Robin Gibson (architect)
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Robin Gibson (15 May 1930 – 28 March 2014) was an Australian architect, from
Brisbane Brisbane ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the states and territories of Australia, Australian state of Queensland, and the list of cities in Australia by population, third-most populous city in Australia and Oceania, with a populati ...
, Queensland.


Personal life

Robert Findlay ('Robin') Gibson was born in Brisbane in 1930, and attended the
Yeronga State School Yeronga State School is a heritage-listed state school at 150 Park Road, Yeronga, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Its buildings were designed by Department of Public Works (Queensland), Thomas Robert Gladwin and Boulton & Paul Ltd and ...
and
Brisbane State High School , motto_translation = Knowledge is Power , city = South Brisbane , state = Queensland , country = Australia , coordinates = , type = Public, selective, co-educational, secondary, ...
. He studied Architecture at the
University of Queensland , mottoeng = By means of knowledge and hard work , established = , endowment = A$224.3 million , budget = A$2.1 billion , type = Public research university , chancellor = Peter Varghese , vice_chancellor = Deborah Terry , city = B ...
, and graduated with a Diploma of Architecture in 1954 (at that time, the diploma was the professional qualification). During his part-time years in university, he worked in a number of architectural offices in Brisbane and, in particular, gained much knowledge from the progressive firm Hayes and Scott. After graduating, Gibson moved to London and worked with the practices of
James Cubitt James Cubitt (1836–1914) was a Victorian church architect specialising in building non-conformist chapels.Hugh Casson Sir Hugh Maxwell Casson (23 May 1910 – 15 August 1999) was a British architect. He was also active as an interior designer, as an artist, and as a writer and broadcaster on twentieth-century design. He was the director of architecture for t ...
and his partner Neville Conder.Architecture Australia, 1989 Sept., v.78, n.8, p.39-71 When Gibson was in London, he traveled across Europe and became interested in modern architecture. On his return to Brisbane in 1957, Gibson established his own practice. Most of his major projects are in Queensland, with the exception of the Belconnen Library in
Canberra Canberra ( ) is the capital city of Australia. Founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. The ci ...
,
Australian Capital Territory The Australian Capital Territory (commonly abbreviated as ACT), known as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until 1938, is a landlocked federal territory of Australia containing the national capital Canberra and some surrounding townships. ...
. He died at the age of 83 in March 2014.


Philosophy

According to an article in ''
Architecture Australia ''Architecture Australia'' is a national magazine covering the practice and works of architects and architecture in Australia. It is published bi-monthly by Architecture Media, and is the journal of the Australian Institute of Architects. Histor ...
'' magazine in 1989, Gibson was devoted to raising people's consciousness of the responsibilities of the architectural act. The writer added that Gibson took into consideration the political, social and cultural needs of the environment, and embraced awareness of the outcomes in global arenas. Gibson was quoted as saying this was "the opportunity to create something better than what exists at present". Gibson described his philosophy that "a good building is one that respects its users and accommodates the needs of those outside its walls", and that the aim of architecture is to "house and magnify the experience of living".


Robin Gibson & Partners

Robin Gibson and Partners was a Brisbane-based architectural practice, formed by Gibson in 1957. In April 1973 it won a two-stage design competition for a new
Queensland Art Gallery The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) is an art museum located in South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The gallery is part of QAGOMA. It complements the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) building, situated only away. The Queensland Art Galler ...
in South Brisbane. Later, Gibson's commission expanded to the design of the whole of the current
Queensland Cultural Centre The Queensland Cultural Centre is a heritage-listed cultural centre at Grey Street, South Brisbane, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is part of the South Bank precinct on the Brisbane River. It was built from 1976. The major compone ...
at
South Bank The South Bank is an entertainment and commercial district in central London, next to the River Thames opposite the City of Westminster. It forms a narrow strip of riverside land within the London Borough of Lambeth (where it adjoins Alber ...
, that also included the
Queensland Performing Arts Complex The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (also known as QPAC) is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre and is located on the corner of Melbourne Street and Grey Street in Brisbane's South Bank precinct. Opened in 1985, it includes the Lyric Theat ...
, the
Queensland Museum The Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland, dedicated to natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. The museum currently operates from its headquarters and general museum in South Brisbane with specialist mu ...
and the
State Library of Queensland The State Library of Queensland is the main reference and research library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988. It contai ...
. The company was registered at the Office of Fair Trading in Queensland in 1994, and closed in May 2013, due to Gibson's ill health.


