Cameron Offices Courtyard C

A small courtyard enclosed in 1970s brutalist architecture can be found within wing five of the now decommissioned Cameron Offices. The courtyard features unique brutalist architecture creating an imposing yet serene space. The courtyard garden features different types of plants and environments from various states of Australia, with a central riverbed flanked by plants, sculptures, and a seating area.

The courtyard offers a powerful respite to the rat race of the public service suburb. Additionally, outside the building resides the sculpture Optical Galaxy by Canadian sculptor Gerald Gladstone, moved from its original location in another wing.

The Cameron offices were an expansive government project during the 70s, filled by many government departments. At its peak, the complex had nine interconnected wings each featuring its own unique characteristics and sculptures. Further plans were created to build a mall connected to the offices, but they were canceled after the completion of Belconnen Westfield nearby. Despite this, the envisioned connection can still be seen on the second floor of wing three, with mall signs and railings leading to nowhere. 

At the height of its occupancy, the complex housed thousands of public servants working across the government acting as a mini-city of bureaucracy. But the high cost of maintenance forced the government to decommission and redevelop the complex in the mid-1980s. Further, several wings were demolished in the early 2000s only leaving wings three, four, and five remaining. While wing three has remained in use by the Australian Superannuation corporation, Wings four and five were converted to student accommodation for the University of Canberra in 2010.

The Cameron office complex is one of the finest remaining examples of Australian Brutalism and is regarded as one of architect John Andrew’s finest work, with lauded Australian architect Jennifer Taylor saying ” The Cameron Office Complex is more than a building: it is “a varied streetscape of walks, gardens, and pavilions. Its triumph lies in the interlocking unity of its concept and the diversity within it.”