Building Highlight - Division of Botany & Zoology (Banks Building), Gould Wing & Peter Baume Building

The Department of Zoology Building was one of the last buildings to be commissioned by the National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) for the ANU, with construction commencing in 1963. The design was one of several produced for the ANU by Melbourne-based architectural firm Grounds, Romberg and Boyd, with the design principally developed by Robin Boyd, a significant Australian Architect who was a leading proponent of modern architecture in Australia.  

The building construction was completed by KD Morris Pty Ltd.  Construction was over three stages, with the third and final stage completed in 1969. However, in 1970 a car rolled and crashed into the lower ground floor of the building, causing considerable damage. 

In 1996 the Departments of Botany and Zoology combined to form what became colloquially known as ‘BoZo’, which incorporated the School of Life Sciences. Soon after this amalgamation the school required additional accommodation, which prompted the construction of the Gould Wing. This was designed by Anthony Cooper and Associates and was built by Integrated Construction in 1995. The Building was opened by Sir David Attenborough. 

The original Zoology Building became known as the Banks Wing, with the name honouring esteemed British botanist and naturalist Sir Joseph Banks.  

The Peter Baume Building was constructed to the east of the Zoology / Banks Building in 1969. It originally housed the Psychology Stage 1 Faculties Teaching Centre but was refurbished in 1991 to provide teaching spaces and laboratories. Peter Baume is a former doctor and politician, having been a member of the NSW Senate for 17 years and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs (1980-82) and Education (1982-83) in the Fraser Government. He also served as Chancellor of the ANU from 1994-2006.  

References

Godden, Mackay & Logan Heritage Consultants 2012, ANU Heritage Study Acton Campus. Volume 1: Heritage Study,