designed by sir edmund thomas blacket (1817–1883), the great hall lies at the most northeastern point of the university quadrangle - dominating the sweeping lawns of university place, as well as university avenue, which overlooks victoria park. blacket was appointed colonial architect of new south wales from 1849–1854. he resigned from this position in 1855 to pursue the design of new buildings for the university - supervising both their development, and construction, until their completion in 1862. blacket's other notable achievements include the design of st. paul's college and the alteration of the original construction of st. andrew's cathedral in sydney, from architect james hume's original design.