Reading Response 8: The Making of Parliament House (part2)

Reading Response 8:

The Making of Parliament House – Haig Beck

Beck goes on to expand the benefits, efficiencies and creative opportunities afforded by the ‘fast-tracking’ approach applied to this style of architecture, one of the first times anywhere.

He mentions that: “Fast-tracking and the scale of the parliament House project have initiated a new era of craftsmanship in Australia, deploying new materials, new methods and new tools”. He goes on to point out that a range of native building materials were used in unexpected contexts due to the application of new technologies.

He points out that normally the urgencies of fast-tracking restrict aesthetic options but due to the scale of the project fast-tracking actually extended the architects’ choice of materials, finishes and technology. This was achieved due to the flexibility of the attachment and application system as well as the relatively long time scale of such a major project, as well as the workmanship everywhere in the building exhibiting an exquisite spirit of pride and excellence.

Through our Parliament House the partners unleashed the creative managerial and aesthetic potentials of fast-tracking for the world...