A look at Melbourne within a two month span: before and after and opposing views. Discusses Melbourne's good and poor buildings, planning, arts, aesthetics etc. Melbourne does however maintain an image and individuality when compared with other cities.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘Melbourne: The symbol of Australia’s split personality’in "The Australian", 01.09.1964. Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 4 pagesmelbourne, urban character, city, architecture, buildings, australian image, australian culture, robin boyd, manuscript

An incomplete article which discusses what is total design and how there is no agreement; how technology leads architecture and significance of appearances; the monumental tradition of older architects' approach, and, in opposition, Pop architecture, which puts visual fun into cities. Boyd suggests that what is required is require order, variety and deliberate taste, not sterility.Preview of 1972 RAIA ConventionTypewritten (one with pencil edits) & c copy. Incomplete one has pencil and pen edits, quarto, Two 2p, one pp 4-7 pages.total design, royal australian institute of architects, raia national convention 1972, cities, monumental tradition, pop architecture, taste, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses Australia Square in Sydney; its plan, structure, materials and artworks (tapestries and sculptures by Le Corbusier, Vasarely and Calder).Original manuscript of an article published as 'Australia Square: Circle in the Square' in "Architectural Forum", Vol. 130, No.3, April 1969, pp.26 - 35.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 4 pagesaustralia square, sydney, harry seidler, plaza, pier luigi nervi, tapestry, sculpture, le corbusier, vasarely, calder, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd proposes to apply art criticism techniques to architecture; claims architectural criticism in Australia is "all but dead" because of the 'schizophrenic nature of architecture" (i.e. building a socio-economic object as well as art). Boyd compares Kevin Borland's design of The Legend restaurant (Lonsdale St) with a recently designed residential apartment block (15 Collins St); claims that both are schizophrenic but The Legend is masterfully so whereas the apartments are aesthetically lacking.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘The schizophrenic style’ in "The Sunday Australian", 14.3.1971Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 11 pagesTop of page 1 handwritten where and when published. The last page credits photographer Mark Strizic, so images may have been attached.architectural criticism, art criticism, melbourne architecture, the legend restaurant, lonsdale st, leonard french, legend milk bar, tivoli theatre, clement meadmore, kevin borland, colonial architecture, 15 collins st, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses pragmatic buildings in contrast to the architecture of dreamers, experimenters and idealists through a review of Peter Cook's book "Experimental Architecture".Original manuscript of an article published as 'Utopians versus the squares' in "The Sunday Australian", 1971.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 9 pagespeter cook, archigram, experimental architecture, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses Graeme Gunn's Plumbers & Gasfitters Employees Union Building; indicates it is unusual for Australian trade unions to be a patron of the arts; discusses the angular design and its raw concrete, which Boyd praises as internationally fashionable; suggests that the last great piece of union-commissioned architecture was the Wharf Labourers' Union building, a 1916 Art Nouveau building by Robert Haddon.Original manuscript of an article published in "The Sunday Australian", 06.06.1971 (Review of Graeme Gunn’s Plumbers and Gas Fitters Building, Victoria Parade, Carlton).Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 7 pagestrade unions, plumbers and gasfitters employees union of australia, graeme gunn, brutalism, concrete, robert haddon, wharf labourers' union building, flinders st, robin boyd, manuscript

Comparison of Canberra and Surfers Paradise as potential cultural capitals of Australia. Canberra represents one end of the spectrum of traditional architectural morals of sophistication and orderliness; Surfers Paradise represents the opposite end of the spectrum, that is extreme Pop, fun and flashiness.Original manuscript of an article published as ‘Trad modern, pop modern’ in "The Sunday Australian", 25.4.1971. Typewritten (p/copy), quarto, 9 pagesTop of page 1 handwritten where and when published, page numbers, minor correctionscanberra, surfers paradise, australian culture, morris lapidus, australian cities, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd praises Reyner Banham's book titled "Los Angeles: The Architecture Of Four Ecologies" published in 1971. Boyd describes Banham's unconventional, positive attitude toward Los Angeles as an architectural love story. Boyd notes that Banham is somewhat idealistic about Los Angeles but declares the book a successful and interesting balance between history and architecture.Original manuscript of an book review published as 'Los Angeles: architectural love story' in "The Sunday Australian" on 04.07.1971.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 7 pagesreyner banham, los angeles, historian, modern architecture, age of technology, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses twentieth century architecture and the evolution of modern architecture. Describes present architecture in three categories, namely vernacular, professional and creative. Examples of house designs within the new architecture are given.This manuscript was published as a book titled "The New Architecture" (The Arts in Australia Series), Longmans, Melbourne, 1963.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 18 pagesmodern architecture, australia, young architects, creative architecture, new architecture, robin boyd, manuscript

