Art Deco & Modernism Tasmania Features on ABC Hobart Radio

Art Deco & Modernism Architecture Tasmania featured on ABC Hobart radio. I was contacted by the ABC as they saw one of my posts "Australia Day - The Forgotten Corner Store, an Australian Icon Lost" which was all about the loss of the corner shop in Tasmania. The 15 minute talk discussed all things Tasmanian Modern, including memories of going to the corner store, Tasmanian Art Deco & Modernist design, as well as my involvement with the Palm Springs Modernism Festival.

Atherton Tablelands Cooperative Dairy Association Administration Building - Malanda

The small township of Malanda is situated inland from Cairns within the lush mountainous region of the Atherton Tablelands. The area has had a rich tradition and history of dairy farming.

The Administration building would have been designed in the 1950-1960s period and has striking period designs such as the vertical blinds to keep the sun out, and the wonderful cube window features, so common in many post war buildings.National Foods company closed down the cheese factory section of the plant when it purchased the Malanda Factory in 2008. In 2010 there were reports that National Foods were planning to reopen the cheese plant.

Interestingly, whilst the factory is now owned by National Foods, one can still see the faded logo that would have originally been on the building, hinting to times gone by. A.T.C.D.A - Atherton Tablelands Cooperative Dairy Association.

Bundaberg Civic Centre 1960s Breeze Block Design Style

The Bundaberg Civic Centre (1960) is a classic 20th Century Post War design and stunning use of breeze blocks. Clean lines and clever use of brick work and the angled entrance all combine to draw the eye into this wonderful example of post war Modernism. What is so typical of this period of design are the balustrades that are so fine and clean lined!

Tasmanian 20th Century Architecture exposed @ USA Modernist Festival

Railway Roundabout Memorial Fountain Hobart 1963

The top ten mid 20th Century buildings of Tasmania will be showcased internationally at the Palm Springs Modernism Week in the United States of America in February 2011.

The 9 day festival (February 17-27th) celebrates architecture, design and culture from the period. See the Palm Springs Modernism week website for more information.The Tasmanian designs were chosen by photographer and writer, Thomas Ryan who has a passion about Tasmanian 20th century Modernism. He operates the "Tasmanian Art Deco & Modernism" blog site http://modernismtas.blogspot.com/ and website http://www.tryanphotos.com/20caus that highlight Tasmanian 20th Century architecture and design.

He also runs the Tasmanian Chapter of the Art Deco & Modernism Society. His photographs and historical insights of Tasmania's mid 20th Century buildings at the Palm Springs Modernism festival will highlight the rich diversity and contribution that 20th Century architecture has played in shaping Tasmania to an
international audience.

To view the top 10 Tasmanian mid 20th Century designs that will be showcased at Palm Springs click here.

Henty House, Launceston 1982

Newcastle City Administion Council Building - Brutalistm at its best

The Newcastle City Administion Council Building is a stunning example of Brutalism, it was opened in 1977. As you drive along the main street into Newcastle the spaceship like structure stands bold and you wouldn't fail not to see it. It stands on an open civic space (common in many Government Brutalist designs) and for me it's up there as one of the best 20th Century designs in Australia. It highlights the wonderful and abstract qualities and geometric lines and shapes that can be gained from the building medium of concrete.

Post War Commonwealth Bank - Hobart

What a fine example of Modernist design is the Commonwealth Bank in the Hobart CBD. This building has always fascinated me, it's like a hybrid cross between art deco and post war design.

The curves are so art deco in style, yet the repetition that plays throughout the windows is familiar in many post war designs, as well as the sheer bulk of the building. I think all the concrete makes the building feel like a fortress, and I reckon it works brilliantly being on the street corner with its smooth transitional curve. Look more closely at the building and the concrete has been impregnated with a tinge of terracotta throughout.