Feiko Bouman

The High Court of Australia is listed on the World Register of Significant 20th Century Architecture. It has been commented that; the major central space, with inviting access ramps, the clarity of court layout and visitor patterning, is one of the great public spaces in Australia. During the making of the 2012 video sessions, to document the history of the High Court, Chief Justice Robert French arranged for Feiko Bouman to receive a bronze commemorative medallion, in recognition of his original design co-authorship. In May 2021, The High Court of Australia held a function in the building, to celebrate 40+ years since construction completion. Chief Justice Susan Kiefel invited Bouman to make a speech to record the history of its genesis /creation, from the architectural competition to the start of on-site construction. The speech can be seen here.

From 1980 to 1988 Ted Mack was mayor of North Sydney Council. During this time, Feiko Bouman carried out and built many major transformative works in the municipality. The Council selected Bouman’s firm from several other submissions, primarily based upon the design quality of, The Stockman’s Hall of Fame. In 2007, Ted Mack launched the book ‘Feiko Bouman Architecture’ and in his launch speech tells a detailed story of the struggles to achieve worthwhile initiatives in local politics. His speech can be seen here.

Bouman was born in Groningen, Netherlands. His family emigrated to Australia when he was 7-years-old. Initially there were difficult beginnings living in distant Menangle Park, followed by then primitive circumstances in Oxford Falls, before the family settled in the Manly area. His education started at Manly Primary School, then Manly Boys High School, situated in North Curl Curl. Bouman studied architecture at University of NSW, after gaining a Commonwealth scholarship, graduating in 1966. Some years in London followed, including working in the office of Owen Luder Partnership as Design Architect. Back in Sydney, Bouman worked with Col Madigan in the office of Edwards Madigan Torzillo and Briggs from 1969-1975, initially as Design Architect, and later Associate Director. While in this office he joined with Chris Kringas, to win the Australia-wide competition for the High Court of Australia. In 1976 he commenced his own architectural practice in Balmain.

Feiko Bouman (born 10 June 1944) is a Dutch Australian architect and author, best known for his outback museum, The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach Queensland. The building was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1988.