Task 7: James Barnet’s General Post Office in Sydney
Make notes on classical buildings that are relevant to an appreciation of Barnet’s Post Office in Sydney. (For instance, consider the relationship between Sansovino’s Library in Venice and Barnet’s building in Sydney).
Each of two sheets of paper includes one or two sketches with accompanying written comments.
These sheets are to be devoted to the General Post Office. The building’s main, north front faces Martin Place. The two smaller fronts face George Street and Pitt Street. The building no longer functions as a Post Office. It accommodates a hotel.
Your drawings can address some of the following:
(a) Analyse the composition of the north front, by focusing on one of its basic elements, namely the arcade at street level. How does this form mediate between the interior of the building and the urban space outside?
(b) Analyse the composition of the north front, by considering the relationship between two key elements, the horizontal arcade and the vertical tower.
(c) Study the overall composition from a distance, to note the general disposition of forms, including the horizontal elements, such as the grand cornice. Then move closer to the building, to see how the details and sculptures are now are visible.
(d) Study the sculptures in the spandrel of the arches on the Pitt Street front. These sculptures are famous for their representations of everyday events. Can you identify some of the illustrated activities? In the nineteenth century, such sculptures were valued as contributing a voice to the building. This meant that the building acquired the ability to speak to the city dweller.
Two sheets of A3 paper are to be submitted. Each of these includes one or two sketches with accompanying written comments. Overall the writing must not exceed 300 words.
