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Edward J Woods
Edward Woods is sometimes referred to as the greatest architect in the Commonwealth. His immense contribution to the South Australia architectural world cannot be overlooked. He achieved success both as a private and public architect. His name is engraved in many buildings in South Australia, especially in Adelaide. His life story tells the story of a British migrant architect who found immense opportunities in Australia. His partnerships saw him take part in the urban development of South Australia during the 19th century. Woods’ contribution to the Australia architectural landscape is seen by the appreciating the architectural significance his buildings have on Australian society. Considering all his achievements, have Woods’ contributions positively or negatively influenced the standards and character of the architectural design in South Australia.
Edward John Woods was an architect born in 1839 in London. His entrance into the field of architecture was started while articling architect Charles J Richardson. After working for Richardson, Woods started working in Thomas E Knightley’s office. The end of work in Knightley’s office saw him migrate to South Australia. Migration to South Australia was made possible after he received a letter from Dr. William Browne, who was telling him about the architectural possibilities available in the progressive and new country of South Australia (“Chapter 3: The Emerging City” 31). After arriving in Port Adelaide, Woods started working for William Browne in his sheep and cattle property located near Mt Gambier. He moved to Adelaide, where he took up his architectural practice while employed by Edmund Wright. As stated, “His South Australian architectural career began with his employment as a draughtsman for Edmund Wright, and after a few months, he became a partner in the practice of Wright and Woods” (Architects Database). After working with Wright for some time, Woods started a partnership with Wright. The business grew with the entry of Edward Hamilton, who joined in 1866 hence forming a partnership called Wright, Woods, and Hamilton. He started his marriage in 1867 with Katharine Gooch, and they had three daughters and two sons. Woods went on to become a freemason and an enthusiast rifleman.
Under his partnerships with Wright and eventually Hamilton, Woods was able to aid in the architectural development of South Australia. While working with Wright, Woods was worked on various buildings in South Australia (Grolier Society of Australia 450). His first building in South Australia was the Head Office of the National Bank located in Adelaide, King William Street. He and Wright were also involved in the Town Hall Complex for Adelaide and Town Hall Complex for Port Adelaide. The development of the Town Hall for Adelaide was the result of a competition that was held by the town’s leadership (Curl and Wilson 852). Another competition also saw Woods developing the General Post Office in Adelaide. His works were taken into consideration, although the works of the building were from Robert Thomas and Edward Hamilton. Under Woods’ partnership with Hamilton and Woods, they designed large buildings in South Australia. One of the buildings includes Messrs Wills and Co. store, Birdwood, and Macclesfield Catholic Churches (Burgess 537). The schoolmaster’s house and schoolrooms for St. Peter’s Collegiate School and Stow Memorial Church Manse are also some of the iconic buildings under Woods’ name. The dissolution of his partnership with Hamilton and Wright saw Woods start practicing on his own. He is credited with the design of the Anglican St Peter’s Cathedral, which he supervised until its completion.
It was while serving in public service that Woods impacted South Australia’s architectural scene. He initially served as in the Council of Education as an architect while practicing privately. During his time at the Council of Education, Woods spearheaded the design of schools in Jamestown, Pt. Adelaide and Mt Gambier. He was involved in the design of Training School for Teachers, which specialized in Gothic styles at Grote Street. Since he could practice privately, Woods partnered with William McMinn to start other architectural activities. Partnering with McMinn saw the design of Italianate style buildings in Adelaide. Some of the Italian style buildings designed include the Crown & Scepter Hotel found on King William Street in Adelaide. The introduction of the Italianate style was its firs with the architectural style tracing its roots to England. Woods’ work in Britain as an architect gave him exposure to the style. Its introduction to South Australia saw the design pique the interests of many and many buildings. The architectural style was adopted in the expansion of the South Australian suburbs. The style is centered on the construction of villas with bay windows, classical cornices, tall windows, and low pitched roofs. In 1878, Woods was selected Architect in Chief for the state of South Australia (Finnerty 220). Being an Architect in Chief meant that he could not practice privately anymore. While in this position, Edward J Woods influenced the construction of cottage homes in Adelaide. Cottage homes are house containing three, four, and five rooms. Each home has a pantry, washing copper, reading room, bathroom, and pantry. Benefactors funded the homes. Edward J Woods was the consultant in the building of cottage homes. He was immensely involved in the design of cottage homes, which was preferred by British settlers and other immigrants. Cottage homes are widespread across South Australia, with most people preferring them over models. Woods was influential in the adoption of this culture among Australians, and his impact has lived on ever since.
