Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation
Western Australia
“This building, designed by Architects Forbes and Fitzharding in the mid 1980s, won a State RAIA Design Award in its category, followed by a Bronze Medal three years later. The Bronze Medal is awarded to the best of the yearly award winners.
“Technology Park has aesthetic, historic and social significance. Though the buildings are an amalgamation of different architectural styles, they blend well to enhance the scale and setting of the Park.
“Strong design has led to recognition for architectural innovation. Historically this is the first of this type of development in Western Australia. Social heritage value is reflected in Technology Park’s strong association with Curtin University which encourages a good flow of communication in Research and Development between the two places.” (1)
From the Town of Victoria Park Library website: https://www.victoriaparklibrary.wa.gov.au/news/time-warp-tuesday-28-january-2025/10298
The CRA Building belies its age, remaining bold and contemporary, whilst also being a clear expression of its time, when simple geometry, clarity of representation of structure and programme were the drivers of good architecture.
The main laboratory building is contained within strong stone masonry bookends to the east and west with sunscreened full height glazing to the north and south, forecasting the basics of passive solar design and providing the structural bracing for the visually light curtain wall.
The structural system enables open plan laboratories, with the deep ceiling void providing flexibility for services accommodating the ongoing evolution of the laboratory requirements.
Whilst subsequent fitouts may have lost some of the clarity of the original, the essence of the design concept endures in a clear and compelling way.
The strength of the original design concept has enabled the building to survive the ravages and programmatic shifts of time, inevitable with research buildings. It is a fine example of an architecture enduring in its original intent and identity.
CRA remains one of the finest examples of its era in Australia.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
