Park Avenue Building, University of Western Australia (Zoology Building, UWA, Biology and Geology Building)
Completed in 1924, the Park Avenue Building was the first structure for the University of Western Australia on its new Crawley site. Originally housing the biology and geology departments, it was described as being in “marked contrast to the ramshackle structure†in which students had previously been learning.
In 1922, William Hardwick, the Government Architect, was asked to come up with appropriate plans for a geology and biology building. His design alluded to the Georgian era and, because there was little budget, the outcome was thought “simple without being austere†and “dignified without being grandioseâ€. Within the budget, the one exterior luxury Hardwick allowed himself was a stone cupola above the central porch.
Construction of the building was completed in time for commencement of the 1925 academic year. In 1945, a two-storey extension was completed by the Public Works Department, and in 1947, the Senate decided that the Chair of Biology should become known as the Chair of Zoology and the building was renamed the ‘Zoology Building’. Even so, geology remained in the building until 1962, when the department moved to the northern end of the 1935 Physics and Chemistry Building.
Zoology continued to occupy the building until the end of 1993 after which it was converted for use as offices and storage.
Completed in 1924, the Park Avenue Building was the first structure for the University of Western Australia on its new Crawley site. Originally housing the biology and geology departments, it was described as being in “marked contrast to the ramshackle structure†in which students had previously been learning.
UWA commenced teaching in 1913 in Irwin Street, although as early as the war years of 1914 to 1918 it was planned to relocate to Crawley. A competition was held for a design for a university, and first prize was awarded to H. Desbrowe-Annear, a Melbourne architect. The winning plan was criticised and redesigned in later years, but some elements of the plan were retained.
In 1922, the University’s Senate considered recommendations for science departments to be moved from the University’s temporary accommodation in Irwin Street to Crawley. It was decided to commence with a building for Biology and Geology on the northeast corner of the campus. William Hardwick, the Government Architect, was asked to come up with appropriate plans.
His design alluded to the Georgian era and, because there was little budget, the outcome was thought “simple without being austere†and “dignified without being grandioseâ€. In other words, it was not the greatest building, but it would suffice for UWA students who would not be “overawed by the magnificence of their new abodeâ€. The brick buildings were faced with Donnybrook stone, while the roof was of red tiles. Within the budget, the one exterior luxury Hardwick allowed himself was a stone cupola above the central porch.
Construction of the building was completed in time for commencement of the 1925 academic year. In 1945, a two-storey extension was completed by the Public Works Department, and in 1947, the Senate decided that the Chair of Biology should become known as the Chair of Zoology and the building was renamed the ‘Zoology Building’. Even so, geology remained in the building until 1962, when the department moved to the northern end of the 1935 Physics and Chemistry Building.
Zoology continued to occupy the building until the end of 1993 after which it was converted for use as offices and storage.
West Australian 19 December 1924