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

Boyd starts with a vivid description of the pomp surrounding the announcement of the name for Australia's national capital on 12 March, 1913. The history of the development of a national capital, and its design is given, along with the significance of the public landscaping. Includes captions for three Canberra views."The City Among The Hills", in The Book of Melbourne and Canberra, The Griffin Press, Adelaide 1966, pp 32-33.1 Typewritten, 2 Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 12 pages. (Two copies)Reverse P10 has caption in pencilcanberra, walter burley griffin, leslie wilkinson, national capital development commission, canberra landscape, ebenezer howard, garden city, robin boyd, manuscript

Description of Canberra's development after Walter Burley Griffin's urban planning and the impact it has had on other architects.Original manuscript published in The London Magazine Vol.4, No.4, pp.78 - 82Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits to 1, quarto, 8 pages. (Two copies)canberra, walter burley griffin, national capital development commission, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd argues that the Australian Cultural Cringe is due to our geographical isolation from the 'Atlantic bloc'. He encourages cultural, intellectual, and artistic exchanges with the Pacific region and the West Coast of the U.S. and provides recent successful examples.Typewritten (c copy) + 1 handwritten, quarto, 6 (+1 handwritten) pagescultural cringe, japan, san francisco, overseas exposure, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd forewarns that the article is strong on generalisations and not diplomatic. He writes that Australian architecture is old-fashioned, second-hand, rejects sophisticated world fashion trends, and has under-developed professional pride and determination. In the last few pages, Boyd advocates a code of integrity and goodness in architecture, calling on designers to come together and commit to the code.Original manuscript published in Architecture in Australia, vol. 56, no. 3, pp. 454-465.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits some pages missing, quarto, 26 pagesIncomplete- pages missing, and includes page 8Aaustralian architecture, sydney school, perth architecture, university architecture, code of integrity in architecture, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd outlines reasons why architecture students and young architects are less outspoken about the quality of architectural design in comparison to older practising architects.Original manuscript published in Meanjin, Vol.17 No.78, pp. 175-178. It was reprinted in the 'Architect' (Perth) Vol.3 No.53, pp. 26-27.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 6 pagesarchitects, 'slate' magazine, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd advocates that the Australian home needs a change of heart to provide more comfort, dignity, and happiness. As examples, he gives two bathrooms (one for parents and one for children), outdoor living, the ability to extend the home as the family gets bigger, kitchens with modern appliances, and central heating and cooling.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 4 pagesaustralian home, appliances, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses the things that influence architects to devise form, particularly the relationship between the engineer and architect. He gives a history of the Opera House and Jørn Utzon's creative process in relation to debates around functionalism and the justification for sculptural forms.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits. 2nd copy 34 q 4-6 missing, quarto, 34 pages. (Two copies)functionalism, le corbusier, ronchamp chapel, sculpture, guggenheim gallery, jørn utzon, sydney opera house, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses the future planning of two major symbolic national buildings - Parliament House and the National Centre (an arts centre).Original manuscript of an article published as 'Symbol City' in The Australian on 28.11.1964.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagescanberra, parliament house, national centre, chandigarh, brasilia, robin boyd, manuscript, national capital

Boyd advocates that Canberra's proposed permanent Parliament House needs to be a vital symbol and suggests an open national competition should be used to select the architect.Original manuscript of an article published as 'Young Australia in Steel and Concrete', published in 'The Australian'.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 5 pagescanberra, parliament house, national competition, robin boyd, manuscript, national capital

A poetic postscript on Canberra.Typewritten (c copy), quarto, 1 pagecanberra, robin boyd, manuscript

Boyd discusses skyscrapers and the city, wondering what the next steps are after Mies Van Der Rohe's 'glass and steel'. He then considers two buildings under construction as potential answers: Harry Seidler's Pitt Street Building in Sydney and Yuncken Freeman's Royal Insurance Building.Original manuscript published as 'Something out of the Box' in 'The Australian' on 23.09.1964.Typewritten (c copy), pencil edits, quarto, 7 pagesroyal insurance building, yuncken freeman, skyscraper, mies van der rohe, harry seidler, robin boyd, manuscript