| 25 November 2009 |
Official Opening of ANZAC Memorial, Hyde Park |
On 24th November 2009 the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney was official reopened commemorating the 75th anniversary of the memorial's opening. It was closed for the conservation and refurbishment works undertaken by GAO under the leadership of Bruce Pettman Manager of GAO’s Heritage Section and Honorary Architect for the Memorial.
The 1934 granite and marble Art Deco building was designed to commemorate returned and services personnel from WW1. The dome of the central Hall of Memory is covered with 120,000 gold stars representing the NSW men and women who served in WW1. The Memorial now commemorates Australian services personnel in all wars and conflicts since our federation – and responds to the promise ‘Lest We Forget’
The Returned & Services League of Australia (NSW), which manages the memorial on behalf of the Trustees, thanked GAO for their work over the last 15 months which resolved many long standing issues regarding water leaks and services in the building, functional layouts, accessibility and the need for a refreshed exhibition. The memorial is now open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. |
| 1 October 2009 |
Environmentally Sustainable Design Publication |
The Government Architect's Office is pleased to announce the launch of our ESD publication. The publication showcases the projects that GAO have produced over a number of years that have contributed to the advancement of environmental issues in the built environment.
Click here to download a PDF version of the publication. |
| 28 September 2009 |
Assistant Government Architect wins top industry prize |
Helen Lochhead, the Assistant Government Architect in the Government Architect's Office was awarded with the prestigious Rider Levett Bucknell Crystal Vision Award at the the National Association for Women in Construction’s awards night on 24 September 2009.
The award recognises Helen’s achievements in the field of architecture and her long term commitment to advancing and furthering the interests of women in the industry.
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| 31 July 2009 |
NSW Government Architect appointed Deputy Chair, CSPC |
| The Minister for Planning, the Hon Kristina Keneally has appointed the NSW Government Architect to the Central Sydney Planning Committee (CSPC) and the Assistant Government Architect as his alternate. Chaired by Lord Mayor Clover Moore and established in 1988 under the City of Sydney Act, the CSPC assesses major development applications (worth more than $50 million) or projects of State wide significance which come before the Council. The NSW Government Architect has been appointed Deputy Chair of this committee. Positions will be held until July 2011. |
| 27 July 2009 |
Official Opening of Korean War Memorial, Moore Park |
The NSW Korean War Memorial was officially opened on 26 July 2009 by The Hon. Graham West, Minister Assisting the Premier on Veterans' Affairs, NSW and Mr Yang Kim, Minister for Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Republic of Korea.
The memorial is located in Moore Park and commemorates the Australian and Korean veterans of the Korean War. It honours friendship forged through war, between two different countries, cultures and communities.
The Government Architect’s Office established a project control group representing veterans, Korean community, the RSL, the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust. A design competition organised by the Government Architect’s Office was won by Jane Cavanough and Pod Landscape Architecture. Project management was provided by the Government Architect’s Office and construction was managed by Project Management Group.
left to right: Carl Green, Department of Premier & Cabinet; Peter Mould, Government Architect's Office; Steven Hammond, Pod Landscape Architecture; Jane Cavanough, Artist - Artlandish Art and Design; Callantha Brigham, Government Architect's Office; Harry Spicer, Korean Veteran; Darren Mitchell, Department of Premier & Cabinet and Ian Innes, Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust.
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| 27 July 2009 |
NSW Government Architect appointed Visiting Professor, UNSW |
Peter Mould, NSW Government Architect was appointed as a Visiting Professor to the University of NSW, Faculty of the Built Environment, from July 2009 to July 2012. As Visiting Professor, Peter will be involved with lectures and the development of curriculum and shared research initiatives.
The appointment of the NSW Government Architect to the prestigious Visiting Professor position will help strengthen the collaborative relationship between the university and the NSW State government, and specifically the Department of Commerce and the Government Architect’s Office. |
| 17 July 2009 |
Sydney Theatre Company: Greening the Wharf |
Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Directors Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett, Peter Garrett, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, and Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change, to Sydney Theatre Company, have announced a major commitment of $1.2m through the Commonwealth government’s Green Precincts Fund.
