Rockingham Park Underpasses

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value for its association with the expansion and development of the Rockingham district in the 1960s.
• The place has historic value for its association with architect and planner, Paul Ritter who was a significant player in the development of Western Australia's knowledge of planning and architecture in the public realm.

Physical Description

A collection of seven underpasses around the Rockingham Park area. Each underpass was constructed to the same design and method using precast concrete but each contained a different mural including Kangaroos and Grass trees; sharks and other ocean life; mechanics; symbols and birds. All have been painted green and only two of the underpasses still present with coloured motifs.

History

This series of underpasses were designed in 1969 by architect and planner, Paul Ritter. Ritter was a controversial and colourful figure in Western Australia during the 1960s and 1970s. He was trained in England and was brought to the City of Perth to advance local knowledge and philosophies of planning and design. Appointed as the City of Perth's first City Planner in 1965 he was dismissed in 1967 but engendered significant public support which led to his election as a City of Perth councillor from 1968 to 1986.
He established his own practice, Paul Ritter and Associates and worked as a planner and architect in Western Australia. He was well known for exploring new techniques and philosophies, particularly in relation to art and design in the public realm.
These underpasses which incorporate murals are representative of his design philosophy which he describes in his book 'Concrete Fit for People: A Practical Approach to a Bio-Functional Eco-Architecture for the Third Millennium A.D.' His designs of seven underpasses recognised that the underpasses would be subject to vandalism so his designs 'incorporates the idea of violent attacks on it. They are anticipated and planned for, positively.'
The concrete was caste by Rocla Pipes Co and the 'Sculp-crete' work and play sculpture ideas by Paul Ritter.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Degree
Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.