“A menacing concrete monolith” they called it. That’s what some called UTS Building 1. But stand here with me before the UTS Tower. See it for yourself.
This isn’t just any building. It’s a piece of Sydney’s history a testament to Brutalist architecture. UTS Building 1 also known as the UTS Tower opened in 1979. It was then the tallest educational building in all of Australia. NSW Premier Neville Wran himself declared it open.
The UTS Tower’s story began much earlier though. A 1964 plan envisioned three towers. But funding cuts changed everything. The ambitious plan was reduced to just this main tower and a smaller Building 2. Construction started in 1969. The lower floors opened in 1975.
Despite its controversial looks UTS Building 1 stands tall. Many consider it Sydney’s ugliest building. Others see it as a symbol of the city’s university life. Famous architect Frank Gehry himself criticized its design. Yet the UTS Tower’s imposing presence is undeniable. Its 27 floors house many of UTS’s administrative units.
There were even plans to redesign it. Cover it in a textile that would generate electricity. Store rainwater. Cool down the building. This idea came from Chris Bosse of the Laboratory for Visionary Architecture. The university decided against a radical redesign opting for a more simple refurbishment.
Nearby Building 2 had a very different fate. It was demolished in 2016-2017. UTS Central replaced it. It opened in 2019. Now there are pedestrian connections between UTS Central and UTS Building 1 across four levels.
So next time you hear someone call the UTS Tower “menacing” remember its story. It’s more than just concrete. It’s a reflection of Sydney’s evolution. A symbol of higher learning. A survivor. A landmark that’s as much a part of Sydney as the Harbour Bridge itself.