The following formal submission have been made public
Submitter:New Southern Entrance
The writer expresses reservations about the entrance alterations. The current entrance arrangement is more restful on the eye than the proposal, however this must be balanced against an enhancement of the usefulness of the space by its expansion. It seems possible that the proposed design could hem in the parade ground somewhat due to the sunken nature of the design, and a more open design may be possible. Maintaining the ability to easily access the building from the front rather than underground also needs to be accounted for. Retention of the larger trees on the western side would also be an improved outcome. A balance of considerations is called for.
Bean Building Extension and Central Energy Plant
Expansion of the Bean building should have a doubled benefit: newer facilities for use of the AWM staff, and in increase in room both in the building and in the actual memorial building itself. Furthermore, there ought to be sustainability benefits deriving from new building in all locations.
Continuing the research into and preservation of the objects and the stories from our past is of supreme importance. The people who went through all the conflicts, whether the Boer War or the Iraq War, will all pass away. It is only through preservation that we can understand our past and therefore ourselves. Today is a world hostile to the past and determined to unmoor us from our roots, hence enabling preservation of and education in the past, a respectful and balanced education rather than a calumnious one, takes on redoubled importance.
It is important that the AWM does not become beholden to modern-day prejudice, particularly in the pre-WWI section. What are the most fashionable and ‘just’ moral positions of today may in time be regarded with the same disgust that the holders of these positions regard the beliefs of two hundred years ago. Indeed, currently, the pre-WWI section is one of the better ones: everything is well lit, well labelled and explained, and there is a clear path to follow. Calumny against the Services does not dignify a response, either. Those who speak of the ‘glorification of war’ are of the mindset that would have opposed any sort of solemn, supportive memorial were it not already in place; for to them, to show respect and understanding of why Australians went to war would require them coming down from their state of high dudgeon, where they prattle about peace whilst others actually serve to preserve its fragile existence, and actually get to grips with the complexity of the world.
For all the gnashing of teeth over the loss of trees, it would be interesting to see where people stand on the size of their own homes: are they big or small? Is the whole block taken up? One thing not in dispute is that nowadays, the sustainability possibilities in present-day design, architecture and engineering are vastly enhanced compared to twenty years ago. Perhaps those complainers ought to spend some time considering that fact.
Continuing the research into and preservation of the objects and the stories from our past is of supreme importance. The people who went through all the conflicts, whether the Boer War or the Iraq War, will all pass away. It is only through preservation that we can understand our past and therefore ourselves. Today is a world hostile to the past and determined to unmoor us from our roots, hence enabling preservation of and education in the past, a respectful and balanced education rather than a calumnious one, takes on redoubled importance.
It is important that the AWM does not become beholden to modern-day prejudice, particularly in the pre-WWI section. What are the most fashionable and ‘just’ moral positions of today may in time be regarded with the same disgust that the holders of these positions regard the beliefs of two hundred years ago. Indeed, currently, the pre-WWI section is one of the better ones: everything is well lit, well labelled and explained, and there is a clear path to follow. Calumny against the Services does not dignify a response, either. Those who speak of the ‘glorification of war’ are of the mindset that would have opposed any sort of solemn, supportive memorial were it not already in place; for to them, to show respect and understanding of why Australians went to war would require them coming down from their state of high dudgeon, where they prattle about peace whilst others actually serve to preserve its fragile existence, and actually get to grips with the complexity of the world.
For all the gnashing of teeth over the loss of trees, it would be interesting to see where people stand on the size of their own homes: are they big or small? Is the whole block taken up? One thing not in dispute is that nowadays, the sustainability possibilities in present-day design, architecture and engineering are vastly enhanced compared to twenty years ago. Perhaps those complainers ought to spend some time considering that fact.
Anzac Hall and Glazed Link
The expansion of Anzac Hall and the 'glazed link' is supported. It will represent a major expansion of the Memorial and offer more space to tell the stories of the past. The 'glazed link' should provide a well-lit space, unlike much at present, and it will be a less hostile environment during the hotter months than the current open pavement. Its expansion of display space is particularly important.
Increased access of the public to the War Memorial’s collection is also important. It adds to the human element, for those who served or were otherwise affected by war had to deal with the material objects of and from war as long as they coexisted. War is such a multifaceted thing that it is important to capture all the ways it affects people. Expanding the capacity of the War Memorial to show a greater amount of these things will expand on its memorial purpose, not diminish it.
Light is an important aspect that requires consideration. The current spaces are generally under-lit. The Colonial gallery is perhaps ironically the best lit as well as being the best explained. Refurbishment should consider what improvements can be made to lighting particularly with LED systems which also have vastly improved longevity and energy consumption.
Increased access of the public to the War Memorial’s collection is also important. It adds to the human element, for those who served or were otherwise affected by war had to deal with the material objects of and from war as long as they coexisted. War is such a multifaceted thing that it is important to capture all the ways it affects people. Expanding the capacity of the War Memorial to show a greater amount of these things will expand on its memorial purpose, not diminish it.
Light is an important aspect that requires consideration. The current spaces are generally under-lit. The Colonial gallery is perhaps ironically the best lit as well as being the best explained. Refurbishment should consider what improvements can be made to lighting particularly with LED systems which also have vastly improved longevity and energy consumption.