Curtin University

Child Places

• 03523 McKay Street Primary School (fmr)
• 27333 Perth Hockey Stadium, Curtin University

Statement of Significance

Curtin University has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• The place has aesthetic value as a collection of buildings constructed in different eras and architectural styles. Some of the earlier constructed buildings, such as the Architecture Building, are a strong example of the Brutalist architectural style;
• The place has historic and scientific value as a tertiary education institution; and
• The place has social value for its influence on the neighbouring community and sense of place for attending staff and students.

Physical Description

The Bentley campus is bounded by Manning Road to the south, Kent Street to the west and Hayman Road to the north and east. The university campus, sited on a former pine plantation, comprises a number of buildings ranging in architectural style and construction era.

Original buildings, such as the Architecture Building, Robertson Library, Physics Buildings and Social Science Building, are all examples of the Brutalist architectural style and are predominantly constructed of formed concrete and masonry walls and terracotta tile roofs.

Later buildings, such as the Curtin Medical School, the Resources and Chemistry Precinct and Curtin Stadium, are constructed of pre-fabricated concrete, curtain walling and steel in the contemporary architectural style.

The buildings are distributed over a large campus, with a series of manicured landscapes and outdoor spaces.

History

The Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) opened their Bentley campus in 1967 with enrolment of 2,000 students in their first year. In 1969, WAIT merged with the Western Australian School of Mines, Muresk Agricultural College and Schools of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

By 1976, 10,000 students were enrolled. Curtin University of Technology formally opened in 1986 and was named after John Curtin, a Federal Politician who served as Prime Minister in 1942-45.

In 1994, the purpose-built Centre for Aboriginal Studies opened on campus, providing a strong and identifiable base for Indigenous students and staff.

In 1997, 24,000 students were enrolled in a large variety of courses including art, design, social work, library science, social sciences, literature, teacher education, engineering, computing, architecture and pharmacy, among others.

In 2008, Curtin University of Technology became the first teaching and research institution in Australia to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan.

In 2009, the Resources and Chemistry Precinct was completed and is a substantial addition to the campus that is visible from the Manning Road entry. In the same year, Curtin opened Curtin Stadium, a new sporting and recreation complex.

In 2010, the campus was renamed Curtin University to reflect the evolution from an institution of applied technology to a fully-fledged university with a breadth of courses, including law and medicine.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: A number of additions, with many different architectural styles displayed. Most
original buildings intact.

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.