The Government Architect's Office is working alongside other divisions in the Office of Public Works and Services within the NSW Department of Commerce to transform Sydney Theatre Company into the largest building-mounted solar power generator in Australia with 362 kilowatts of clean renewable energy to be delivered in the heart of Sydney CBD. Each year the system will produce enough electricity to power 70% of STC's needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 100 cars off the road annually.
A link to the media release can be found here:
http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/news/greening-the-wharf |
| 8 July 2009 |
GAO develops carbon emissions calculator for NSW Architects |
The Government Architect's Office has developed a carbon emissions calculator that will assist Architects throughout NSW measure their greenhouse gas impact and take action to green their practices.
The Government Architect's Office created the calculator for the NSW Architects Registration Board. It forms a central part of a practical online guide, Reducing Carbon Emissions: A Guide for Architects, launched last week. The initiative will also become part of the Continuing Professional Development program for registered architects.
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| 6 April 2009 |
Heritage Architect Receives Prestigious Award |
Joy Singh a Senior Heritage Architect with the Government Architect’s Office today received the Cathy Donnelly Award at the National Trust Heritage Awards Ceremony. The award is made to a woman who has made a significant contribution to heritage and conservation.
Ms Singh was recognised for her commitment, dedication and achievements in building conservation, as well as her role in mentoring other architects and allied professionals in design and stone conservation.
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| 19 March 2009 |
Official Opening of Piligia Forest Discovery Centre and Offices |
Deputy Premier, Carmel Tebbutt officially opened the new Piligia Forest Discovery Centre and National Parks & Wildlife Services’ Baradine Area Office on the 19 March 2009. The project was designed by the Government Architect’s Office, with project management provided by Department of Commerce’s Riverina/Western Region.
The new building reflects the strong history of local area’s timber industry through its featured use of white cypress and has numerous environmental sustainable design features including, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting and a 15 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof. |
| 17 and 19 March 2009 |
Tea ‘n’ Chat at Fort Denison |
As a part of Senior’s Week 2009, Heritage experts Matthew Devine and Vivian Sioutas from the Government Architect’s Office led two Tea ‘n’ Chat events providing information on the stone conservation work being undertaken at Fort Denison.
Stonemasons from the Minister’s Centenary Stonework Program were also present to demonstrate some of the masonry skills required to maintain and conserve Sydney’s historic sandstone buildings.
The events showcased the conservation work being undertaken at the Fort, which is a joint partnership between the Minister’s Centenary Stonework Program and the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
For more information about Fort Denison Stonework Conservation please: click here
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| 26 February 2009 |
Official Opening of the Aboriginal Health College |
The Aboriginal Health College at the old Prince Henry Hospital site, Little Bay was officially opened by the NSW Governor Marie Bashir on the 26 February 2009. The College delivered by the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW in partnership with Landcom was designed by the Indigenous Design Unit within the Government Architect’s Office and construction managed by the Department of Commerce.
The project was a result of extensive consultation and has been well received by the client and stakeholders. It has been acknowledged as an outstanding venture. Dillon Kombumerri the Design Architect, the Government Architect’s Office and the Department of Commerce were recognised and thanked by the speakers at the opening.
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| 2 January 2009 |
Structural Engineering Emergency Response |
Structural Engineers within the Government Architect’s Office were called out twice over the Christmas-New Year period in response to emergencies and a need for expert structural advice to ensure the safety of the public and other emergency workers.
Incidents included a traffic accident that resulted in a car crashing into an elderly couple's home on New Years Eve and a major fire on the 2nd January causing most of the roof structure to collapse in a chocolate factory in Marrickville.
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| 22 December 2008 |
Sydney Town Hall to Run on Solar |
The Government Architect's Office will be instrumental in creating a cleaner greener future for the 120 year old Sydney Town Hall. The Office has been engaged to design and document a solar power system by the City of Sydney as part of the Town Hall's $41 million renovation. The solar power system will add a 21st century dimension to Town Hall that is sympathetic to the building's heritage significance.
The solar power system will supplement the mains supply, with the projected greenhouse gas reduction equivalent to removing at least 16 cars from the road every year.
This is another high profile project where the Office can apply its renewable energy expertise.
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| 27 November 2008 |
Good Deeds Good Design |
Last night, Callantha Brigham, Architect with the Government Architect’s Office was awarded a Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship for Architects for her submission, “Good Deeds, Good Design: How can architects provide community service as part of their architectural; practice?” at the 2008 NSW Architects Registration Boards Annual Awards evening.
