Page 1772 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 15 May 2019
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Dickson Library. Dr Enrico Taglietti was one of Canberra’s foremost architects from 1956 onwards. Almost all Canberrans will have seen or used one of his buildings. These are well-known Canberra buildings, including the Dickson Library and the neighbouring health centre, the Flynn primary school, the Giralang Primary School, the building on Bunda Street in the city that used to be the Centre Cinema, and the Polish White Eagle Club in Turner.
Dr Taglietti’s buildings are distinctive landmarks around Canberra. For those members not familiar with them, they usually have exposed concrete walls and one or more flat metal roofs. The Polish club is a good example of the use of roofs because four separate roof levels line up in close parallel when seen from David Street. You can see a similar effect with the two roof levels of the Dickson Library when you look at it from the car park on either side of the building.
Dickson Library is the building by Dr Taglietti that I have spent most time in; as a former Downer resident, it was my local library. Among its notable features are the small courtyard gardens in each of the building’s four corners. Unfortunately, these have been somewhat neglected. The other thing which is a bit unfortunate is that the sunken floor in the middle has been removed. It was really nice for groups, particularly when groups of little kids got together there and did things. It was a wonderful place for giggle and wiggle, and that was the sort of thing it was designed for.
Dickson Library was added to the ACT Heritage Register in 2008, and it is worth quoting from the listing:
The Dickson Library is significant in being the earliest civic building to demonstrate the National Capital Development Commission’s … move to introduce modern architectural styles to Canberra … The library is significant as an innovative and significant work by Enrico Taglietti, one of Canberra’s noted architects, in his first commission from the NCDC. Its design significance is widely recognised by professional bodies and architecture critics in listings and publications on significant architecture.
I had the privilege of meeting Dr Taglietti in association with Flynn primary school, which is no longer functioning as such. There have been some significant issues with its preservation.
I conclude by spreading the word about the condolence book. It is at the Dickson Library and is available for anyone who would like to write a note to Dr Taglietti’s family. I understand the National Trust ACT branch have arranged for it to be at the Dickson Library until the end of May. I urge anyone with appreciation for his work to sign it.
Anzac Day—events
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister for Business and Regulatory Services and Minister for Seniors and Veterans) (6.10): It was a privilege
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