Due to his position as Architect in Chief, Woods was involved in design of civic buildings that were mostly used by the public. Some of the buildings he supervised include Adelaide Hills residence for the Governor that William McMinn designed. The Victoria Square government offices and Adelaide’s Public Library wing. As Architect in Chief, Woods took up the challenge of Parliament House construction. According to the State Library, “Edward John Woods was employed to alter and improve the design and supervise construction” (State Library). The building was built using the Classical Style that included four facades. The Classical style was more widespread during the time of Edward Woods as Architect in Chief. Woods was able to work with both Classical and Gothic architectural designs during a period when the two styles opponents of one another (“South Australia’s Boom Period = 1870-1882”). The construction of Parliament House saw the introduction of the Woods’ ventilation systems for buildings. Parliament House had a ventilation system in its Assembly Chamber. The position of the Architect in Chief was scrapped and later on replaced with the Overseer of Government Works. Removal of the Architect in Chief position resulted in Woods’ withdrawal from public service. He ventured into private practice where he designed consulting rooms and neo-Gothic residences. Woods partnered with Walter Bagot was involved in the design of St. Joseph’s Convent.
Another significant contribution of Edward J Woods to the South Australian architectural scene is the Z Ward Asylum. The Asylum has great social importance because of it the last standing building from the 19th century that was mainly designed to help improve the care given to criminals who were thought to be insane. As stated, “Completed in 1885, Z Ward was a significant architectural statement that can still be appreciated today” (Z-Ward). Its structure shows the predominantly 19th-century philosophical attitude to the accommodation and cares people considered not sane and its architectural displays, which are apparent in the decorative polychrome detailing. The building is also significant due to its location, which is in the countryside where patients would be easily helped through their conditions. The building composition and style also give it architectural significance. Z Ward is among the few buildings in South Australia that were built using stone and polychrome brick as the main components. Woods, as the Government Architect, designed the building as part of the civic duty given to him. He put his best foot forward to improve its architectural significance. His contribution saw the addition of technical importance and aesthetic quality to its details. Woods’good designs are evident as the building is still standing despite the many years that have passed. The structure was rudimentary, lacking any ornamentation. The simple design with large mustering and cellular layout show the prison-like conditions and design that existed during that time. Z Ward combined various technological features that were advanced at the time. Some of the technological advances include in-built ventilation systems, fireproof construction, and ironwork structures.
Woods’ adoption of ventilation systems into buildings was important in the architectural world as it created a new technology that could make building hospitable for everyone. Ventilation systems made it possible for people to live in large buildings. Ventilation systems also made it possible to design large civic buildings that could house large crowds. According to Knight, “The Italianate two-storey Crown and Sceptre building…the South Australian Parliament and the buildings share an innovative ventilation system devised by EJ Woods” (Knight). Parliament House was meant to hold leaders from various parts of the state. Large numbers of people inside on building was not conducive due to the inadequate ventilation systems at that time. Woods’ ventilation systems significantly changed the design and construction of large buildings. Woods was famous for his knowledge of ventilation, which he learned from Charles Richardson, who was his employer back in Britain. His understanding of the topic saw him give lectures on the same. Woods also designed fixed windows using double glazing that helped remove dust that came into buildings. Woods also had ideas on how to cool air, which involved passing the air over ice. The design was meant for use in summer when temperatures are quite high.
Woods’ main contribution to South Australian architecture was the British designs he brought into the country. Using his experience as an architect in Britain, Woods was able to develop designs similar to those back home. As stated, “In the early decades of European settlement, architecture was used as a public relations tool to project an impression of stability and prosperity to potential immigrants and investors in Britain” (Adelaidia). Such actions led to the adoption of various architectural techniques, such as the design of cottages. Cottages were standard in Britain with people in the British suburbs preferring such buildings. Architectural styles from overseas were bound to change the architectural landscape of South Australia (“1890-1915: South Australian Architecture”). With the migration of people from Britain into South Australia, the architectural designs were adopted by a large number of the settlers. The designs went on to be engraved in South Australian architecture. His design of churches and other civic buildings saw the adoption of his designs by other architects who took an interest in his design. Woods also introduced the use of technology in the design and construction of buildings in South Australia. The adoption of technology impacted the architectural society because it created a trend where architects had to start adding the technologies in their designs. Architectural techniques were also improved with time, which made buildings safer and more comfortable.
Woods’s works on public buildings such as schools, churches, and others used in social setups set the trend for other architects to start the practice. During his capacity as Architect in Chief, he commissioned and supervised many buildings that are still in use today. He used his architectural prowess to impact his fellow architects positively. By leading the design and construction of buildings according to his desired standards, Woods influenced the way architectural work was done in South Australia. His position as Government Architect saw him change the design of all major buildings in Adelaide. Any deviance from his set standards saw him stop implementation of the said projects. His intellectual capacity in architecture saw him influence many upcoming architects who desired to be like him. Using his lectures, he taught people about the importance of ventilation and other technologies in the design of long-lasting buildings. According to Bates Smart, “Firm’s designs have endured in large part because they respond to specific complexities that contribute to overall livability” (Lake, et al. 13). He advocated for the use of technology to improve the viability of buildings in South Australia. Technological advancements initiated by Woods have seen an improvement in architectural design in South Australia. More architectural designs have been made possible due to Australia’s adoption of new technologies.
