Recently we were lucky enough to escape the oncoming winter for a few days and hit the tropics of Darwin. Having never been to the Northern Territory and only knowing stories about the outrageous humidity and the wrath of Tracy, we were not confident in finding any architecture that we might be able to bring back to you. How wrong we were. Despite the loss of 80% of Darwin’s homes on Christmas morning in 1974, we were pleasantly surprised by the amount of domestic, commercial and public buildings that caught our Modernist eye. In keeping with the outlaw personality of the far north, many of these buildings hold an essence of Mid-Century design whilst verging off onto their on own unique paths. The amazingly lush vegetation, specific requirements for airflow and the pacific island flavour of the city also contribute to the overall presence of various buildings around town. Here is but a sample.
MA’s greatest Darwin find however was undoubtedly St Mary’s Cathedral in the central part of town. Originally the site of a small wooden chapel in 1889, it was conceived as a site for a central cathedral after the devastation of several cyclones and the Japanese bombing in World War 2. Brisbane architects Donoghue, Cusick and Edwards were commissioned by the Catholic Church in 1955 to envisage a “striking and dignified” building with an allowance for the free-flow of air as per the tropical climate. What they came up with was a magnificent design of parabolic cement arches stretching 58 metres in length, parquetry flooring and a 25-metre high bell tower. It was officially opened in 1962.
Unlike it’s Gothic or Classical counterparts St Mary’s Cathedral is airy and open to the elements yet it retains the restful and reflective atmosphere of all truly great religious architecture. It is a superb example of Modern Architecture in a relative small outpost of our small country and it was with great foresight, passion and hard work that it came into being.
Thanks Darwin – it rings true that you’ll never, never know, if you never never go.