{{Short description|Australian architect (1928–2019)}} {{Use Australian English|date=June 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2015}} {{Infobox architect |name = James Peter Birrell |image = |caption = |birth_date = 24 October 1928<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.library.jcu.edu.au/Specials/Archives/birrell.shtml |title=James Birrell Collection |access-date=5 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820091655/http://www.library.jcu.edu.au/Specials/Archives/birrell.shtml |archive-date=20 August 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |birth_place = Melbourne, Australia |death_date =20 September 2019 (aged 90) |death_place = |practice = |significant_buildings= Union College, University of Queensland James Purnell Building – University of Queensland, JD Story Administration Building – University of Queensland, Agriculture and Entomology Building (Hartley Teakle Building) – University of Queensland |significant_projects = Brisbane Centenary Pool Centre |significant_design = |awards = 2005 RAIA Gold Medal<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=1.17.51.6214 |title=RAIA Official Award Site |access-date=5 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230013/http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=1.17.51.6214 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> }}
'''James Birrell''' (1928–2019) was an architect responsible for the design of significant buildings in Queensland, Australia. James Birrell practiced from 1951 to 1986.
==Personal life== James Peter Birrell was born in Melbourne on the 24 October 1928, the eldest child of Harry and Elizabeth Birrell. Growing up in Essendon North, Birrell attended North Essendon Primary School from 1934 to 1940 and Essendon State High School from 1940 to 1944.<ref>{{Cite web |title=James Birrell Archive |url=https://nqheritage.jcu.edu.au/462/ |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=North Queensland Heritage |publisher=James Cook University}}</ref>
In 1945, at the age of 17, James Birrell was accepted into the Melbourne Technical College as an architecture student. To help finance his studies, Birrell worked part-time as a builder's labourer. In 1947, Birrell began work as a draughtsman for the Victorian State Works Department and continued his studies Part-time. The same year he also became involved in the Contemporary Arts Society, through the Society he gained many new friends, notably Peter Burns.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
In 1950 Birrell was accepted into Fourth Year Architecture at the University of Melbourne. In 1951 he graduated and designed his first houses, in Frankston and Warrandyte, Birrell also worked briefly as the resident Architect at the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
In 1952 Birrell co-founded the magazine Architecture and Arts with his contemporaries, Peter Burns, Helen O'Donnell and Norman Lehey. In 1954 Birrell contributed to the Contemporary Arts Society's exhibition 'Space Modulators' along with artists including Sidney Nolan, Ian Fairweather, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd and John Perceval.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
Working for the Commonwealth Works Department, Birrell was transferred to Canberra, before going on to Darwin and finally Brisbane. In Brisbane James Birrell went on to become Brisbane City Council Architect and University of Queensland Staff Architect. It was during this period that Birrell designed his most significant buildings.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}
Throughout his life Birrell admired the works of Walter Burley Griffin and in 1964 he wrote a biography on Griffin.<ref>{{cite book |last=Birrell |first=James |title=Walter Burley Griffin |date=1964 |publisher=University of Queensland Press}} — [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/tqqf2h/alma99105764702061 via State Library of Queensland]</ref>
In March 1985 James Birrell was elected as a councillor for the Shire of Maroochy in Queensland.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
Birrell's archive is held at the Fryer Library at the University of Queensland and the State Library of Queensland.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://manuscripts.library.uq.edu.au/uqfl117|title=James Birrell Papers - Fryer Manuscripts|website=University of Queensland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815212351/https://manuscripts.library.uq.edu.au/uqfl117|archive-date=15 August 2019|url-status=live|access-date=16 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blogs/jol/new-acquisition-james-birrell-papers|title=New acquisition: James Birrell Papers|date=11 February 2013|website=State Library of Queensland|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815212528/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blogs/jol/new-acquisition-james-birrell-papers|archive-date=15 August 2019|url-status=live|access-date=16 August 2019}}</ref>
Birrell died 20 September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://architectureau.com/articles/architectural-champion-james-birrell-dies-at-90/|title=‘Architectural champion’ James Birrell dies at 90|last=|first=|date=2 October 2019|website=ArchitectureAU|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010071111/https://architectureau.com/articles/architectural-champion-james-birrell-dies-at-90/|archive-date=2019-10-10|access-date=2019-10-10}}</ref>
