The Old Government Building, located on Lampton Quay, is a perfect example of a building that has been strongly influenced by neoclassical design. Built in 1876 it now houses the Victoria University Law Library in is southern wing. It is also well known for being one of the largest all wooden buildings in the world despite appearing to be made completely of stone.
The Government building was constructed during a time where the neoclassical style was very popular for large and important buildings as it was associated with politics, power and solidity. Classicism was the style specifically chosen for the Government building to “convey strength and stability in a young country undergoing rapid growth and change.” (http://www.doc.govt.nz/)
The Government Building was designed to appear powerful and functional to promote New Zealand’s confidence in the Governments ability to lead their Nation
It is easy to recognize the neoclassical influence on the Old Government Building as it incorporates the follow features used to describe the neoclassical aesthetic;
“simple, yet beautiful style with clean lines and subtle accents in the form of metal decorations or carvings. Classical architecture is also often built on a grand scale, with imposing columns and large arches to demonstrate the skills of the builders.” (http://www.wisegeek.com)
The symmetry of the building, monochromatic colour pallet and minimalism in the decoration forms the simplicity and rationality associated with classical design.
The use of coulombs and triangular roofs creates a direct association with the greek Parthenon, a design structure from the 5th Century B.C, that is considered the baseline for all neoclassical design. This shows how classicism was a style that was designed to be timeless rather than just a temporary trend, even today the Government Building still had the effect of appearing powerful and important. The choice of white as the colour for the Old Government Building would also of been influenced by the Parthenon as it suggests that it is made from marble which is what classical structures such as the Parthenon were made of.
The Government Building has now been standing in the neoclassical style for nearly 140 years.
The Parthenon, 2010
The Government Building, 1910
Bibliography:
First Image - Old Governement Building, Law Library Entrance,
Self Taken, May 2012
Department of Conservation (2011), Historic Government Buildings, History of the Government Buildings
Retrieved from:
http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/historic/by-region/wellington-kapiti/wellington/government-buildings/history/ on 29st May 2012
WiseGeek (2012), What is Classical Architecture?
Retrieved From:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-classical-architecture.htm on 29th May 2012
WondersTube (2010) The Parthenon, Greece
Retrieved from:
http://wonderstube.com/world-wonders/forgotten-medeival-mind-world/105-forgotten-medeival-mind-world-wonders-the.html on 31st May 2012
H. Plimmer (1910) Government Buildings, Wellington
Retrieved From:
http://www.wcl.govt.nz/heritage/architecture.html on 31st May 2012
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