Keith Cottier<br />ALLEN JACK+COTTIER



Keith Cottier0
Our Lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah
Photographer: Michael Nicholson

Keith Cottier
Allen Jack + Cottier

79 Myrtle Street
Chippendale NSW 2008

www.ajcarch.com.au

Keith Cottier's architectural projects and activities mark significant achievements on many levels. A director of Allen Jack + Cottier, his manifold experience is attested to by the many architectural, building, construction and environmental design awards his projects have won. An active member of the Sydney Cove Authority, City West Development Corporation and the Heritage Council of New South Wales, Cottier's diverse activities reflect his concern for environmental and heritage issues, and his philosophy that buildings should be considered beyond their location, in the context of a wider world.
Our Lady of Fatima Church, Caringbah

Why did you decide to become an architect?
I decided on Architecture only ten days or so before it was time to enrol. Up until that time I had thought I'd end up somewhere in Science...I started to worry about the inevitable unidirectional, specialisation...and feared boredom. Architecture involved that additional artistic component, and held the promise of a lot more variety.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Most probably the consistently high quality of the work of Allen Jack and Cottier over a 40 year period - and that's not my achievement alone of course. But history decides these things, it may turn out to be something offhand, like sending Murcutt to Finland in the early 60's!

What is your primary consideration when balancing heritage conservation with the demands of a rapidly changing city?
The importance of continuity in society has been a big issue for me, and, in this regard, I'm driven by a statement by George Seddon: 'Heritage is about enriching the present and future with a living past, and not about old buildings'.

What significant changes in public space over the past few years have helped redefine Sydney as a city?
There is no doubt that the housekeeping that took place before the Olympic Games added a level of sophistication to Sydney. Suddenly it seemed to lose that temporary, transient character that lingered before. The transformation was an excellent example of just how important those everyday components of the public domain really are.

How do you see Sydney evolving as a city over the next five years?
I fear that it will evolve in the same haphazard way that it always has. At the political level, where it really matters, there is no real culture of true city planning here.

In your opinion what personal qualities make a good architect?
I've often said 'Show me a good architect and I'll show you a stubborn person'. But, like everything in life, the timing is critical, just when to be stubborn!

How can architects respond to environmental concerns and create sustainable spaces?
One of the constraints on environmental sustainability has been the rigid attitude of many of the supply authorities ... I am a little uncomfortable at the way ESD is becoming a building 'feature', and not being integrated into the architecture as discreetly as, say the plumbing.

Which Australian building excites you most?
I never fail to get a kick from the way the shells of the Opera House reflect the weather - I can see a photograph of them now and almost know what time of the year and what time of day it was taken. How good is that?

Best view you've seen from a building site?
The view of Sydney Harbour from Redleaf, the Woollahra Council site, is hard to beat, especially on a good summer's day when the beach is nicely inhabited.

If not architect, what would you be?
I can't possibly imagine.