==Notable projects== thumb|Annerley Library, 2016 '''Brisbane City Council Architect'''thumb|Centenary Pool Complex, 2008In 1956 as Brisbane City Council Architect Birrell designed the Chermside and Annerley Libraries, Centenary Pool Complex at Spring Hill as well as numerous public amenities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chermside Municipal Library |url=https://qldarch.net/project/summary?structureId=3795 |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Digital Archive of Queensland Architecture}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2019-10-03 |title=James Birrell, Queensland architect |url=https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/james-birrell-queensland-architect |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Blog posts |publisher=State Library of Queensland |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205063057/https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/james-birrell-queensland-architect |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1957 his design proposal for the Centenary Pool complex was successful with construction finishing in 1959.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Rachel |date=2022-11-24 |title=MoB Sunday Stories: Centenary Pool |url=https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au/mob-sunday-stories-centenary-pool/ |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Museum of Brisbane {{!}} MoB |language=en-AU}}</ref> Architecture and Arts magazine named the building as one of the top ten buildings within Australia.<ref name="qhr2">{{cite QHR|16004|Centenary Pool Complex|601240|accessdate=1 August 2014}}</ref> thumb|Toowong Municipal Library, 1998 Birrell also designed the former Toowong Municipal Library Building, which was completed in 1961.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bartsch |first=Phil |date=24 June 2019 |title=Back to the future for buyer of renowned architect’s innovative inner-city 1960s building |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/business/prime-site/back-to-the-future-for-buyer-of-renowned-architects-innovative-innercity-1960s-building/news-story/c7691cc50c102c0fc366f815765717f2 |access-date=30 May 2026 |work=The Courier-Mail}}</ref> Located on Coronation Drive, it was directly opposite to Birrell's Toowong Pool (which has since been demolished). The library is heritage listed although it is now used for commercial purposes (medical imaging-MRI in 2015).<ref>{{Cite web|title = xradiology Australia|url = http://www.xradiology.com.au/examinations.php|website = www.xradiology.com.au|accessdate = 2015-10-24|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151219092501/http://www.xradiology.com.au/examinations.php|archive-date = 19 December 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref>
'''University of Queensland Staff Architect''' thumb|Union College, 2014 From 1961 to 1966 James Birrell practiced as The University of Queensland Staff Architect. In this position he designed and documented Union College, which was constructed in five stages from 1964 and 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://www.unioncollegeuq.com.au/our-history/ |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=Union College |language=en-US |archive-date=30 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260530074417/https://www.unioncollegeuq.com.au/our-history/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Union College was highly commended after its construction. It was visually pleasing while also being innovative in terms of the structure and its response to pre-existing site conditions. Union College received a High Commendation award from Arts and Architecture journal as one of the best ten new buildings in Australia at the time.<ref name="qhr">{{cite QHR|4067|Union College|602504|access-date=1 August 2014}}</ref> thumb|J D Story Administration Building, University of Queensland, St Lucia, October 1966 During his tenure as staff architect James Birrell was also responsible for the JD Story Administration Building (1965) and the Agriculture and Entomology Building, now known as the Hartley Teakle Building (1966).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Birrell |first=James |date=1965 |title=J. D. Story Administration Building, The University of Queensland, ground floor plans, St Lucia, Brisbane, circa 1965 |url=https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:541395 |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=University of Queensland |archive-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914211646/https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:541395 |url-status=live }}</ref> Birrell was also responsible for the design of the campus plan at James Cook University in Townsville, and several of its early buildings 1964–1970.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=James Birrell Archive |url=https://libserver.jcu.edu.au/specials/Archives/birrell.html |access-date=2026-05-30 |website=James Cook University Library |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260110200943/https://libserver.jcu.edu.au/specials/Archives/birrell.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1965 Birrell became President of the Australian Planning Institute.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
'''Private Practice'''
