Commonwealth Place

Centred on Griffin’s Land Axis, the design incorporates a walkway, linking Commonwealth Place to Reconciliation Place. The rear wall of the cupped square and the walls of the walkway are clad in Australian sandstone. The walkway is paved with Australian bluestone. The under croft spaces formed by the cupped square provide accommodation for the café/restaurant and office spaces.

 A paved area, Speakers Square, a Centenary of Federation gift from the Canadian Government, provides a focal space for celebrations and ceremonies including Flag Raising. A grove of trees, planted in the form of the Southern Cross provides shade on the western side of the square.

Commonwealth Place was designed by Durbach Block Architects, in association with Sue Barnsley Design. It was awarded the Australian Capital Territory Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Urban Award in 2003.

Commonwealth Place Forecourt

Commonwealth Place was completed in 2002. The initial works included new pavement up to the Parkes Place roadway but did not modify the area between the building and the edge of Lake Burley Griffin.

Centred on Griffin’s Land Axis, Commonwealth Place Forecourt enhances visitor use of the site by introducing a shared pedestrian zone and two jetties.

Commonwealth Place Forecourt increases the opportunity for recreational use of the lake, allowing small craft such as rowing sculls, yachts and dinghies to land easily from any direction. The jetties are constructed from recycled timber and recycled plastic was also used in construction.