Canberra sites ~ sites in and around the
national capital
Australian National University
introduction / history / images / stewardship
Australian National University (ANU)
Located: Action, Canberra
The ANU is Canberra’s oldest and largest university nestled at the base of Black Mountain. The university was formerly established in 1947.
Today the campus consists of a series of diverse buildings nestled in a park like setting of exotic and native plants. A listing of the major trees and shrubs is included in the appendix of Buildings and Landscape.
The 145 hectare site is made up buildings, tree lined roads, Sullivan’s Creek, a sculpture walk, sporting fields and open space, courtyards and remnant vegetation. Remnants of savannah woodland which pre-date European occupation include Eucalyptus melliodora, E. blakelyis, E. bridgesiana, E. mannifera and E. rubida. These tend to occur at higher elevations, particularly on Acton Ridge.
In 1993 Sydney based firm Knox and Partners (then known as Knox and Tanner Pty Ltd) prepared a Strategic Landscape Plan to guide the landscape development of the university grounds. The overarching concept was to enfold the setting with the landscape character of nearby Black Mountain whilst developing verdant courtyards associated with particular buildings. Three landscape axes order the site – these are Sullivan’s Creek, University Avenue and Acton Ridge.
Whilst Knox and Partners continue to regularly advise on landscape development, a number of Canberra based Landscape Architects have been involved in preparing detailed plans for specific areas – these include Harris Hobbs and DSB.
DSB have been responsible for the design of a number of landscapes associated with ANU buildings. These include the Japanese style courtyard at the Asian Studies Building, the native courtyard at the Zoology and Botany Building as well as the entry space to Graduate House.
The landscape is well maintained by the ANU Gardens and Ground staff led by George Abraham. This significant landscape of over 10,000 trees is protected under a Management Plan
For a more detailed history on the design of the ANU campus site refer to Paul Knox’s article: Sculpture Walk at ANU
Edwina Richardson AAILA
REFERENCE
Banks, J and Gaardboe, M (1996) Buildings and landscapes: the Australian National University, Canberra: Acton Campus & Mt Stromlo ANU: Canberra.
