Canberra [antikvár]

AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL CAPITAL The highlight of Canberra's history was the opening of Australia's new Parliament House by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on 9th May 1988. Not only is this dramatic and dynamic building one of the architectural masterpieces of the world, but It complements the brilliant original concept for Canberra by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin. Among all the elegant buildings and national monuments in Canberra, the new Parliament House Is the culmination of a truly grand plan. There Is so much to delight the eye and to please the visitor in Canberra that It Is easy to forget her slow and difficult beginnings. Although foundation stones were laid In 19lX the two World Wars and the Depression of the early 30's drastically delayed progress. However, In the 1950's development gained an extraordinary momentum which soon produced one of the fastest growth rates of any Australian city. Today, the population Is in excess of 250,000 — considerably more than the 25,000 planned for by Burley Griffin —with an imminent rise to half a million before the turn of the century. Although the original Griffin plan had to be modified, fortunately much was realized, including the man-made Lake Burley Griffin, which is the major ornamental feature and central to the city. The essential spirit and character of Canberra as he planned it — a garden city of light, space, dignity and aesthetic appeal, with the Parliamentary Triangle epitomizing the city's motto "For the Queen, the Law and the People" — has been achieved with distinction. Thanks to careful planning and environmental awareness, Canberra always has been and still is a garden city famous for the avenues of colourful trees which line thoroughfares. There are extensive plantings of over ten million trees from all corners of the world, which make each season a miracle of changing colours. Civic pride is always high and parks, gardens and private homes are a picture of cool lawns, brilliant flowers and shady trees. National capitals of all countries are always tourist attractions and Canberra is no exception. However, this is not only due to its status as administrative and political centre of Australia. Canberra, with her unique style, dramatic buildings, sophisticated but relaxed lifestyle and integrated development in a beautiful setting, has a special appeal for the 2.7 million visitors who annually enjoy our National Capital. PARLIAMENT HOUSE Australia's parliament is based on the British Westminster system and is committed to the democratic process of government and the making of laws for the good government of Australia according to the Constitution. The legislative system has two Houses, the House of Representatives with members from across the nation and the Senate, with State and Territory representation. Both Houses are accommodated in separate spacious chambers, each in the traditional Westminster colours of red for the Senate and green for the House of Representatives. Parliament House is Australia's largest building with 4,500 rooms, situated on a 32 hectare site at the apex of the Parliamentary Triangle, central element of Griffin's original Canberra plan of 1912. The stunning stainless steel flag mast weighing 220 tonnes, with the 12.8m by 6.4m Australian flag flying 81m above Parliament House, is dramatically visible by day and night. The winning entry of the 1979 Parliament House design competition by architects Mitchell, Giurgola and Thorp was described as "an outstandingly successful design in every respect". As the following four pages indicate, this statement is no exaggeration. andah