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Introduction

The location of the Melbourne General Post Office (also known as Melbourne GPO) is on the corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD, Victoria, Australia. Its original use was for the public but is now used for shopping/commercial purposes such as clothing, health and beauty. The architectural style of the building is of the Second Empire and it was built in the Victorian period by A.E Johnson. It has much historical significance because of its parts been built separately over a period of 48 years between 1859 and 1907, and is said to take on three different architectural styles due to the four floors being constructed at different times. The architectural significant elements which most influence its aesthetics are the iconic clock tower which protrudes above the floors symmetrical right on the intersection of the two streets.

The Wikipede edits Myriapoda.

Description

Description The Design occupies the street facades of both Elizabeth and Bourke Street, and the first level expresses the “tradition in classical architecture” because of its use of Doric Columns in the first level which was constructed between 1859 and 1867. The development of these occurred in ancient times in Southern Europe in Greece and Rome. The second level’s construction consists of “Ionic columns” and the third level which incorporates “Corinthian Columns”. The design’s physical appearance is strongly recognizable for its selection of “Doric, Ionic and Corinthian” layering of levels. The interior of the post office is expressive of the past as the “postal hall” was used functionally business intended for sorting mail. The façade is made from stone and building consists of beautifully crafted elements. It’s objectives now is to merge the heritage listed building into intriguing public spaces for shopping and pathways to capture the historical existence of being part of Melbourne for a long duration of time.

Key Influences and Design Approach

The allocation of the site for the Melbourne General Post Office happened in 1859. Works on the building commenced and continued up until 1867 and by the end a two storey building was developed and designed by architects A.E Johnson. As time progressed and technology advanced so did the Melbourne GPO building. In 1887 architect Walter Burley Griffin designed a third level and an iconic clock tower that was added on top of the existing two storey building. Walter also helped redesigned the building. These works were completed in 1919. In the years that followed the neo-renaissance style building became a great success and somewhat of a city landmark. There were several propositions for various changes and additions to the building; however these proposals were mostly discarded.
Unfortunately in September 2001 a fire almost destroyed the interior of the building. However, since then the building has been restored to try and mimic the original look and feel. The ceiling was restored and a lighter shade of paint was chosen, the more modern design has a feeling of light and space that was not present in the former design. The GPO Building is now an iconic landmark that has stood the test of time and has gone through some alterations and redesigns, although some proposals were scrapped, the building has still managed to evolve with the currents trends. Cafes populate the outer colonnade while boutique shops fill the three floors of the building and provide a unique experience for all people who visit.

References Acknowledgements

The Biggest Family Album of Australia, Museum Victoria
Heritage listed and considered one of Australia’s most important public buildings.