The University of Queensland buildings, St. Lucia campus, by James Birrell

Abstract

This thesis is intended as a research document, recording the facts and historical events of the University of Queensland buildings, at the St. Lucia Campus, designed by Peter Birrell, University Architect. This thesis is intended to aid further research. This thesis will document all work designed by Birrell at the St. Lucia Campus including landscaping, built and unbuilt projects.This thesis will then discuss how Birrell's architecture contributed to The St. Lucia Campus of The University of Queensland. This will be achieved by asking the questions what were the strategic design decisions made by Birrell in regard to the planning of The University of Queensland, St. Lucia Campus, and what role the buildings he designed contributed to these.The scope of the thesis excludes the works by Birrell for The University of Queensland outside the St. Lucia Campus. Including buildings at Moggill Farm, The Medical School at Herston, University of Queensland - Townsville Campus, Heron Island Marine Biological Research Station and Master Planning for Griffith and Mt. Gravatt university campuses.To fully appreciate of the work of Birrell this thesis should be read in conjunction with James Peter Birrell, Beginnings 1928 - 55 by Jamie Mackee [1985] and James Peter Birrell, Catalogue of the Council Work: 1955 - 61 by Jamie Mackee[1986].The history of The University of Queensland and Birrell's role within its development is outlined in A Place of Light and Learning, The University of Queensland's First Seventy Five Years by Malcolm I. Thomas.Recommended reading for a thorough and insightful study of College, is Union College, History by John Schiavo, Peggy Burke and Ross Johnston [1997],