Classes at the University of Melbourne began in 1853 and in 1862 the university established Australia’s first medical school. Appointed as professor of anatomy and pathology at the university in 1882, H. B. Allen oversaw the design process of the new building. His first task was to create a large and efficient museum. Allen built up a collection of thousands of pathology specimens which form the core of the museum. Allen's successor, Peter MacCallum, established the Society of Pathology and Experimental Science in 1930. MacCallum demonstrated the University's significant role in medical research during the 1950s and the need for research laboratories.
Description
Built during the Victorian period in the Neo-Gothic style, the old pathology building is a 2-storey education building at the University’s Parkville campus. The building is a fine example of early English Gothic architecture characterised by the use of lancet arches and attached buttresses. The choice of a Gothic style came as a request from the University Council's desire that all buildings be built in a consistent architectural style. The building was originally designed as the new medical school along with the department of anatomy and pathology. The south wing of which was originally constructed in 1885, the building has seen many additions made over the following years. Following the Gothic style, the principle facades have bluestone plinths and are buttressed, with stone walls, a slate clad steeply pitched roof. The north and west wings are constructed of brick with segmental and square headed windows. The south building illustrates the original concept for the "new medical school", and includes the original Museum of Pathology which housed Allen's collection until the 1960s. The north wing was designed to accommodate a dissecting room, associated coffin and preparation rooms, and anatomy lecture theatre.
Key influences and design approach
The Old Pathology Building uses Victorian Academic Gothic design attributes such as lancet arches and attached buttresses. The University Council's influence is evident on the building's design in the collegiate Gothic style. The facade of whole building is generally similar. All of the program spaces were planned to centre around the court yard. The building is famous as the expansion of the first medical school in Australia. It played an import role in medical training during the nineteenth century when disease was reaching epidemic proportions.
