R. D. Watt Building

Robert Dickie Watt wouldn’t recognize his namesake building today. The R. D. Watt Building stands proudly on the Camperdown Campus of the University of Sydney. It has seen remarkable changes since its completion in 1916. Originally built for the Faculty of Agriculture, the building, designed in the Federation Arts and Crafts style, still bears the inscription “Agriculture” above its entrance. The R. D. Watt Building has been in continuous use since its construction. Yet, it has been transformed. In 2018, the building underwent significant renovations as part of the new Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) facility. Architectus designed this modern addition. The contemporary structure complements the historic R. D. Watt Building. A sophisticated curtain wall with a bronze-colored optical effect contrasts with the old stone and masonry. Inside, century-old pedagogy meets 21st-century teaching practices. The original architectural details of the R. D. Watt Building, like the carved stone animals and Art Nouveau gargoyles, still grace the porch. The interior now houses modern teaching spaces and offices, seamlessly integrated with the new FASS building. The R. D. Watt Building also serves as a collaborative space for the Sydney Policy Lab. It hosts community groups and university colleagues for workshops and events, promoting community-led policy development. In a nod to the university’s history, the first agricultural lecture given by Robert Dickie Watt, the first Dean of Agriculture, is commemorated each year with a lecture in his honor. The R. D. Watt Building stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of learning and collaboration. It bridges the past and present, showcasing the University of Sydney’s commitment to both heritage and innovation.