Byera Hadley Travelling scholarships enable winners to undertake travel, study or research that contributes to the advancement of architecture.
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| 19 November 2008 |
History in the Making |
Laila Ellmoos, Historian within the Government Architect's Office is assisting the Department of Ageing Disability & Home Care (DADHC) to prepare a historical record (both written and oral) of the Peat Island residential centre prior to the site's closure in 2010.
The Peat Island Centre is one of the longest held Government-operated centres and has provided a home for people with disabilities for over 100 years. The project will ensure that the State will have a valuable piece of its history recorded for present and future generations.
DADHC is requesting that people with an association with the Centre, contact them with stories, photographs, mementos etc. If you would like to make a contribution please contact: Yvette Chapman on tel: 02 8270 2463 or email: yvette.chapman@dadhc.nsw.gov.au
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| 16 October 2008 |
Memorial for Francis Greenway’s Burial Site |
The Maitland City Council unveiled a plaque on Friday to commemorate the resting place of the Australia’s fist Civil Architect, Francis Greenway at the East Maitland Burial Grounds. Appointed during Governor Macquarie term of Office, Francis Greenway established quality in public buildings and was influenced by classical Georgian architecture. His designs included South Head Light House, the Obelisk in Macquarie Place, Hyde Park Barracks, St James Church in Sydney, St Mathews Church in Windsor and Government House Stables (now the Conservatorium of Music).
The memorial, designed by John Carr from the Office of Public Works and Services, reflects the style of windows Greenway used in many of his works, in particular those in St James Church in Sydney.
Since Francis Greenway’s term as first Civil Architect, there have been 21 Civil, Colonial or Government Architects, all contributing to the design, planning supervision and construction of public works in New South Wales.
click here to view the memorial
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| 7th October 2008 |
Early history of Sydney unearthed |
The Government Architect's Office and Casey & Lowe Pty Ltd are
undertaking an archaeological dig to look for remains of demolished
sections of historic Fort Philip, in the grounds of Sydney Observatory.
Fort Phillip was built on the Sydney Observatory site in 1804 because
the government was worried about an Irish uprising within the colony.
The Fort was designed to be used as a citadel in the event of a siege
and was considered an important part of the defences of the fledgling
town of Sydney. It was never finished and from 1806 until the 1850s the
three standing walls and magazine were used largely for storage of
gunpowder and as a signalling battery. The fort walls were partially
demolished when the Observatory was built in 1857-8.
This dig provides an exciting opportunity to learn more about the early
operation of the Fort, the people who lived and worked there and the
extent to which the Fort was originally constructed. Significant
remains will be kept and interpreted on the site permanently.
The dig begins on 7th October and will be open to the public every day
from 10am.
Further information about the dig is available in the site
interpretation leaflet and the full Archaeological Assessment and
Research Design.
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| 6 October 2008 |
Sustainability and the Built Environment: The Future Forum |
Presented at the Sydney Architecture Festival Barnet Long Room, Customs House Sydney 2.00pm-3.30pm, Sustainability and the Built Environment: The Future, provides an insight into issues that should be considered, comprehended and balanced if we are to move towards a more sustainable future in the built environment.
An architect, an engineer and a researcher present their personal view on a critical aspect relating to the sustainability of the built environment prompted by consideration of Arup’s Drivers of Change research, then deal with questions submitted by the public and interest groups in the lead up to the Festival. Some of the questions already submitted that the panel will be asked to address include:
Isn’t sustainable building about engineering technologies?
How are architects involved?
Are houses more sustainable than apartments?
How will carbon trading change the way buildings are designed in the future?
Speakers include Peter Poulet, Assistant Government Architect, Caroline Pidcock, Director of Pidcock Architecture and Sustainability, Steve King a building scientist with an architectural background and Adam Beck an Associate with ARUP Sustainability in Brisbane.
Come along to the Forum and contribute to this important debate.
For further information of the speakers and details on how to submit your questions to the forum please click here.
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| 04 September 2008 |
Office of Public Works & Services (OPWS) Cadetship Program |
The OPWS Cadetship Program will provide university students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to make an effective start in the workforce.
