Pioneering architect Col Madigan passes away

Born in 1921, Col Madigan, with his firm Edwards Madigan Torzillo and Briggs, was behind some of Australia’s most significant 20th century architectural works.

He was also awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1981.

His projects include the National Gallery of Australia, the Warringah Shire Civic Centre, the Mitchell College of Advanced Education, the University of NSW Round House. He also took second place in the competition for the new Parliament House in Canberra.

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, architect Angelo Candalepas said Madigan “was an architect whose work sought to reveal an evolutionary thinking while representing in its forms forces he had observed in his education as an architect. He was heavily influenced by his commitment to the earth, as well as the writings of George Bernard Shaw, and also acknowledged his father's influence.”

A memorial service was due to be held today at the University of Sydney.

There is also an obituary by Daryl Jackson in the Australian Design Review.

Photo by Peter Morris via the SMH online