GRAPHIC BUILDING ANALYSIS : IMMIGRATION MUSEUM
Rizal Ambotang, 641233 , ABPL 20030, GROUP 6, Andrew Murray - Monday 10a
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Typology of a 19th century colonial customs house
On sketch : Street facing façade of Melbourne Immigration museum
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On photo : Customs soat of arms (Source : Ambotang)
Melbourne History
IMMIGRATION Museum (Sketch by Ambotang)
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Urban context
This building located on the corner of Flinders and William streets, started as a “weatherboard cabin” in 1830s. The position was strategically placed to serve as the customs office for Queen’s Wharf, the then port of new British colony of Victoria.
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As customs became significant due to the busy port, a two-storey bluestone building was erected in 1841. Later in the 1850s, with the gold rush that led to a large influx of immigrants and increasing revenue from custom duty, an elaborate customs building was commission by the Victorian government to reflect its significance and grand aspirations of colonial Victoria. The building took 20 years to complete. Initial design and construction was undertaken by Peter Kerr and J.G. Knight (and later with J.J. Clark and A.E. Johnson) inspired by typical customs house in 19th century similar to London Customs House on the Thames River. The building was finally completed in 1876 after a long period of inactivity due to lack of funding. Finally the design was simplified from the original proposal.
On photo: Customs house on Hoddle grid in 19th century Melbourne CBD (Source :SLV)
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5 On photo: Bluestone customs house of 1841(Source : State Library of Victoria) 6 On photo: Queen’s wharf, opposite customs house in 19th century Melbourne. (Source : NLA) 7 On photo: Customs house circa 1895. (Source : SLV) 8
On photo : Street facing façade of Melbourne Immigration, present day. (Source : Ambotang)
19th century The building is located at the corner of William and Flinders street. In 19th century Melbourne, it is opposite of Queen’s Wharf which served as the main port of Victoria. It’s positioned within the Hoddle grid which defines the contemporary 19th century Melbourne CBD grid. It’s bounded by Western Market to the north, several hotels on its west side and gauging sheds at the Queen’s Wharf.
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(formerly Old Melbourne Customs House)
Present
Functions
The museum situated on Flinders street has easy access from several tram routes and two train stations. This provides regular visitors from local and overseas tourists. It’s neighbouring the business district on its northern side while its street facade is facing the Southbank entertainment district over the other side of the Yarra River.
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19th century until 1960s For 90 years Customs House remained as the customs office of Victoria. Because of its proximity to Queen’s wharf, it served as a busy customs house that cater for new immigrants and central location for customs duty from nearby bustling port. Post 1960s In 1965, it was turned into Melbourne offices for Commonwealth Parliament. And in 1998, it was reopened as the Immigration Museum after extensive renovation.
On photo: Unfluted engaged ionic columns with arched windows on north facing façade. (Source : Ambotang)
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On photo: Long room is the nerve centre of the customs house. Now an activity centre for the present-day museum. (Source : Museum Victoria)
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On photo: In 19th century, long room was used for customs duty collection and immigration hall. (Source :SLV)