OPWS is made up of four business units including the Government Architect’s Office, NSW Water Solutions, Project Management and Facilities Management.
OPWS is currently recruiting university students enrolled in their 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of study in:
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Project Management
- Building
- Construction
- Architecture
- Surveying
For more information on the OPWS Cadetship Program, go to the Commerce website: http://www.commerce.nsw.gov.au/
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| 22 August 2008 |
Solar Photovoltaic Design |
The Government Architect’s Office (GAO) has been engaged to design and document a 15 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) visitor's centre at Baradine, 490 km north-west of Sydney.
The system is expected to generate over 22,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity every year and will offset 23 tonnes of annual greenhouse gas emissions - enough to permanently remove 6 cars off the road or permanently power 61 computers.
The solar photovoltaic system is just one more sustainable design features of the GAO designed centre which exhibits features such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting and natural ventilation. |
| 21 July 2008 |
Excellence in Architectural Design |
The Australian Institute of Architect's NSW announced its annual award winners to broad, positive press coverage this week. The Government Architect, Peter Mould chaired the eight member jury panel this year and jurors included Anne Warren, John McInerney, Leta Keens, Melonie Bayl-Smith, Peter John Cantrill, Stephen Davies and Tony Chenchow.
Chairing the Institute’s annual awards is an excellent opportunity for the Government Architect to encourage and support excellence in architectural design across NSW.
To read the Government Architect's Jury Report click here. |
| 14 June 2008 |
Korean War Memorial Erected in Memory of War Veterans |
To honour the Australian heroes who fought and died in the Korean War 1950-1953 a lasting tribute will be built in Sydney’s Moore Park.
The chosen monumental design was submitted by artist Jane Cavanough in partnership with Pod Landscape Architecture and selected by a jury chaired by NSW Government Architect Peter Mould. The winning design will provide a rich variety of symbolism to both veterans and to those who are unfamiliar with the Korean War.
The project was officially launched on 14 June by Minister Linda Burney with Mr Woong-nam Kim, Consul-General of the Republic of Korea.
The Government Architect’s Office is now managing the design documentation and construction program. Construction will occur early in the New Year, with the memorial expected to be completed by April 2009. |
| 7 June 2008 |
Sydney Observatory Celebrates its Sesquicentenary |
The Sydney Observatory is celebrating its sesquicentenary (150th birthday) by holding a public open day on Saturday 7 June. The Government Architect's Office Heritage Group has been involved with a program of works at the Observatory including extensive archaeological investigation of the site and a program of rebuilding, stone work repair and restoration works.
Ms Caitlin Allen, Senior Archaeologist, who is coordinating and supervising the excavation program at the Observatory, will be discussing the site in an ABC 702 radio interview at 11:30am for those who can not make it on the day and are intersted in learning more about our history.
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| 5 May 2008 |
Achieving Carbon Neutrality |
The Government Architect’s Office was recently commissioned by the NSW Architects Registration Board to undertake a carbon footprint study to enable the Board to achieve carbon neutrality. The study provided recommendations for adjustments on factors such as office consumables, travel, office fit-out, and energy and water consumption etc.
The Board has adopted the study as an exemplar for NSW practices wanting to reduce their carbon footprint and also intends to run an industry pilot program based on GAO’s recommendations.
The study represents an important partnership between Government and Industry to achieve positive environmental outcomes across NSW. |
| 17 April 2008 |
Outstanding Heritage Conservation |
The Heritage Group within the Government Architect’s Office have won yet another award for Outstanding Heritage Conservation from Strathfield Local Council for the restoration of the exterior facades of the Australian Catholic University’s administration building, formerly a grand mansion house.
The Group is currently undertaking further restoration works at the Australian Catholic University including a spectacular chapel interior decoration investigation and reconstruction. This work is likely to be viewed by Pope Benedict XVI on his visit to Sydney in July as part of the University’s centenary anniversary celebrations and World Youth Day festivities.
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| 7 April 2008 |
National Trust Heritage Awards |
The Heritage Design Group within the Government Architect's Office received two Highly Commended Awards at the 2008 National Trust Heritage Awards ceremony on Monday. The awarded projects were:
The adaptation of the sandstone buildings of the former Plunkett Street School as the Sydney Distance Education High School, in the Conservation Built Heritage projects under $1 million category, and
The Sydney Hospital Carvings Recording, in the Corporate/Government Conservation Projects category.
