THE Australian Institute of Architects is calling on the latest proposal, to build a 2.6 metre fence around Parliament House, to be put on hold. 

Australian Institute of Architects national president, professor Ken Maher, has called on the Department of Parliamentary Services to immediately release the five-year Conservation Management Plan and Design Principles for the Australian Parliament House, which were due for release in 2016.

“Parliament House is widely recognised as an icon of Australian democracy and an architectural achievement of national and international significance. Any proposal impacting on its design needs to be subject to due public processes and be managed very carefully,” says Maher.

“Security requirements bring into conflict the two core principles of keeping people safe while at the same time allowing them access to the building and grounds. A balance must be struck, but the current proposal fails to deliver on both fronts.

‘This latest proposal to erect a 2.6-metre high perimeter fence will fundamentally change the character of the building and its symbolism as the people’s house.

‘In 2014, the Department of Parliamentary Services committed to preparing a five-year Conservation Management Plan and Design Principles to manage this highly significant building. An eminent expert advisory committee was commissioned to guide and finalise these documents. To date no documents have been released. The work of this committee has reportedly been put on hold and Richard Johnson’s Design Principles report rejected, which further adds to our concerns about decisions being made without the professional advice of distinguished architects.”

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