Boyd explores the evolution of Australia's architecture and the constant search for an 'Australian' style of architecture. Influences includes the isolation of Australia, natural resources that would require experimentation in order to make it buildable, and most importantly the imports and exports of foreign material that increased the building boom. Comparisons of Australian's architecture landscape to USA and Sweden in his commentary aims to reflect Australia's dilemma to search for an architectural identity.Original manuscript published as 'Architecture in Australia’ in Texas Quarterly Vol. 5, No 2, Summer 1962, pp 61-76.Typewritten (p/copy), quarto, 11 (+title page) pagesrobert haddon, harold desbrowe annear, 'antipodean isolation', sweden, california, housing, australian architecture, natural resources, building boom, american architecture, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses the styles and aspirations of modern architecture post World War 2 in contrast to pre-war architecture (incomplete manuscript).Handwritten, quarto, 1 pagele corbusier, eero saarinen, modernism, world war 2, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd writes about the National Beverage (unspecified in the manuscript). This is page 3 of unknown number of pages, thus lacking context. Seems to be a satirical take on the Australian way of life.Handwritten, quarto, 1 page. Incomplete – page 3 onlyCrossed out paragraphs and editsaustralian culture, national beverage, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses Australia and New Zealand's search for their own 'modern' architectural style. Boyd points out the influence of the natural landscape that affects these designs and architectural decisions. In addition, he argues that the search for 'modern' architecture isn't rushed due to the need of respecting the natural landscape of both Australia and New ZealandOriginal manuscript of an article 'Australia in seclusion’ published in Journal of the New Zealand Institute of Architects, Vol. 34, September 1967, pp.270-275.Typewritten (c copy), foolscap, 21 pages (two copies of page 9)walter burley griffin, harold desbrowe annear, robert haddon, seabrook and fildes, roy grounds, geoffrey mewton, edward f. billson, best overent (overend), modern architecture, sydney opera house, ian mckay's c/b/ alexander presbyterian agriculture college, ernest kump, sydney school, california, robin boyd, manuscript

A short speech about the responsibility of architects to our changing cities and a way to achieve dignity in their practice.This is the original manuscript of Robin Boyd's suggested draft for the Governor's address at the opening of Architects Convention in Melbourne, 29.03.1965.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, foolscap, 2 pagesarchitects responsibility, governor's speech, robin boyd, manuscript

This is a manuscript associated with the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Convention, "Civic Architecture, the Architect and Society" which discusses city development. Boyd argues that an Australian architectural style is growing with the contemporary generation of architects departing from international modern architectural influences from which they studied. Boyd explains how a pattern of Australian architecture can be seen through materiality and the expression of structure.Typewritten (c copy), foolscap, 4 pages (two copies)Minor handwritten edit on both copiesroyal australian institute of architects, convention, technology, australian cities, urbanism, australian architecture, international modern architecture, walkabout, robin boyd, manuscript

Excerpt labelled page 10. Boyd criticises vulgar mess in the streets and irrelevant ornament. He asks if all externalities were swept aside, which architects, faced only functional and structural challenges of a building, what shape would we like architecture to take?Typewritten, pencil edits, foolscap, 1 page. Untitled single page (10)Two handwritten pencil editsfunctionalism, ornament, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd argues that modern architecture has triggered a necessity for greater harmony between architects and engineers. Boyd describes the architectural qualities of tension structures through an analysis of several case studies including projects by Frei Otto and Boyd's own house at Walsh St. Being a relatively new concept, Boyd criticises the neglect towards smaller buildings in this structural system, and also highlights some of its shortcomings. A 2-page letter from 'Arthur' (surname unknown) at the University of Melbourne's Department of Civil Engineering provides feedback to Boyd on his analyses of the chosen case studies.Original manuscript of article published in The Architectural Review Vol.134, No.801, November 1963, pp. 324 - 334. This draft was returned with covering letter from: ‘Arthur’ (AJF) Melbourne Uni. Dept Civil Engineering. Typewritten (c copy), foolscap, 14 (+2 quarto letter) pagesMinor handwritten editsengineering, tensile structure, master-designer, bernard lafaille, zagreb french pavilion, matthew nowicki, livestock pavilion, frei otto, paul rudolph, florida house, bill irwin, kevin borland, peter mcintyre, john and phyllis murphy, yuncken freeman, sidney myer music bowl, eero saarinen, yale hockey rink, edward d. stone, brussels u.s. fair pavilion, boston arts centre, walsh street, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses the exhibition buildings in Expo 70, Osaka, saying that they fall into two distinct categories, sophisticated or naive. Boyd is critical that Japan did not present a view of the future, which might have been expected of it. This manuscript was published under the title ‘Expo and Exhibitionism’ in 'Architectural Review 'Vol.148, No.882, August 1970.Original manuscript of article titled ‘Expo and Exhibitionism’ published in 'Architectural Review' Vol.148, No.882, August 1970, pp. 99 -100 & 109 &110.Typewritten (c copy), foolscap, 3 pages. (2 copies)osaka, expo 70, expo 67, archigram, metabolism, japanese architecture, kenzo tange, noriaki kurokawa, takamitsu azuma, sumitomo pavillion, takara pavilion, gas pavillion, yoshizawa ryusei, robin boyd, manuscript, ohm2022, ohm2022_31

