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Unit 3
The Griffin Legacy
National Capital Comparison
Activity
Use the NATIONAL CAPITAL COMPARISON Background Notes to complete the following research report.
Setting the scene
Located in the National Capital, Mount Ainslie affords beautiful scenic views across the city of Canberra towards Parliament House. It was a pivotal part of the design for Canberra, along with other nearby hills, and acts as an anchor which holds the design and the city together.
The two photographic views from Mount Ainslie show obvious similarities to Marion Mahony Griffin's competition drawings.
What to do
- Research and report on the evidence of change over a period of time in the National Capital.
- Compare photographic evidence between the panoramic views from Mount Ainslie in 1957 and 2004.
- Submit a 600 word report.
Key points within your report should answer the following:
- Environmental impact - does Canberra appear to be a greener place to live in?
- Ornamental waters - before Lake Burley Griffin was created in 1964 what purpose did the land and local river serve?
- Suburbia - have the suburbs of Canberra grown over the years?
- Compare streetscapes (street trees etc) and report on the evidence of change over time.
- Which major political building is not evident in the 1957 view from Mount Ainslie?
- What year was Anzac Parade created and what stood in its place prior to its creation?
- Is there a similarity between Walter Burley Griffin's original design for the National Capital and how it looks today?
Be creative
Report your personal opinions.
Do you think it is a good idea to plan a city?
Do you think the Griffin Plan is a suitable plan for Australia's National Capital?
Make sure you explain your reasons.
