School of Architecture

The University (Amendment) Act, 1916, Act No. 78, 1916, was an act to increase the endowment of the University of Sydney, and for that purpose to amend the University (Amendment) Act, 1912, and certain other Acts.  Under 2. (2) of the Act "The annual endowment of the University of Sydney out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund is further increased by the sum of two thousand pounds for establishing and maintaining a Chair of Architecture, and for purposes incidental thereto." The Act was assented to on 20th December, 1916. Following this the University, during 1917, invited applications “throughout Australasia and Great Britain from gentlemen qualified to fill the Chair”. Arrangements were made for the commencement of the curriculum in architecture from the beginning of the academic year in 1918. It was intended that the curriculum in architecture should cover a period of four years and lead to the degree of Bachelor of Architecture; but the details of the curriculum were left for final consideration after the arrival of the Professor to be appointed. The curriculum for first year students had been adopted in order that there was no delay in the entry of students upon, the course in 1918. The greater part of the work of the first year was already provided by existing courses in the University. [Report of Senate 1917, 1918 Calendar, pp.610-11] This was the first Architecture degree in Australia and Chair of Architecture, with Leslie Wilkinson appointed to the position in 1918. "Professor Wilkinson was an officer in the University of London Officers' Training Corps, from the duties of which he was released by the War Office in order to take up his appointment in Sydney. He arrived in Sydney in time to take up his duties at the commencement of the third academic term. By-laws to regulate the curriculum in the School of Architecture have now been adopted and promulgated. These provide for a curriculum extending over a period of four years and leading to the degree of Bachelor of Architecture.  During the year nine students commenced the course. [1918 Report of Senate, 1919 Calendar, p. 645]In 1920 the Faculty of Architecture was established taking over the functions of the School and with the passing of the new By-Laws the School of Architecture within the Faculty of Science ceased to exist.