In 1966 he moved into private practice. Much of Birrell's work in this period came from overseas. He worked for the University of Papua New Guinea, where he designed the Halls of Residence, Arts/Law and Arts II Buildings, and in Indonesia as a government planning consultant.<ref>{{Cite news |title=‘Architectural champion’ James Birrell dies at 90 |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/architectural-champion-james-birrell-dies-at-90/ |access-date=2026-05-30 |work=ArchitectureAu |language=en-AU |archive-date=10 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010071111/https://architectureau.com/articles/architectural-champion-james-birrell-dies-at-90/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Works== * Toowong Municipal Library and Pool designed while City Council Architect. * Union College Building designed while University of Queensland Staff.<ref>{{cite QHR|4067|Union College, University of Queensland|602504|accessdate=12 August 2015}}</ref> * Wickham Terrace Car Park * Private residence - 4 Carol Court, Buderim, Qld * Nambour Council Building / Shire Chambers, Library and town square * Brisbane Centenary Pool Centre *Annerley Library, Brisbane<ref>{{Cite BrisbaneHR|62|Annerley Library and Community Centre|accessdate=16 August 2019}}</ref> * University Hall of Residence, James Cook University * Eddie Koiki Mabo Library, James Cook University * Ken Back Chancellory Building, James Cook University * JD Story Administration Building – University of Queensland * Agriculture and Entomology Building (Hartley Teakle Building) – University of Queensland * Papua New Guinea Banking Corporation (PNGBC) (now Bank South Pacific), headquarters – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea * Agriculture Bank – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea *University of Queensland Staff and Graduates Club<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:288653|title=View of University of Queensland Staff and Graduates Club from Zelman Cowen Building, St. Lucia Campus, Brisbane|last=Keniger|first=Michael|date=|website=UQ eSpace|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010070950/https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:288653|archive-date=2019-10-10|access-date=2019-10-10}}</ref>
==Awards== * Union College, University of Queensland, RAIA High Commendation (1966){{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} * JD Story Administration Building, University of Queensland, RAIA Commendation{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} * Agriculture and Entomology Building (Hartley Teakle Building), University of Queensland, RAIA Citation (1970)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=1.17.51.6214 |title=Gold Medal Winner 2005 – Australian Institute of Architects |access-date=5 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230013/http://www.architecture.com.au/i-cms?page=1.17.51.6214 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2005 Birrell was awarded the RAIA Gold Medal. Royal Australian Institute of Architects national president Warren Kerr said the Melbourne-born Brisbane-based architect had made a "spirited and distinguished contribution to the discipline of architecture".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Arts/Melbourneborn-architect-draws-gold/2005/03/25/1111692625301.html |title=The Age News Report – Award of RAIA Gold Medal |access-date=5 April 2007 |archive-date=10 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060910172128/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Arts/Melbourneborn-architect-draws-gold/2005/03/25/1111692625301.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Tributes== * The University of Queensland Staff and Graduates Club have a room named the "James Birrell Room".<ref>[http://www.uq.edu.au/staffclub/james-birrell-room James Birrell Room – UQ Staff Club] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303055942/http://www.uq.edu.au/staffclub/james-birrell-room |date=3 March 2007 }}</ref> * Architecture students in the University of Queensland's Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology's Scholars program are known as Birrell Scholars. The program provides the Faculty's top students with enhanced academic, industry and cultural experiences.<ref>{{cite web |title=Birrell Scholars |url=https://www.architecture.uq.edu.au/birrell-scholars |website=School of Architecture |publisher=University of Queensland |accessdate=15 August 2019 |archive-date=15 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815134749/https://www.architecture.uq.edu.au/birrell-scholars |url-status=live }}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
== External links == * [https://manuscripts.library.uq.edu.au/uqfl117 Collection UQFL117 - James Birrell Papers, Fryer Library, University of Queensland] *[https://qldarch.net/architect/summary?architectId=629 James Birrell], Digital Archive of Queensland Architecture * [http://bishop.slq.qld.gov.au/view/action/singleViewer.do?dvs=1565877336042~460&locale=en_GB&metadata_object_ratio=14&show_metadata=true&VIEWER_URL=/view/action/singleViewer.do?&DELIVERY_RULE_ID=10&frameId=1&usePid1=true&usePid2=true James Peter Birrell Papers, State Library of Queensland] * [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/dls06p/alma99285883402061 James Birrell oral history], State Library of Queensland * [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/tqqf2h/alma99281993402061 James Peter Birrell Photographs 1957-1961], State Library of Queensland * [https://onesearch.slq.qld.gov.au/permalink/61SLQ_INST/tqqf2h/alma99284813402061 James Birrell Architectural Plans 1939-2000], State Library of Queensland {{Commons category-inline|James Birrell}}{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Birrell, James}} Category:1928 births Category:Architects from Brisbane Category:2019 deaths Category:Recipients of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal Category:Architects from Melbourne Category:20th-century Australian architects Category:People from Essendon, Victoria Category:University of Melbourne alumni