Australia's first skyscraper ... and my first workplace

In my post yesterday, I shared a photo of the Sydney skyline from Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Today's photo is from the same morning walk, a little closer to the city ... from the eastern side of Circular Quay ... right by the iconic Opera House.

This photo, however, is not of that most photographed of buildings in Australia, it's of Australia's very first skyscraper (built in 1962) ... and the building in which I first started my career. It's the AMP Building at 33 Alfred Street and it naturally holds extra special significance to me. I have worked in this building on and off over the years.

The AMP building is the one in front. AMP, a financial services company, also built the taller tower behind. Both buildings include the AMP signage. The AMP building boasts some of the most spectacular uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. What more could you ask for in an office?

From the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage:

"The AMP Building adjacent to Circular Quay is a 25 storey tower of Post war International Style.

"The building is historically significant as the first building to officially break the 1912 Sydney height of Buildings Limit of 150 feet and thus become the tallest building in Australia, at the time of its construction. It is both historically and socially significant for its powerful ability to exemplify the dominant role of the AMP Society in the Australian insurance industry.

"The building is socially significant for its ability to reflect through its location and form , the considerable public controversy created by its construction of a massive curved facade on such a prominent site so close to Circular Quay.

"The building is aesthetically significant as an important work by a significant firm of architects Peddle Thorp and Walker and as a landmark site at Circular Quay which with Goldfield House defines the 1960's Gateway to the city.

"The building is aesthetically significant as the first fully free standing skyscraper in the city of Sydney ..."

Link: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2423922

This is my entry in this week's #architecturalphotography contest by @juliank.

To see more of my photography, come check me out at @atnicholson.