Notable projects

Queensland Cultural Centre (1982) The concept of educating people about culture influenced the Queensland Government to develop the
Queensland Cultural Centre The Queensland Cultural Centre is a heritage-listed cultural centre at Grey Street, South Brisbane, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is part of the South Bank precinct on the Brisbane River. It was built from 1976. The major compone ...
. The centre is to create easy access and connection for pedestrian to be more involved with every part of the site. It consists four parts: the
Queensland Art Gallery The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) is an art museum located in South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The gallery is part of QAGOMA. It complements the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) building, situated only away. The Queensland Art Galler ...
, the
Queensland Museum The Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland, dedicated to natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. The museum currently operates from its headquarters and general museum in South Brisbane with specialist mu ...
, the
State Library of Queensland The State Library of Queensland is the main reference and research library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988. It contai ...
and the Performing Arts Complex. Queensland Art Gallery (1975) The Queensland Art Gallery is the first stage of the Queensland Cultural Centre. It has five levels with 15,477 areas in total. In the gallery, visitors encounter different spaces and views. Its external walkways link with the museum and the Performing Arts Centre. Furthermore, the water mall is lit with natural light through acrylic domes at the top. Performing Arts Complex (
Queensland Performing Arts Centre The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (also known as QPAC) is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre and is located on the corner of Melbourne Street and Grey Street in Brisbane's South Bank, Queensland, South Bank precinct. Opened in 1985, it ...
) (1986) The Performing Arts Complex consists of three different areas: The Lyric Theatre, The Cremorne Theatre and The Concert Hall. It comprises the second stage of the Queensland Cultural Centre development. The smallest venue among these buildings is the Cremorne Theatre. The Concert Hall was designed as a classical hall to equip a concert grand organ that serve 2000 people. Similar to the Lyric Theatre, it can also house 2000 people. The orchestra pit can hold musicians with a full stage house facility that caters performance from dramas to grand opera. Mayne Hall, University of Queensland (1972) The Mayne Hall building was built in 1972. The concept is to transform the hall into a multipurpose space that is suitable for all occasions. There’s an abstract design by Nevil Matthews done on six large stained glass windows, which form the eastern facade of the foyer. In addition, there are paintings and sculptures reflecting the history of the university, lined on the north main walkway along the tall concrete recesses. Brisbane: Arcade and Square (1982) Since Brisbane sees the need to minimize high-rise buildings in the area, the
Riverside Expressway The Riverside Expressway is part of the Pacific Motorway that runs through Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is located on the western side of the Brisbane CBD and is made up of various bridges and overpasses. The North Bank development is ...
was introduced to make the area motor vehicle friendly along the western side of the central business district. Combined with above ground and underground car parks, this ensures the needs of motorist are well served in the city centre. Not forgetting the needs of pedestrians,
Queen Street Mall The Queen Street Mall is a pedestrian mall located on Queen Street in the centre of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The mall extends approximately from George Street to Edward Street, and has more than 700 retailers over of retail spa ...
was introduced and also the covered Wintergarden Galleria plus other pedestrian arcades in the area.


Other works

*Central Library, University of Queensland, 1973 *Library and Humanities Building, Griffith University, 1975 *C.M.L. Building (office tower), Brisbane, Early 1980s * Belconnen Town Centre Library, A.C.T., 1981 *Queen St Mall urban works (Stage 1), Brisbane, 1982 *Alterations to
ANZAC Square, Brisbane ANZAC Square is a heritage-listed town square and war memorial located between Ann Street and Adelaide Street (opposite Post Office Square), in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is a state memorial to the men and women who participated ...
, 1982 *Colonial Mutual Building (office tower), Brisbane, 1984 * Wintergarden (Stage 1), Brisbane, 1984 *
Queensland Museum The Queensland Museum is the state museum of Queensland, dedicated to natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. The museum currently operates from its headquarters and general museum in South Brisbane with specialist mu ...
, Brisbane, 1987 *
State Library of Queensland The State Library of Queensland is the main reference and research library provided to the people of the State of Queensland, Australia, by the state government. Its legislative basis is provided by the Queensland Libraries Act 1988. It contai ...
, Brisbane, 1988 *Alterations to St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, 1988 *
111 George Street 111 George Street is a building on George Street in the Brisbane CBD, Queensland, Australia which was completed in 1993. The building is owned, managed and occupied by the Queensland Government. With its repetitive grill pattern, it is someti ...
(office tower), Brisbane, 1993 * National Australia Remembers Freedom Wall (Mt Coot-tha Gardens, now known as the Brisbane Botanic Gardens), 1996


Awards

*
RAIA (United we advance architecture) , predecessor = , merged = , successor = , formation = , extinction = , status = Professional body; members association , headquarters = L1/41 Exhibition St, Melbourne , leader_title = CEO , leader_ ...
Building of the Year Award: Church in Kenmore, Brisbane (1968) * Canberra Medallion and Sir Zelman Cowan Award (1982) *
Queenslander of the Year Queensland Day is officially celebrated on 6 June as the birthday of the Australian state of Queensland. History Moves towards statehood began with a public meeting in 1851 to consider separation of Queensland from the Colony of New South Wa ...
(1982) *
Order of Australia The Order of Australia is an honour that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service. It was established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on the advice of the Australian Gove ...
(1983) *
Griffith University Griffith University is a public research university in South East Queensland on the east coast of Australia. Formally founded in 1971, Griffith opened its doors in 1975, introducing Australia's first degrees in environmental science and Asian s ...
, honorary Doctorate (1986) *
Advance Australia Award The Advance Australia Foundation (AAF) was established in 1980. The AAF recognised "individuals or groups who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and enhancement of Australia, the Australian people and the Australian way of life". I ...
(1988) * RAIA Gold Medal for 'Outstanding performance and contributions to architecture' (1989) *
RAIA (United we advance architecture) , predecessor = , merged = , successor = , formation = , extinction = , status = Professional body; members association , headquarters = L1/41 Exhibition St, Melbourne , leader_title = CEO , leader_ ...
National Awards (2000) *
St Stephen's Chapel St Stephen's Chapel, sometimes called the Royal Chapel of St Stephen, was a chapel completed around 1297 in the old Palace of Westminster which served as the chamber of the House of Commons of England and that of Great Britain from 1547 to 1834. ...
, Lachlan Macquarie Award (2000)


References


Bibliography

*Architecture in Australia, 1968 Nov., v. 57, n. 6, p. 923-957 *Architecture Australia, 2000 Nov.-Dec., v.89, n.6, p. 469


External links


Australian Institute of Architects Australian Institute of Architects 2010 Gold Medal - 50 years of winners: 1960-2010Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal recipients since 1960 Australian Institute of Architects RAIA Lachlan Macquarie Award: Past Winners
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gibson, Robin Modernist architects Modernist architecture in Australia 1930 births 2014 deaths Architects from Brisbane Recipients of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal People educated at Brisbane State High School