Reviews

Many Australians know that Walter Burley Griffin won the international competition for the design of Canberra in 1912, but many do not know what became of his grand plan. The late Paul Reid, former Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales and Chief Architect of the National Capital Development Commission from 1975-83, has written a fascinating study of the evolution of Australia's capital city. Of interest to all Australians, this publication reveals for the first time why Griffin's grand capital of symbols was never fully realised. Generously illustrated with over 200 architectural plans, drawings, photographs and other archival material, this book is especially relevant to urban design professionals and students of design and Australian history.