User:Ebru1994/sandbox

http://sydney.edu.au/documents/about/heritage/gcp_vol1.pdf

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2431004

The Quadrangle

The Quadrangle is a prominent sandstone building located within the University of Sydney Camperdown Campus. The Traditional Indigenous owners of the land on which the Quadrangle was built belonged to the Cadigal and Wangal tribes of the Eora people. Construction on the quadrangle began in January 1855, and continued in stages for the next 100 years. It had four sides by 1926,[1] and major structural changes ended in the 1960s after the eastern side of the Western Tower was completed in 1966. The Quandrangle comprises the Great Hall [hyperlink this], Faculty of Arts office and the Nicholson Museum [hyperlink this]. The main entrance - constructed first along with the Great Hall - is underneath the clock tower, which hold one of only two carillons [hyperlink] in Australia.

Construction on the Quadrangle was directed by colonial architect Edmund Thomas Blacket. The time of the construction heavily influenced the architectural design of the building with Cambridge and Oxford symbolising the highest standards of education. Blacket's design exemplifies the neo-gothic style of architecture, through its use of spiked towers, flying buttresses, pointed archways and the highly intricate style of the grotesques and gargoyles. Gothic revival was highly popular and the public’s enthusiasm helped secure funding for the ‘picturesque' construction.

‘Influenced by Medieval architecture, symmetry was dropped and the quadrangle was adorned with vertical framing and highly decorated corner gables’ (Maison, 2015). Architects and engineers of the 18th century constructed gothic buildings from skeletal stone ribs composed of pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses to create soaring vertical interiors and colourful windows. The buildings, which were both highly intricate and detailed in their embellishment were designed to celebrate the mystery and sacred nature of light’ (The Columbia Encyclopaedia 2014).

On the exterior of the Quadrangle there are several gargoyles on display, which have been carved in the shape of native Australian animals. In fact, the gargoyle carved in the form of a kangaroo is the first and only of it’s kind. Edmund’s choice to include the Australian kangaroo on the exterior of the building was highly intentional as the Kangaroo appears on the coat of arms and is regarded as one of Australian’s most iconic native species. Edmund may have chosen the kangaroo, as they are one of the few animals that do not posses the ability to move backwards. This may symbolise the progression and modernisation of the Australian nation. It is also rather fitting that an animal incapable of backward movement would be incorporated into the buildings exterior as the University was regarded as one of the most progressive and prestigious institution of it's time.

The highly individualised aesthetic of the gargoyles was intended to incite a sense of national patriotism from visitors of the University. They are particularly meaningful as the University of Sydney was the first university to be established in the Australian and thus an iconic and highly progressive educational institutional, which was adapting the stylistic features of Europe. According to William Wentworth ‘a state university was imperative for the growth of a society aspiring towards self-government.' (Clifford, 1991). Thus, the gargoyles not only reflect the contemporary style of Blacket, they also look to reassert the independence and capability of Australia as a post-colonial settlement, set within the Gothic revival style of Cambridge and Oxford, linking them in philosophy. While the building has adopted most of the stylistic features of Europe, the Australian gargoyles can be seen as an attempt to avow the Australian sense of autonomy and prosperity. Furthermore, applying a neo-gothic aesthetic to an educational facility suggest that Australian is highly progressive in regard to education and the furtherance of it’s people. The building also looks to create a meaningful connection between Australia and the modern, industrialised nations of the west, such as Europe and America. Through their adaption of the European neo-gothic aesthetic they are maintaining a tangible connection with the monolithic west despite the noticeable geographical isolation.

Maison, Marc. ‘Neo-Gothic Style.’ Marcmaison.com. N.p.,2015. Web.3 Apr.2015

Courtyard behind the Main Quadrangle

The courtyard sits just behind the main Quadrangle at the University of Sydney. The courtyard features a variety of plants, benches and statues. Two of the main statues in the courtyard are an abstract horse and that of the Greek God/divine spirit of Kairos. Kairos, the Greek god of opportunity represents the brief moment in which things come and go.

(www.greek-gods-and-goddesses.com/caerus)

Maintenance and Grounds Keeping
The University of Sydney established a Conservation of Grounds Plan in October 2002. Being the most photographed area in the university, and having a one hour heritage tour, the Quadrangle must keep up its appearances. Of the many, three policies are stated in order to maintain and conserve the vegetation and foliage of the university's grounds including the main Quadrangle.

These three are:


 * Policy Seven: When significant trees such as the Jacaranda tree in the Main Quadrangle age significantly or decease, they should be replaced with an identical tree.


 * Policy Eight: Trees and vegetation that are highly important to the image of the heritage buildings such as the infamous purple tree in the main Quadrangle and the manicured green grass must be preserved. This is evident in how ropes and bollards are put up in order to prevent students and tourists soiling the newly planted grass.


 * Policy Nine: Pruning of vegetation such as the Ivy on the archway should be well kept in order to sustain views and accessibility.