Shine Dome

This unusual building is the Shine Dome. Built in 1959, and previously known as Becker House, it is sometimes referred to as the 'Martian Embassy'. The design for the building was the most radical in the design competition for the new Australian Academy of Science building, and marked the beginning of modern architecture in Canberra. There were some construction challenges along the way, not least of which was how to ensure a 710 tonne self-supporting concrete dome didn't collapse as the timber formwork was removed. But apparently the top of the dome only dropped a centimetre as it took its own weight - and I'll bet there was a collective sigh of relief!

Shine Dome
Gordon Street, Acton ACT