As the title suggests, Boyd explores the concept of Functionalism and questions the decline in popularity of the movement when Functionalism is still intertwined in contemporary design. Boyd challenges R.A.I.A.'s publication 'Australia Outrange' (a book that captures the unaesthetic aspects of Functionalism)The annotations indicate this was a lecture with slides.Typewritten, pencil edits / notes, quarto, 5 pages"Lewis?" Mitchell penciled on top left corner of first page, pencil notes on the left marginfunctionalism, r.a.i.a., australian outrage, max harris, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd reflects on the increasing growth of apartments built in the urban fabric. The growing demand for flats also contributes to the increasing number of developers who, to Boyd's dismay follow the bare minimum in the Code of Buildings that ultimately contributes and affects the romantic visions of the Australian landscape.Original manuscript of an article titled 'The Flat Revolution' published in The Australian, 13.11.1964.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagesflat building, developer, building code, urban living, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd asks "What sort of cities do we want?" Various alternatives were discussed at the 14th Royal Institute of Architects convention 1965. The theme of the convention was Civic Development, accompanied by a public exhibition "Man in the Street". A fairly clear definition of the ideal shape for our urban character emerged. It was accepted that congestion, dullness and ugliness would become even more of a problem. Boyd offers a bird's eye view of the nature of our cities as we move progressively outwards.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘New life for Cities. The choice – metropolitan excitement or Canberra order?' in The Australian, 10.4.1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 6 pagesroyal institute of architects convention 1965, australian cities, arthur odell, john overall, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd talks about the slow evolution of the Australian housing despite the changing culture of lifestyle and living. In particular, discussions on builders and developers' attitude towards housing have hindered the development of Australian Housing to accommodate the ever changing living standards.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘A change in the old home due this year' in The Australian, 06.02.1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 4 pagesdevelopers, housing, modern, mass production, robin boyd, manuscript

Using 'Village Green Hotel' as an example, Boyd laments on how the development of new Australian Industries' standard of design comfort is rather 'un-Australian'. Further, he criticises how the evolving style of Australian architecture is predominantly inspired by international precedent and questions whether taking foreign elements is considered an Australian style.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘Fun and games at the Village Green’ in The Australian, 03.07.1965.Typewritten, quarto, 4 pagesvillage green, 'un-australian', robin boyd, manuscript, hotel

Boyd discusses, in a sardonic tone, how we have lost our ability to voice criticism of the establishment and think for ourselves. He also discusses the undermining of freedom, self-censorship and 'self-inflicted restriction of liberty' in Australian society.Original manuscript of a script for the ABC Radio ‘Freedom’Series, 16.07.1962.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 7 pagescriticism, conformism, robin boyd, manuscript

In this article, requested by Architecture in Australia, Boyd condemns the lack of development in the shaping the identity of Australian architecture, similar to the contents of Texas Quarterly 'Architecture in Australia' Vol.5 (see D092), Boyd writes about the need for designers and architects to create a new design language rather than recycling and reminiscing on old British aesthetics despite wanting to gain international recognition.Original manuscript of an article published in Architecture in Australia, Vol.56, No.3, June 1967 pp.454-465.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 26 pagesPencil corrections and edits in textaustralian architecture, sydney school, architecture in australia, robin boyd, manuscript

This piece was written just after the Melbourne Film Festival, where no Australian feature film was shown. It mourns the lack of support for the Australian film industry - Canada has been able to do it, why can't we use this as a model?Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, 2nd copy typewritten (c copy), quarto, 3 pages225c. in pencil on the side. On back of last page, blue biro sketch - a fireplace?film industry, canadian film industry, australian film industry, john grierson, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd's critical commentary about the choice of a non-Australian architect to build the Australian embassy in Brasilia.Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 20.02.1965Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagesaustralian embassy brasilia, brasilia, oscar niemeyer, henrique j mindl, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd writes about his opinion on Le Corbusier's Chandigarh and compares the qualities between the newly built city with Canberra. While Boyd praises Le Corbusier's plan, he also comments on the contrast of the grand buildings (Secretariat, Parliament and High Court) situated among the poverty that is ever present, which ultimately affects the image of Chandigarh. This manuscript of Boyd's weekly newspaper column in 'The Australian' was published with the title 'The City of Sordid Splendor' on 28.06.1964. Original manuscript of an article published as 'The City of Sordid Splendor' in 'The Australian' 28.06.1964Typewritten, quarto, 5 pagescanberra, chandigarh, le corbusier, punjab, india, robin boyd, manuscript, ohm2022, ohm2022_16

