Author Description

Having just completed the most significant five-year construction phase in the nation's history, Australian architecture has moved into the world spotlight. During the 1994-99 boom creative vigor was palpable, confidence surged and the entire continent became endowed with a new sense of architectural independence. Because it scans a diverse and momentary scene instead of recording a longer continuum of major achievements, Australian Architecture Now is an unusual history book. It presents two essays, 21 case studies of outstanding public and domestic projects, and in several brief chapters compares selected buildings according to similarities of either genre or style. Close examination reveals surprising evidence that Australian architecture more often reflects the personal styles and attitudes of its creators than the poetic ideal of a unique sense of place. From the core centers of Sydney and Melbourne to Ayers Rock, Queensland's sunshine coast, and the forests of Tasmania many architectural concepts of great significance have been successfully realized. Architects featured include Denton Corker Marshall, Harry Seidler, Gabriel Poole, Rex Addison, Peter Stutchbury, Cox Sanderson Ness, Nonda Katsalidis, Sean Godsell, Alexander Tzannes, and more.