It is no secret that architecture can define the spaces and places that we live in. Iconic architecture isn’t just about aesthetics – it also incorporates function, quality of life and sustainability to create a truly memorable design experience.

 

As Australians, we are lucky to have some of the world’s most breath-taking architectural sites on our doorstep. From Indigenous memorial sites to eye-catching landmarks, there are plenty to choose from – here are our top 5 Australian architectural sites!

 

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales

 

There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is one of, if not Australia’s most, iconic landmarks. It is a unique and ground-breaking feat of architecture that represents far more than a building. In design terms, it is a display of technological innovation with its world-first use of complex structural calculation computing. It is also a bona fide cultural icon that is a core part of Australia’s identity both at home and abroad.

 

Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Victoria

 

Here is another building that represents so much more than architecture. It is a tribute to Australians who have died fighting to defend our country in war and continues to function as a show of gratitude to those who continue to do the same thing today. The architecture is used to convey and evoke complex meanings and ideas, creating a monument that makes us feel rather than just look.

 

Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria

 

You either love it or you hate it, but Federation Square deserves its place on our list due to its reputation as a diverse public space. This design is a dynamic combination of culture and architecture that has given a city a true representation of a public icon.

 

Australian Academy of Science, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

 

Known as the Shine Dome, this great feat of architecture is a must-see for architecture buffs. Its auditorium walls are lined with timber battens following a curved wall, creating a unique optical and auditory sensation for those who have the privilege of conferring inside.

 

The Phoenix Skinny Tower, Melbourne, Victoria

 

This 28-storey apartment building in the heart of Melbourne is a quirky representation of the possibilities of architecture. Sitting on an impossibly narrow block that is just 6.7 metres wide, the innovative construction method allowed this building to be constructed against all traditional design conventions.