Woods’s influence can also be seen in the adoption of cultural aspects in architectural design. Woods used his British culture architectural designs in the designing buildings in South Australia. According to Osbourne and Crowther, “Due to the significant numbers of architects who subsequently moved from England to Australia to join the British colonies, 19th-century Australian architecture quickly changed to be largely Eurocentric in focus” (Crowther and Osbourne). The cultural aspect gave his building beauty and meaning among its people, some of whom were from Britain. He also used Italianate styles in some of his buildings, which shows his appreciation for culture and social values in architectural designs. Woods brought Eurocentric architectural design into Australia, which was a response to the adaptation to the country’s climatic conditions. Climate and culture influenced the materials used for construction during Woods’ time. The influx of different cultures into Australia saw the adoption of various styles, especially from Asian countries. Woods created a pleasant atmosphere that allowed architects to use multiple designs that they had learned from foreign cultures.
Woods also influenced architects by showing them the importance of partnerships. Besides being a government architect, Woods mostly worked under partnerships with well-known architects. As stated, “… the notable South Australian architect, Edward J. Woods (1837 – 1913), considered one of the key practitioners of architecture in South Australia in the latter half of the nineteenth century” (Maps.SA). His work with his partners saw him achieve enormous success because he was able to design various buildings in Britain and South Australia. Some of these buildings still exist, although some have undergone some structural changes to adapt to the changing times and standards. His partnerships have acted as a guiding tool for many architects who see collaboration as the best way of breaking through the world of architecture. The existence of partnership Woods Bagot shows how coming together can create more opportunities and success.
Research on Edward Woods shows that his impact on architectural design in South Australia has positive. His designs have inspired other architects who have improved on his designs or developed their own. He has taught architects the importance of using technology in the architectural development of their designs. His technological advancements promoted the use of ventilation systems and fireproofing in buildings in South Australia. Woods’ partnerships with other architects saw him design some of the best buildings in South Australia. It is evident that through partnership, architects can achieve more success. Partnerships promote the sharing of knowledge and other skills among the partners; hence, better architectural designs are created. Woods’ intellect in architectural design saw other architects consider him one of the best architects in the world. He was invited to give lectures about his architectural works, which shows his appreciation by society. Woods did indeed positively impact the standards and character of South Australian architectural design.
Works Cited
“1890-1915: South Australian Architecture.” Reading.
Adelaidia. “Adelaidia Architecture.” Adelaidia, adelaidia.sa.gov.au/subjects/architecture.
Architects Database. “Architect Details.” Architects of South Australia, www.architectsdatabase.unisa.edu.au/arch_full.asp?Arch_ID=69.
Burgess, Henry T. The Cyclopedia of South Australia …: An Historical and Commercial Review. Descriptive and Biographical, Facts, Figures, and Illustrations. an Epitome of Progress; Volume 1. Franklin Classics Trade P, 2018.
“Chapter 3: The Emerging City.” South Australia’s Heritage, edited by Jenny Walker, Government Printing Division, pp. 30-43.
Crowther, Philip, and Lindy Osbourne. “Is There an Australian Architecture?” InDaily, 11 Nov. 2013, indaily.com.au/opinion/2013/11/11/is-there-an-australian-architecture/.
Curl, James S., and Susan Wilson. The Oxford Dictionary of Architecture. Oxford UP, USA, 2015.
Finnerty, Anne. The Architecture of East Australia: An Architectural History in 432 Individual Presentations. Edition Axel Menges, 2001.
Grolier Society of Australia. The Australian Encyclopaedia. 1977.
Knight, Gordon K. “A taste of our best restaurant and bar architecture.” The Advertiser, 26 May 2016,
Lake, Guy, et al. “Shaping Australia’s Tall Tower Design and High Livability Standards.” CTBUH Journal, no. 4, 2017, pp. 12-19.
Maps.SA. “The South Australia Heritage Places Database.” Maps.SA, maps.sa.gov.au/heritagesearch/HeritageItem.aspx?p_heritageno=8384.
“South Australia’s Boom Period = 1870-1882.” Reading.
State Library. “Parliament House, Adelaide.” SA Memory, www.samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?c=722.
Z-Ward. “Z-Ward: Behind the Walls.” Z-Ward, zward.com.au/.