| Creator: |
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| Earliest: |
1933 |
| Latest: |
1992 |
| History : |
The architectural and planning practice, Yuncken, Freeman Brothers and Griffiths was established in Melbourne in 1933 by Otto “Rob” Yuncken, brothers John and Tom Freeman, and (Willliam) Balcombe Griffiths. Three of these men had studied with the University of Melbourne’s Architectural Atelier. Following the disruption of WWII, the firm became Yuncken, Freeman Brothers, Griffiths & Simpson in 1945 when Roy Simpson joined the partnership. Barry Patten and John Gates were admitted to the partnership in 1953 following the death of Rob Yuncken (1951). In due course, John Yuncken (Rob’s son), Robert Peck and Jamie Learmonth also joined the firm.
In 1963 the Royal Australian Institute of Architects approved the principle of architects practising as proprietary limited companies. The partnership was disbanded and re-established from 1 January 1963 as Yuncken Freeman Architects Pty Ltd.
Key figures in the firm such as Barry Patten and Roy Simpson designed some of the most iconic Australian architectural works in collaboration with other architects at YFA which operated in a team model. Such projects included the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (Reynolds Award 1959), AON Centre (Victorian Architecture Medal 1967), Treasury Place (RAIA Victorian Bronze Medal for Excellence 1970), Eagle House (RAIA Award of Merit 1972), BHP House (RVIA Victorian Architects Award (1975) and the Master Plan for Latrobe University as well as number of significant projects in Melbourne, Canberra and abroad. Several YFA projects are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The evolution of YFA largely reflects that of Australian architecture in the mid-to-late 20th century. During this time, Australian designers were experimenting with materials, form and space. They were inspired by the processes of the modernist movement but sought to add their own Australian touch and to bring modernism into the home and not restrict it to just the cultural avant-garde.
Yuncken Freeman Architects wound up in 1992. |
| Activities/Occupation: |
Architects, Town planners |
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