On one of my visits to the Old Parliament House, Canberra, I stumbled across the
"President of the Senate’s suite", I was blown away by its extreme
contrast to the rest of the building. The room, designed in the late 1960's was
so modern by early 21st century standards and could easily grace the cover of
any modern interiors magazine were it built today. The whole fitout is
basically 2 materials, timber veneer, which lines every wall and door as well
as joinery and furniture, creates a very severe yet harmonious effect. The
carpet, a rich velvety pink is echoed in the upholstery of pink and mauves. It
reminded me of the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York by Phillip Johnson,
using a really restrained palette of materials but used in such a way as to create
a highly decorative atmosphere. Not only were the materials used so well but
the planning is so concise and well thought out. All in all a really smart and
excellent example of modernist interior design fit for the accommodation of a
Queen, who I imagined appreciated as much as myself.
"President of the Senate’s suite", I was blown away by its extreme
contrast to the rest of the building. The room, designed in the late 1960's was
so modern by early 21st century standards and could easily grace the cover of
any modern interiors magazine were it built today. The whole fitout is
basically 2 materials, timber veneer, which lines every wall and door as well
as joinery and furniture, creates a very severe yet harmonious effect. The
carpet, a rich velvety pink is echoed in the upholstery of pink and mauves. It
reminded me of the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York by Phillip Johnson,
using a really restrained palette of materials but used in such a way as to create
a highly decorative atmosphere. Not only were the materials used so well but
the planning is so concise and well thought out. All in all a really smart and
excellent example of modernist interior design fit for the accommodation of a
Queen, who I imagined appreciated as much as myself.
More information visit http://moadoph.gov.au/collection/the-house/president-of-the-senates-suite/
