Parliament Houses, Canberra
Planning for a Parliament House in Canberra commenced in 1912 but was delayed by the first World War and indecision by various governments over the conduct of a competition to design the building.
In July 1923 Parliament approved construction of a provisional Parliament house on "The Knoll". The first sod was turned in August 1923 and the building was opened on 9 May 1927. This building served until the opening of the permanent Parliament house in 1988.
In 1978 the Fraser government decided to proceed with the replacement of the 1927 house with a new structure on Capital Hill. In this case there was a competition, won by a New York-based architectural firm Mitchell/Giurgola and Thorp. The design involved burying most of the building in Capital Hill and erecting an enormous spire from which to fly the Australian flag.
Construction began in 1980 and was opened on 9 May 1988.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage National Marker (EHNM) |
| Award Date | September 2016 |
| Heritage Significance | |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
VIRTUAL INTERPRETATION site. There was no unveiling ceremony. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image | Not Available |
References:
Baker, Keith, A Century of Canberra Engineering, Engineers Australia, Canberra Division, 2013, pp. 60-64.
