What a Capital City Needs

National capitals are not like other cities. As well as the usual commercial, residential, industrial, recreational and transport structures, they need buildings for government and justice. Their buildings should also project an image of the nation.

The government saw the federal capital as 'the official and social centre of Australia'. Each designer was asked to include commercial, residential and industrial areas and provision for tramways. They were also asked to allow for specific buildings and facilities.

• Houses of Parliament
• Governor-General's Residence
• Prime Minister's Residence
• Departmental offices
• Courts
• Churches
• Mint
• National Art Gallery and Library
• State House
• Printing Office
• Government Factories
• University
• Technical Colleges
• City Hall
• Post Office
• Museum
• Central Railway Station
• Railway Marshalling Yards
• Military Barracks
• Criminal and Police Courts
• Gaol
• Hospitals
• National Theatre
• Central Power Station
• Gas Works
• Markets
• Stadium
• Parks and Gardens

" The contour of the surface and the panoramic value of the city surroundings should influence the designing of the main avenues, the principal means of inter-communication, and the location of the park lands, together with the adornment of the whole."

Information, Conditions and Particulars for Guidance in the Preparation of Competitive Designs for the Federal Capital City of the Commonwealth of Australia, 30 April 1911 (Melbourne, 1911).

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