Discusses the new skyscrapers changing our skyline and classifies them into two types - development buildings and name buildings.Original manuscript of the article ‘Big boxes with holes – for high profits or for prestige’ published in The Sunday Australian on 01.08.1971.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 8 pagesmodern architecture, skyscrapers, development buildings, name buildings, sculptural competitions, clean and uncomplicated, marland house, robin boyd, manuscript

Overview of residential architectural styles from 1925 to 1965 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "Home Beautiful" magazine. Discussions include the future of housing technology, Californian Bungalow design and the future of the 'modern house'.Original manuscript of 'Is our frozen house design about to thaw', published in Australian Home Beautiful, Vol, 44, No. 10, October 1965, pp. 4-11.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 23 pages. (Two copies)home beautiful, queen anne, californian bungalow, charles greenhill, walter burley griffin, harold desbrowe-annear, home beautiful, modernism, robin boyd, manuscript

Extols the virtues of Waikiki as a holiday destination/escape machine, the less-than-Good Taste of the resort combined with its virtues/religious dogma of American middle-class vacation standards. Boyd describes a day of the typical young American hotel occupant, and Honolulu's uniform air of confidence attracting American tourists. This manuscript was published in 'The Sunday Australian' with the title ‘Why I love Waikiki’ on 23/05/1971.Original manuscript of ‘Why I love Waikiki’ published in 'The Sunday Australian', 23/05/1971.Typewritten (1 c copy and 1 p/copy), pencil edits, quarto, 11 pagesSent 12 May 71 - in pencil on front pagewaikiki, honolulu, american tourism, second rate californian architecture, american middle-class vacation standards, robin boyd, manuscript, ohm2022, ohm2022_16

Boyd argues that Australia needs confidence in creative thinking so our products can cut through established formulas to contribute to our growth as a nation. He outlines four stages of architectural development in every community, and describes Canada in these terms. He posits that Australia overall is only at stage two (imported sophisticated), Brisbane/Hobart/Adelaide at stage one. Boyd argues the Australian dream of individual identity is impossible now, to move to stage 3 Australia needs to be encouraged to have confidence in Australian artists of all kinds, allowing creative people to flourish, be themselves. He indicates that Canberra is close to third stage, with architecture designed by international figures in 1960s but now Australian John Andrews brought out to do an architecturally creative office complex in Belconnen - Canberra, signalling growth of a national identity.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits and additions, quarto, 7 pages - p12-18confidence in creative thinking, australian national identity, four stages in architectural development, canberra architecture, john andrews, 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

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

A review of the two books 'The New Architecture and the Bauhaus' by Walter Gropius and 'Garden Cities of Tomorrow' by Ebenezer Howard, on the occasion of their reissue as paperbacks.Original manuscript published as "Ahead of the trend" in the 'The Australian' on 05.06.1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagesadelaide, bauhaus, canberra, deutscher werkbund exhibition, elizabeth, garden cities, walter gropius, ebenezer howard, letchworth, lewis mumford, welwyn, yallourn, robin boyd, manuscript

Discussion of the history of the 'glass box', i.e. the glazed curtain wall skyscraper and its appearance and demise in Australia. Also discusses the phenomenon of multi-storey car parks, and RMIT student designs for Victoria Market.Published as "Death notice: The End of the Glass Box/Birth Notice: A New 3-D Style for a City" in 'The Australian' on 13/11/1965.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 8 pagesaustralia square, bates, smart & mccutcheon, john a la gerche, walter gropius, ici house, mcconnel, smith and johnson, harry seidler, sydney opera house, un secretariat, bogle and banfield, peter mcintyre, robin boyd, manuscript

In this handwritten text of a speech to the Victorian Fabian Society, Boyd addresses the question: Is Australia Ugly? He argues that the issue with Australian cities is primarily in the realm of urban design rather than architecture. Boyd outlines the types of ugliness in the urban domain, comparing attitudes to Australian cities to those elsewhere, particularly the United States.Speech to Victorian Fabian SocietyHandwritten, quarto, 15 pages, missing pages 11-16.victorian fabian society, george johnson, eric westbrook, steven murray-smith, fred ledgar, south eastern freeway, lyndon johnson, robin boyd, manuscript

An attempt to define Melbourne's character. Boyd sketches a history of Melbourne's architectural periods. He muses on the importance of public taste as necessary for periods of architectural flourish. He thinks Australia is in a "trough between the waves of progress."Typewritten, foolscap, 5 pagesmelbourne, urban conservation, robin boyd, manuscript