Boyd questions the current rules of architecture, as do the young architects of the period - the idea of usefulness, firmness, delight and beauty in the visual environment. He says we will only get a more exciting architecture if we ask the question posed in the title.Typewritten pencil edits, quarto, 7 pagesReferences Morris Lapidus and an exhibition at The Architectural League of New York occurring "late last year". URL reference says it occured in 1970.usefulness, firmness, architecture's purpose, role of architecture, robin boyd, manuscript

Primarily using the Osaka 70 World Expo, Boyd criticises the lack of depth of information of the event and the illusion each country provides for their audience. Boyd makes suggestions for improving audience engagement with the exhibitions and also for a new type of pavilion architecture which utilises the temporary nature of the buildings.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits /notes, quarto, 6 pages. (Two copies)One copy annotated markers for slides for a talk or lectureosaka expo 70, japan, melbourne, robin boyd, manuscript, ohm2022, ohm2022_31

A discussion of Australia's bland suburbs, and the rise in brick home-building, and the alternative of urban high-rise living. Alternative leisure lifestyles associated with each are outlined. Multi-storey flats, European migration, the unplanned ghettoisation of different groups are discussed. What are the needs for a new era of Australian housing? New initiatives are outlined.Original manuscript of the chapter titled 'The Neighbourhood' (pp32-43) by Robin Boyd in the book "Living and Partly Living", by Ian McKay, Robin Boyd, Hugh Stretton and John Mant, published by Nelson, Sydney 1971.Typewritten (c copy), pencil, quarto, 29 pagesChapter in a book.neighbourhood, neighborhood, suburbia, planning, conformity, brick home, timber home, flathouses, housing commission, european immigration, swinger hill, ian mackay, merchant builders, landscaping, robin boyd, manuscript

Part of a speech that Boyd gave on receiving an honourary Doctorate of Letters awarded by the University of New England. Boyd proposes that Architecture is the Third Culture, combining art and science.Handwritten, pencil, incomplete, quarto, one page, finishes mid-sentencedefinition, third culture, speech, robin boyd, manuscript

Drafts of various writings/speeches by Boyd. One page written in blue and red ink appears to be a draft for 'The Value of Expos' (see D112) that is taken in point form. One page written in pencil and green ink appears to be a draft for an article on Australia moving forward to modern architecture after WWII and the potentials of Skyscrapers and prefabricated housing.Handwritten, quarto, 3 pieces: x2 are folded, x1 small paper slip pagesexpo 64, prefabrication, archigram and metabolism, robin boyd, manuscript

The article argues that quality education lies in good infrastructure and architectural design. Boyd suggests that educational buildings are a potential for architects to push their imagination to provide quality spaces - as required by law1 Typewritten, pencil edits, 2 Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pages. (Two copies)education, 'victoria's school-building programme', robin boyd, manuscript

Description of Barrett's book. Overview of Boyd's comment on Barrett's insight on the inner suburbs of Australia during the industrial era that is rarely discussed.Original manuscript for a Preface to 'The Inner Suburbs: The Evolution of an Industrial Area', by Bernard Barrett. MUP 1971.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 3 pagesindustrial revolution, bernard barrett, collingwood, robin boyd, manuscript

Short descriptions to accompany illustrations on colonial architecture, the verandah tradition, and domestic single storey homes.Typewritten (c copy) on Grounds Romberg Boyd letterhead, quarto, 3 pagescolonial architecture, verandah, robin boyd, manuscript

The article celebrates Walter Burley Griffin and the impact he has had on Australian architects. Boyd calls Griffin 'America's greatest ever export to Australia after the T-model Ford'.Original manuscript for an article published in "Australia" (Los Angeles), Vol.2, August – October 1964, pp.13-15.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 6 pages. (Four copies)american influence, walter burley griffin, capitol theatre, canberra, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd introduces a short series of talks on ABC 3LO, on the theme of preservation. Different prominent people from various fields talk about aspects of preservation - from native animals and the environment, to historic records of Australia's early history etc. Boyd poses questions about the typical Australian and international influences on the Australian character and lifestyle. This is talk number one.Typewritten, foolscap, 5 pagespreservation, robin boyd, manuscript, radio

Part 6 of 'Going, Going, Gone' series for radio (see D121).Broadcast 18/​1/​63 LO-10pmTypewritten (c copy), quarto, 9 pagespreservation, robin boyd, manuscript, radio