiple new tendencies in different kinds of art. Architecture is one of them. Expressionist tendencies emerged in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century and became popular all over the world[1]. Walter Burley Griffin became one of its bright representatives who created unique-looking buildings embodying the central ideas of this architectural movement.

Expressionism

Expressionists promoted an individualistic approach to every new building and rejected aesthetic dogmas that were expected to guide artists[2]. They engaged in a completely new form of art characterized by the symbolic expression of their feelings and inner experiences[3]. They mixed different approaches and styles to create a final project and give it a unique character. Numerous architects were inspired by natural romantic phenomena and tried to embody these shapes in their works.

Griffins

Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion Mahony Griffin also belong to this cohort. Being outstanding architects, they contributed to the development of the expressionist approach significantly. Griffins tried to create elegant buildings that represented their personal philosophy and perspective on art[4]. They utilized the classical planning formula along with the play of shadows, rays of the sun, and different materials[5]. The central proportion for Griffins small domestic designs during the Australian period of his creativity explore pure squares in plan outline or multiple geometric compositions of this figure[6]. Many of their works have interlocking or joined squares that contribute to the creation of an unusual form and appearance[7]. Experimenting with lines and shapes, Griffins managed to elaborate his own style.

Newman College

The building of Newman College is one of Griffins’ creations that perfectly reflect the peculiarities of their style. It is characterized by a mixture of materials, historical references, and asides[8]. There are also several square figures interlocked within a central part of the building[9]. At the same time, use rotated 45 degrees windows in the concrete walls to play with forms and shape[10]. Another peculiarity of the expressionistic style is the unusual choice of materials. Stones of Newman College are roughly cut and shaped to create window and door frames following some medieval patterns[11]. For this reason, the building might be associated with some masterpieces of the past. At the same time, trying to represent ideas of spirituality, Griffins introduces broach spires and decorates windows with specific glass for viewers to associate the buildings with ancient cathedrals.

Conclusion

Altogether, the architects managed to create an outstanding masterpiece that reflects all peculiarities of the expressionist approach. The building of Newman College has numerous unusual forms and shapes that contribute to the creation of a unique atmosphere and trigger diverse emotions. Combining multiple elements, inspires people and eternalizes Griffins and their vision of architecture.

Works Cited

Frampton, Kenneth. Modern Architecture: A Critical History. Thames and Hudson, 2007.

Johnson, Donald. The Architecture of Walter Burley Griffin. Macmillan, 1977.

Turnbull, Jeff, and Peter Navarette. The Griffins in Australia and India: The complete works and projects of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Melbourne, 1998.

Weirick, James. “The Griffins and Modernism,” Transition: Discourse on Architecture, vol. 24, 1988, pp. 5-13.

Foonotes

1. Kenneth Frampton. Modern Architecture: A Critical History. Thames and Hudson, 2007, 34.
2. Ibid., 51.
3. Ibid., 48.
4. James Weirick. “The Griffins and Modernism”, Transition: Discourse on Architecture, vol. 24, 1988, 6.
5. Ibid., 7.
6. Kenneth Frampton. Modern Architecture: A Critical History. Thames and Hudson, 2007, 76.
7. Ibid., 80.
8. Donald Johnson. The Architecture of Walter Burley Griffin. Macmillan, 1977, 56.
9. Jeff Turnbull and Peter Navaretti. The Griffins in Australia and India: The complete works and projects of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Melbourne, 1998, 84.
10. Donald Johnson. The Architecture of Walter Burley Griffin. Macmillan, 1977, 78.
11. Ibid., 80.