Discussion of contemporary church architecture. Boyd disapproves of inappropriate and unnecessary ornament.Original manuscript of an article published as "Churches get Curiouser" in The Australian on 26.06,1965.Typewritten, quarto, 5 pages. (Two copies)Minor hand edits on second copychurches, laminex, mareeba, auckland, robin boyd, manuscript

A discussion on the evolution of the contemporary churches in Australia. Boyd praises the attention to detail on the materials used in church architecture and the potential lessons that can be brought forth to other buildings beyond the design of modern churches.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pageschurches, modern architecture, photography, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd argues that the Australian cultural split between what he perceives to be cultured tastes and artistic achievements and the tastes of ordinary Australians is wider and more polarised than in other countries. He derides commercial radio, popular women's magazines, public commercial streets etc - elements of the Australian ugliness. He praises the growth of local contemporary art, literary magazines and architecture, whilst calling for the development of community pride amongst leaders of commerce and industry, and government control of the ugliness of popular culture. This may have been published in "Walkabout" magazine.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 11 pagesart, egalitarianism, sidney nolan, australian painting, pop art, phil may, dyson, low, media, cartoons, australian literature, radio, california cultural heritage board, commercial advertising, robin boyd, manuscript

This summaries the key points of the recently held National Architectural Convention, the first of its kind to be held in Australia, which brought many visiting architects.Typewritten, foolscap, 3 pagesSeveral small ink correctionsarchitecture melbourne; national architecture convention; century of architecture; building industry productivity; city plan for melbourne; australian style; school of architecture melbourne university; international students, robin boyd, manuscript

Piece discussing and defending the construction of the Sydney Opera House and Jorn Utzon. Boyd recounts how the impatience of Sydney and necessity to show the progress of the building have resulted in premature construction and inflation of the cost. Piece ends with questioning whether the Opera House will be worth it. A copy of the published article was in the Sydney Opera House scrapbook in the desk cupboard (item P1378.19).Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 18.09.1965. This is the first part of a three part series called 'This Opera House' published 18th, 19th and 21st September 1965 (see D175 and D176).Typewritten, quarto, 10 pagesjorn utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, international architecture competition, cost of building, robin boyd, manuscript

Account of the international competition for the Sydney Opera House, in which Eero Saarinen claims responsibility for the outcome. The building costs progressively grow due to the redesign of the shells to conform to more conventional construction methods. Article concludes that, despite cost increase that will eventually be forgotten, the success of the Sydney Opera House will be determined by whether the initial vision will be carried through. A copy of the published article was in the Sydney Opera House scrapbook in the desk cupboard (item P1378.20).Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 20.09.1965. This is the second part of a three part series called 'This Opera House' published 18th, 19th and 21st September 1965 (see D174 and D176).Typewritten, quarto, 8 pagesPencil mark ups on first pageinternational architecture competitions, sydney opera house, jorn utzon, sydney opera house project, eero saarinen, design vision, cost of building, robin boyd, manuscript

Article questioning the assessment of the success of the Sydney Opera House by three main categories: will it work; artistically, is the vision exciting; what does the project do for Australian culture? Article concludes that the true worth of the Sydney Opera House is in its audacity, presence on the global stage, and its patronage to the arts. A copy of the published article was in the Sydney Opera House scrapbook in the desk cupboard (item P1378.21).Original manuscript of an article published in The Australian on 21.09.1965. This is the third part of a three part series called 'This Opera House' published 18th, 19th and 21st September 1965 (see D174 and D175).Typewritten, quarto, 8 pagesinternational architecture competition, utzon, sydney opera house, sydney opera house project, cost of building, robin boyd, manuscript

Robin Boyd used these hanging files for personal and professional documents. They are labelled "Puzzle of Architecture & Living in Australia". 'Stegbar", 'Letters", 'Flying Dogtor", 'Publications", 'Crawfords", 'Club", 'The Australian", 'Miscellaneous", "Historical Notes". 'The Aist'n Ugliness", 'Trips", "290 Walsh St", "Car", "insurance", "Foster Parents", "Penleigh & Suzy" and some are untitled. These were kept in a special built in space in the upstairs south shelves.walsh st miscellaneous, robin boyd

Softcoverteam x, architecture's public, architecture of participation, political architecture, walsh st library

SoftcoverNonnemodern architecture, 1970s' architecture, public role of architect, walsh st library

SoftcoverNewspaper article from Bulletin Review about Robin Boyd and the series "Melbourne Architectural Papers", of which this is one as well as Number 1918 and 1019pop architecture, 1970s' architecture, walsh st library