After the European settlement, Brisbane developed rapidly due to its ideal location at the origin of the Brisbane River, which provided excellent trade opportunities. In 1824, the city became the capital of the colony of Queensland. Since then, Brisbane has grown to become Australia’s third-largest city. Here is the guide to the 7 local architectural styles in Brisbane.
Tudor style
A combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles, this style was popular throughout Europe and America in the 1400s-1600s. The first building on our list, the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kangaroo Point, is a good example of this style. There are many other examples in Brisbane, including the Old Post Office at the corner of Adelaide and Spring Streets, and the original Parliament House on Melbourne Street.
Arts & Crafts style
An evolution of Victorian-era architecture, this style began in England around 1840. This style features simple forms, symmetry, and straight lines combined with brick veneer and wood shingles. Good examples in Brisbane include the Royal Arcade on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley and the General Post Office on George Street.
Queen Anne’s style
Also known as the American Colonial Style, this style was popular across North America and Britain in the 1800s. The style is characterised by turrets, bay windows, gables, decorative bargeboards, dormers, chimneys, and porches. You can’t miss the Old Treasury Building in Elizabeth Street, East Brisbane.
Art Deco style
Also known as Streamline Moderne, this style originated in the 1920s and featured geometric shapes, clean lines, bright colours, and sharp angles. The design was inspired by the aerodynamic shapes of aeroplanes and streamlined trains of the day.
Mediterranean style
Combining elements of Spanish, French, Greek, and Italian architecture, this style was popular in Northern Italy, Spain, and Portugal in the 1900s. Examples include the RSL clubrooms in South Bank and the former Anglican Cathedral in St Lucia.
Neoclassical style
Another international style emerged in ancient Greece and Rome and flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. As a result, the style includes columns, pediments, friezes, balustrades, arched doorways, and classical motifs. See the St. John Ambulance Centre/Brisbane City Council Building in Victoria Square for a good example.
Streamline Modern
Streamline Modern emerged during the early 1930s and was designed to make the building look aerodynamic. Like Art Deco, the style featured bold geometric shapes and modernist designs. A notable structure is the Royal Mail Hotel.
Henceforth, whenever you have spare time, do not miss a chance to take a view of these sorts of architectural styles in Brisbane.
