Author(s): Philip Goad

Architecture

From BP House to The Domain, Transition in Architecture covers the period from 1962 to today. In that year BP decided to move from the CBD and to construct new headquarters on the corner of St Kilda Road and Albert Road. The building was completed at the end of November 1964. The building immediately became a Melbourne landmark and an archetype in its own right, breaking away from the 'glass box' style that had become prevalent in Melbourne. The National Trust also recognised its significance. Anyone over about 50 in Melbourne remembers the light displays on the front of the building each Easter and Christmas. In 1993 BP moved out and the building was purchased by Hudson Conway. It was then converted into apartments, becoming The Domain on completion in 1995 and has become one of the prestige high-rise apartment towers in Melbourne.