About Thomas Ryan Photography

This major photographic project documents 20th Century Modernism throughout Australia. Join me, Thomas Ryan, on a photographic journey as I document Australian 20th Century Modernism through the camera lens. Art Deco, Inter-war, Post War, Brutalism,are just some of the styles I document in this fascinating period in Australia's built history.

If you would like to get in touch with me, please visit my website,Thomas Ryan Photography. You can also contact me via social media on facebook and g+ All photographs are copyright of Thomas Ryan. All rights reserved, unauthorised use is prohibited.

Friday, May 27, 2011

University of Canberra Student Residences

Canberra would have to be one of the most fascinating cities in Australia for checking out Brutalist style architecture. As you drive along the empty US style highways that snake their way around the sprawling satellite suburbs, the University of Canberra campus student accommodation block can be found in the suburb of Bruce.
As with most University campuses that are sprawling in their layout it took a few goes to find the UC Student Residences, but when I finally spotted them there was no mistaking them. Positioned on a gently sloping hill these flats are captivating in terms of their visual and aesthetic character. Massed together and designed predominately using concrete they create a visual statement. Thanks to Martin who operates Canberra House Mid-century modernist architecture for his resourceful website that explores Canberra's Modernist architecture.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Ingham - Red & Green Art Deco Building

Ingham is located between Townsville and Cairns and it's sprawling main street has many interesting examples of Art Deco and Post War designs. It's a town that's not been promoted on it's Modernist credentials, but if you take the time to walk it's streets there are many wonderful examples to be found.

This example is located on the main street, but is tucked away to the side of the main shop, so it's often difficult to see if driving by. It's striking with it's use of red brick and green painted balustrades. Notice how the balustrade to the right curves right on into the concrete, and the curves at the top of the building. What a wonderful flowing design!

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Chatham House - Ballarat

This wonderful circa 1950s window detail caught my eye in Ballarat. The timber windows and they way that they are proportioned are typical of 1950/60s design, love the font as well! A shame about the obtrusive air conditioning units though! Ballarat has many great examples of Art Deco and Modernist Architecture all within easy walking distance of one another.