Nationalism and Identity: Government Architecture in Australia 1901–1951
Chief Investigators: Professor Philip Goad and Dr Julie Willis
Funded by: ARC Large grant 2000-2002
In a significant departure from previous historical investigations, the study's methodological framework is informed by the apparently opposing concepts of modernity and empire, and is structured by the two themes of nationalism and identity. The built manifestation of the newly established Commonwealth Government of 1901, its states, and its subsequent 50 years of development today remains unconsidered and unassimilated. This project poses a crucial question: did architecture play a conservative or progressive role in the definition of Australia as a modern nation?
The project uses empirical historical investigation, analysis of built work, contemporary architectural theory, and public discourse concerning government architecture. Its aim is not to create a taxonomy of styles or an index of buildings, but a comprehensive set of analytical papers that provides an innovative conceptual framework for understanding the confluence of architecture, governance and nation in 20th century Australia.