Physical Characteristics The building is considered to be an example of the inter-war Stripped Classical style and was designed to match the aesthetics of existing buildings in the Parliamentary precinct. The exterior has been left largely untouched since the building’s construction. The interior has been refurbished several times although original finishes have been retained in all public areas. John Gorton building comprises a large central rectangular block with eight wings. It consists of a ground floor, six upper floors, basement, sub-basement and a communications centre (see separate Heritage Register entry). Construction of the building is of reinforced concrete beam and slab, with the façade made up of polished red granite and sandstone blocks. The façade is largely simplistic, though the western entrance comprises an exterior stone staircase and a colonnaded entrance. The building takes up the majority of the block of land, and is complemented by the manicured gardens and water fountains leading up to the eastern entrance. History and Summary of Uses of the Place John Gorton building was the first building to be constructed in the Parliamentary triangle. The design was to influence other buildings in the area and for this reason was considered a key project at the time. In the 1920s many Government Departments moved their operations from Melbourne, which was at the time the seat of the Commonwealth Government. In 1924, architect G Jones won a competition to design the building, which was to house eight Federal departments. Although work begun in 1927, work stopped and was further delayed in 1928 due to the Depression and later World War Two. Construction recommenced in 1947 although Commonwealth architects redesigned the building to accommodate a larger design. Since 1956, John Gorton building has housed a number of Government Departments and is managed by the Commonwealth.
Physical Characteristics The building is considered to be an example of the inter-war Stripped Classical style and was designed to match the aesthetics of existing buildings in the Parliamentary precinct. The exterior has been left largely untouched since the building’s construction. The interior has been refurbished several times although original finishes have been retained in all public areas. John Gorton building comprises a large central rectangular block with eight wings. It consists of a ground floor, six upper floors, basement, sub-basement and a communications centre (see separate Heritage Register entry). Construction of the building is of reinforced concrete beam and slab, with the façade made up of polished red granite and sandstone blocks. The façade is largely simplistic, though the western entrance comprises an exterior stone staircase and a colonnaded entrance. The building takes up the majority of the block of land, and is complemented by the manicured gardens and water fountains leading up to the eastern entrance. History and Summary of Uses of the Place John Gorton building was the first building to be constructed in the Parliamentary triangle. The design was to influence other buildings in the area and for this reason was considered a key project at the time. In the 1920s many Government Departments moved their operations from Melbourne, which was at the time the seat of the Commonwealth Government. In 1924, architect G Jones won a competition to design the building, which was to house eight Federal departments. Although work begun in 1927, work stopped and was further delayed in 1928 due to the Depression and later World War Two. Construction recommenced in 1947 although Commonwealth architects redesigned the building to accommodate a larger design. Since 1956, John Gorton building has housed a number of Government Departments and is managed by the Commonwealth.