Canberra Parliament House Design-Research

1913 plan of the Griffins’ scheme with Capital Hill within the circular road in the centre of image.

The Griffins’ intentions were unravelled with the government decision to construct the provisional Parliament House (PPH) in 1923 at the foot of the modest Camp Hill where according to the Griffin plan the permanent parliament was to be sited. As may be expected the decision to construct the PPH in this location prompted concern and as early as 1923 planners saw problems with the decision. At issue was whether the construction of this ‘temporary’ house would negate the potential of the permanent site.

Basically there are four pyramids, each built upon the other. There is the upper pyramid that has its base in front of Old Parliament House. Then there is an extended pyramid which is what is termed the Parliamentary Precinct, accommodating the High Court of Australia, and other government identities, Next is the larger and more obvious large pyramid base that runs from London Circuit over to the US memorial column.