Inside Perth’s Iconic Buildings

We attended Open House Perth, an event to explore the world of architecture and take a look inside Perth’s iconic buildings.  This event was founded in 2011 after the concept was founded in 1992 in London with the aim of fostering a better understanding of architecture for those not in the architecture profession and now spans the globe. Since inception OHP has facilitated some 80,000 visits to date to destinations across the city and its fringe suburbs.

In Open House Perth’s words “there is something truly fantastic about exploring your own backyard and becoming inspired by it.”  The event celebrates great design and includes a diverse range of destinations of all sizes and ages, each with their own history.  Some of the destinations required a booking, but most didn’t, many didn’t even have a queue when we arrived which was amazing for a free event like this.

With some 70 buildings being opened over the two day event we scrutinized the guide, as recommended, to try and get to as many buildings as possible and were excited to be tourists in our own city.  Our list made, we went online and created our own itinerary having registered with the website.  Knowing some destinations would fill fast, we made our favourite choices for both days first on our list.

Part One – Council House

First on our list for Saturday was Council House, the official offices of the City of Perth and the Right Honourable Lord Mayor, Lisa-M Scaffidi.  In the lobby is an exhibition of memorabilia to view whilst waiting for our guide and also the Customer Service Department.  We arrived early and were in for a treat as there were only four of us on the tour.  Our guides were volunteers Annie and Gail, who provided us with a wealth of information.

The building was built in 1963 at a proposed cost of 1.5 million dollars, was heritage listed in 2006 and has had an interesting history.  In the 90’s the State Government did not think this Minimalist Modern building fit their vision for the Perth Heritage Precinct.  Only 30 years after its grand opening by the Queen, this building, iconic of the 60’s, was set for demolition.  After public debate over the fate of the building, council house was vacated in 1993, fortunately not for demolition, but for a total refurbishment and removal of asbestos.  This 50m tall building is unusual in that it has 13 floors, 2 basement levels and 11 above ground level.  The walls are floor to ceiling double glazed windows and the outside of the building is in a ‘T’ configuration. These ‘T’s placed uniformly on the exterior are clad with white mosaic tiles, similar to those on the Sydney Opera House. The design allows maximum visual effect of the natural and artificial lighting, both internally and externally.  In 2010 the T-shaped sunshades were made even more distinctive being colourfully illuminated with 22,000 LED lights making it one of the city’s most appealing night time landmarks.

We are lead to the bright red elevators and taken up to the 9^th floor.  Here we are allowed into the drum like Council Chambers, a 12 metre circular glazed room, obscured with white curtains. Seating for the members is black leather chairs which all face the raised Mayor’s table and high-backed chair.  Prominently mounted behind the Mayor’s chair is a framed picture of the Queen.

The carpet throughout was specially designed to mirror the T motif on the exterior but is dark blue with royal blue and mauve T’s.  Throughout the building there is extensive use of timbers with vitreous mosaic tiles and travertine.  There is a reception room which features pictures of all past Lord Mayor’s.  We are also shown several cabinets containing gifts from City of Perth sister cities, including Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, Houston, United States of America, Kagoshima, Japan, Megisti-Kastellorizo, Greece, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China, Rhodes, Greece, Perth, Scotland, San Diego, United States of America, Seocho, Republic of Korea, Taipei, Taiwan and Vasto, Italy.

We are then taken to top floor, level 13. This floor with its uninterrupted floor to ceiling double glazing offers spectacular, panoramic views of the city, the Swan River, Bell Tower and the Elizabeth Quay development.

When the tour over, we made our way outside to take a few photos of the exterior of this very iconic building. The area on which Council House sits is floored with local grey Mundaring granite. Along the full width of the front of the building is a pool, lined with blue tiles and on each side of the central granite bridge are 4 inverted glass pyramids forming square water fountains continually overflowing into the pool.  To the left of the entrance is a prominent commissioned abstract version of the Perth Coat of Arms. This 2.4 metre high work is set prominently at the entrance.  The wide front path, with its steel canopy leads to a fully glazed enclosure with grey granite floors, white marble walls and black vitreous ceramic mosaic tiled ceiling. The other element strongly featured in the building is timber, mostly teak or Australian blackbutt.

Where to find Council House

Council House is on St George’s Terrace next to Government House, the Concert Hall, Supreme Court and Stirling Gardens.

This building truly enhances City of Perth’s tag, “the City of Lights”. The support the Perth City Council give for many occasions is reflected in the lighting to the outside of the building. It has been pink for Breast Cancer’s Pink Ribbon day, purple to support Perth Glory and Fremantle Dockers and blue for Alzheimer’s Awareness day.  Blue letters spelling out “it’s a boy” were displayed to celebrate the royal birth of Prince George. Recently for TEDx a huge X was displayed and for Christmas the lights are configured to display a huge green Christmas tree.

10^th November 1961 marks the anniversary of the first pour of concrete for the foundations for Council House, the most recognized of Perth’s iconic buildings.

Do you agree it was the right decision  to have this building saved and heritage listed?

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