Miniature to monumental

This is a 1:500 scale model of Bond University, held in the Bond University Archives collection. It was commissioned in late 1987 when work on the first stage of the University was already underway.

The model depicts the University largely as it was built, although it does not feature several buildings added to the campus over the years including the information and technology services building, the Abedian School of Architecture, buildings housing the Faculty of Law reception and human resources, and the Society and Design Precinct.

Most of the campus was designed by leading Australian architect Daryl Jackson and his business partner Robin Dyke. The Pritzker Prize winner Arata Isozaki designed the Arch, library, humanities and administration buildings.

One notable difference is the shape of the lake. The Ornamental Lawns were added to the design following concerns that the lake, as originally envisioned, might affect the structural integrity of the South Tower (now known as West Tower) student accommodation block.

Several models of the campus were made but this is the most detailed and appears in photos with some of the University’s early figures including foundation Vice Chancellor Don Watts, and John Bond, son of founder Alan Bond.

The model was constructed by Architectural Models, a company established soon after World War II by Alan W. Chandler. The company built many models of national significance, including the new Parliament House in Canberra and the Rialto Building and Crown Casino in Melbourne. Models made by Mr Chandler are held in the collection of Museums Victoria. This particular model cost $6,864 in 1987.