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Unit 5
The Central National Area
A National Attraction
Activity
Setting the scene
Canberra is a planned city and a creation of a new nation. It is also the home of the nation's most important cultural buildings, locations, celebrations and ceremonies -
a place where shared values are celebrated and particular objects that Australians treasure are stored. They remind us of our shared history and who we are today. Visitors to the National Capital can experience the past and present homes of the Federal Parliament, along with the Australian War Memorial, the National Capital Exhibition and Questacon, just to name a few.
What to do
- Become familiar with important cultural buildings and national attractions in the National Capital.
- Create your own national attraction or cultural building, one that is not yet represented in the National Capital.
- Write an 800-word report.
Key points within your report should engage with the following:
- Justify why this national attraction or cultural building should be located in the National Capital.
- What role or purpose would this national attraction or cultural building play in promoting Australian history, ideals and symbolism?
- What audience would the national attraction or cultural building cater to?
- What objects or items would this building contain and display?
- How would this building represent Australia on an international scale?
- Where would it be located in the National Capital?
- What environmental impact would this building have on the site nominated for its location?
- Give a name to your national attraction or cultural building and a vision statement. For example: the National Capital Authority's vision statement is
‘to build the National Capital in the hearts of all Australians'. - Design a logo.
Be creative
Create your own building design to be located in the National Capital.
Draw several architecturally based designs from several different angles.
Highlight major entrances, internal areas and their function.
Describe your source of inspiration for the design.
