Adelaide Sketches - Mitchell Building (University Building - Adelaide University, North Terrace)

This is my strongest attempt at working perspective viewpoints. It is one of Adelaide Universities many exemplary buildings and a personal favorite of mine.

The design was complex, and its classical elements were a challenge to capture. I walked passed it towards the main hub of Adelaide University whilst studying and it was often exposed in such dramatic lighting thanks to the various tree's that surrounded it.

This photo of Down to Earth Tours is courtesy of TripAdvisor

It was built rather typically with the original title being University Building (1879 - 1882), before being named after Sir William Mitchel, a Professor of English Language, Literature, Mental and Moral Philosophy at the University of Adelaide from 1894–1922. During 1961 on the centenary of Sir Mitchell's birth date, they renamed University Building to the now known Mitchell Building.

As with many of the Adelaide buildings, Sandstone and limestone are common construction materials, however, there is something to Sandstone as a facade that really captures the natural environment of South Australia, its weathered body helps solidify the building in its environment.

Much of the history surrounding this building was during a period of growth and evolving human interest in studies as a whole. Slate and stone was brought from far reaching areas and the building itself took 4 architectural designers and few intervening craftsman to complete.

This building stands today as it did from its early beginnings, a humble piece of architectural gothic design. It has since been expanded upon but the building itself still remains in its completeness and is a great example of Adelaide Architectural history.