1. Architecture

2. The Jacaranda tree

3. The Philosophy Room

4. Maintenance and groundskeeping

5. References

Architecture

The Quadrangle design is based on those of Oxford and Cambridge. It contains one of only three carillons in Australia, the others being located on Aspen Island in Canberra and in Bathurst.

The Quadrangle is categorised under Sandstone Universities which are informally known as Australia's oldest universities. Commonly known as the first building for Australia's first university, the Quadrangle itself is built in an anachronistic style, which was already outdated by the time it was built. Edmund Blacket , one of the architects responsible for the design of the Quadrangle, was also known for other works in Sydney such as St. Andrew's Cathedral. Blacket primarily focused on Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, which influenced James Barnet's design of Sydney University's Andersen Stuart Building. In 1924, the Quadrangle comprised four walls, in which are included bronze pipes which state the year they were placed. The final completion of the Quadrangle's exterior display was during the 1960s, which included work on the West Tower.^[6]

There are a variety of gargoyles located across the walls of the Quadrangle and its towers. Some serve the functional purpose of waterspouts and draining water from buildings, but many are simply decorative gargoyles, also known as 'grotesque'. The abundance of a variety of gargoyles featured in the Quadrangle’s architecture relates to gargoyles being characteristic of Neo-Gothic medieval architecture, as they have a symbolic role of warding off evil spirits in the Catholic tradition. Traditionally, gargoyles often depicted fantastical and mythical creatures, but in the turn of the 12th century stonemasons started incorporating real animals; both kinds of creatures can be found on the Quadrangle. Such medieval influenced architecture, although partially appropriated to a local context, directly mimic designs of esteemed Cambridge and Oxford universities in England.^[7]

In the 1850s, under the direction of Blacket, three stonemasons worked on the clock tower gargoyles: Joseph Popplewell, Edwin Colley, and James Barnett. The infusion of Australian flora and fauna with traditional medieval Neo-Gothic influences is evident in some of the Quadrangle’s distinctive gargoyles. There is a kangaroo gargoyle on the clocktower (right hand side, facing towards the city) and a crocodile gargoyle on the inside of the clock tower, that are different from the traditional gargoyles on the Quadrangle. In addition there are kookaburras above the entrance to the northern foyer.^[8]

The Quadrangle also contains the Great Hall, which holds an organ designed by Rudolf von Beckerath of Hamburg.

The Jacaranda tree

A jacaranda tree was planted in the main quadrangle in 1928 by Professor E. G. Waterhouse, who was also a keen horticulturalist and dedicated contributor to the landscape design of the university. The tree was a well-loved specimen that served as the background to many graduations and private events before its death in 2016. Its flowering at examination time was believed to be a clear sign that students should start studying.

The Philosophy Room

The Philosophy Room located within the quadrangle is home to two murals which are placed at the back of the room. On the 14 November 1921, these two mural decorations were unveiled in the Philosophy Room within the quadrangle at the University of Sydney. They were painted by Mr. Norman Carter and were commissioned to celebrate the 30 years of work of Professor Francis Anderson.^[9] One mural depicts Socrates, Aristotle and Plato together whilst the other depicts Descartes, Bacon and Spinoza.^[10] Both murals were unveiled by Professor Anderson's wife.

Maintenance and groundskeeping

The University of Sydney established a Conservation of Grounds Plan in October 2002.^[11] Being the most photographed area in the university, and having a one-hour heritage tour, the Main Quadrangle must keep up its appearances.^[12] Of the many, three policies are stated in order to maintain and conserve the vegetation and foliage of the university's grounds including the Main Quadrangle.

These three are:

• Policy Seven: When significant trees such as the Jacaranda tree in the Main Quadrangle age significantly or decease, they should be replaced with an identical tree.^[11]
• Policy Eight: Trees and vegetation that are highly important to the image of the heritage buildings such as the infamous purple tree in the Main Quadrangle and the manicured green grass must be preserved. This is evident in how ropes and bollards are put up in order to prevent students and tourists soiling the newly planted grass.^[11]
• Policy Nine: Pruning of vegetation such as the Ivy on the archway should be well kept in order to sustain views and accessibility.^[11]

References

• Secaucus (NJT station)
• Secaucus Potter's Field
• Secaucus Public Schools
• Secaucus Reporter
• Secaucus Transfer
• Secaș River (Sebeș)
• Secaș River (Târnava)
• SEC Bastia
• Secbutabarbital
• Sec-Butanol
• Sec-butanol
• Sec-butyl acetate
• Sec-Butyl acetate
• Sec-butyl alcohol
• Sec-Butyl alcohol
• Sec-Butylamine
• Sec-butylamine
• Sec-Butyllithium
• Secca de boeuf
• Secca de bœuf
• SECC Arena
• Seccession
• SEC Chair
• SEC championship
• SEC Championship