The awards recognise the high quality work being undertaken and produced by the Heritage Team.
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| 5 – 20 April 2008 |
National Trust Heritage Festival 2008 – Our Place |
The National Trust Festival is one of the longest-running community festivals in New South Wales and the festival theme this year is ‘Our Place’. The Festival encompasses hundreds of fantastic events across metropolitan and regional NSW from Saturday 5 April to Sunday 20 April, 2008. The Government Architect’s Office in conjunction with City Historian Lisa Murray are providing an opportunity to learn more about stone masonry and visit the Alexandria stone to view practising stone masons. Event details are as follows:
Government Architect’s Office Heritage Group, Centenary Stonework Program, NSW Department of Commerce
Masons and Monuments
City of Sydney historian Lisa Murray will present a talk about the traditions and crafts of stone masonry in the 19th century, with a focus on monumental masons in NSW. The talk will be followed by a tour of the heritage services stoneyard at Alexandria by practicing stone masons involved in the Department of Commerce’s Centenary Stonework Program.
Location - Heritage Services Stoneyard, 92a Burrows Road Alexandria
10 April 2pm Duration 1.5 hours
Free
Bookings Essential 9372 8476
Max 30 people
For more event details see the National Trust festival brochure:
http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/events/festival/
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| 19 March 2008 |
Fire Service Shows Off New Control Centre |
THE Rural Fire Service's new Fire Control and Training Centre received a tick of approval this week during the first official inspection of the $2 million facility since construction began two months ago.
The purpose-built training facility, designed and documented by the Government Architect’s Office, is a collaborative project of Orange, Cabonne, Blayney and Cowra councils and has been situated in Orange due to its central location.
It will provide 85 brigades and more than 2000 volunteers from across the Canobolas Zone RFS with access to training rooms and technology. Outdoor facilities will enable firefighters to hone skills from basic firefighting through to specialised remote-area firefighting.
Construction is on schedule, with the facility expected to be fully operational by late August this year. The Fire Control and Training Centre is then expected to have its grand opening in late September or October.
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| 4 February 2008 |
Structural Engineers Assist with Ultimo Shop Blast |
Emergency Management Engineering staff were called to assist police and NSW Fire Brigades after an explosion at a Nandos outlet on the ground floor of a eight storey apartment block in Ultimo early Monday morning. Significant damage was caused by the blast and approximately 150 people had to be evacuated and provided with emergency accommodation.
Structural Engineers from the Government Architect’s Office undertook a structural assessment of the site and provided advice on access and safety issues to emergency workers. The engineers also evaluated the extent of the damage to the building to determine that residents could safely return to their homes with due precaution of access, cleaning up and restoration of services.
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| 23 January 2008 |
The Greening of NSW Parliament House |
Climate Change, Environment and Water Minister Phil Koperberg today announced that tenders for the plan to use solar power in NSW Parliament House had closed. The plan to install solar panels over 200 square metres of the building is just one of nine initiatives to reduce the impact of Parliament House on the environment, that Engineers from the Government Architect’s Office are working on. Other projects include:
• Energy-saving light bulbs installed throughout the building;
• Movement sensors added to toilet lights;
• Fans with variable speed drives; and
• Air-conditioning and food storage chillers made more efficient.
Once completed these green initiatives will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2,500 tonnes each year and electricity by 2,320 mega watts which is the same as taking 555 cars off the road.
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| 15 January 2008 |
Water Savings in the Mckell Building |
The Hydraulics and Water Savings Group within the Government Architect’s Office recently undertook a water check of the 23 storey McKell Building on behalf of Sydney Water’s Every Drop Counts Business Program and the NSW Department of Commerce. The investigations were undertaken to determine the efficiency of water usage and to identify possible ways of reducing water consumption and associated costs.
The resulting refurbishment of the building amenities which implemented the recommendations of the Group has significantly reduced water usage. Total water use has now decreased by 19 kilolitres per day which represents a 28% reduction in water consumption and a saving of $15,900 p.a.. These water savings are equivalent to saving seven Olympic sized swimming pools of water each year.
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