OPEN HOUSE PERTH 2013 - 1 - COUNCIL HOUSE

Today I decided to go into the city centre to explore some of the buildings linked to the "Open House" concept.This is the second year that Perth participates in this global event, although last year I didn't pay much attention to it...

Perth is changing rapidly with a lot of new buildings going up, a new river development, many old buildings getting a makeover...so this is an opportunity to visit dozens of buildings old and new, explore the architecture, and go into places where most people will hardly get a chance to go past the front door.

I took the train into the city (a 10min ride for me) leaving my car in the station's parking lot. 
As I exited at the Perth Esplanade station crowds of "colourful" people were donning plastic covers over their dirty t-shirts to be able to enter the trains. I realized they had just run in the Color Run, a 5km fun run where participants get splashed with powdered paint when reaching the finishing line. Funds collected from their registration goes to various charities.

The Color Run participants opening their plastic capes

Some of the participants already wearing plastic caps to be able to sit on the trains

It was already close to midday, and with about 60 places on the Open House list, I had to get going to be able to visit just a few of them until they closed at 5pm.

The Open House Map detailing all the participants

My first stop was Council House (30 on map), situated in St. Georges Terrace.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Council House, that was officially opened by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in March 1963. 
Construction started in 1961, and the winning design, was one of over 60 in a national architectural competition.
Each floor is covered with grey Mundaring granite, and floor to ceiling double glazed windows flood the building with light. Plus through all that glass you get the spectacular views of the city and river depending on which side of the building you are.

During the Nineties the building was earmarked for demolition, until public debate and a newly elected Council reviewed the demolition order and approved a refurbishment in 1995 to enable the removal of asbestos.
On Saturday 2nd, if booked, you could get a special guided tour with Perth's Lord Mayor - Lisa Scaffidi.  Perth's Mayor, was the first female elected to that position, in 2007.

We were taken to two floors, the 9th floor where Perth's councilors have their meeting and decision room, and to level 11 where the Lord Mayor has her rooms and where all the overseas gifts are displayed behind glass cases.
The Mayor, councilors and staff certainly have great views when working.

One of the original street lamps in front of Council house

Celebrating 50 years this year. Can you see the seagull sitting by the pond in front of Council House?

Decision room. The middle chair is where the Mayor sits

The entry garden displays 50 made with flowers to mark Council House 50th anniversary

Like many public buildings in Perth, Council House is surrounded by lush gardens.

View of the city side with some of the heritage buildings on St George Terrace
The view over the river Swan with Swan Bells and Elizabeth Quay development (sandy part)

This reception room has some strange art pieces

Some of the overseas gifts behind glass cases

A Samurai

List of Perth Lord Mayors

Each Lord Mayor has his portrait hanging in this gallery

On the 11th floor, is the office of the Lord Mayor

The entry to the Lord Mayor's office

Next post, I will write about other buildings I visited. Hope you enjoyed the visit.