As fashion and styles evolved over the centuries, buildings were influenced by the English Renaissance, Neo-Classical, Gothic Revival, Baroque, and Commercial Classicism.
Religion and monarchy, particularly during the reigns of Queen Victoria (1837–1901) and King Edward VII (1901–1910), shaped architecture with grand, opulent buildings that conveyed power and confidence. By recreating familiar designs in new places, settlers could also feel more at home.
As new technologies like reinforced concrete emerged, architectural styles evolved. The focus of planning, design, and construction shifted from ornate decoration to more minimalist styles, influenced by smaller budgets, new building techniques, and the rise of modernism after the World Wars. Our architecture can tell stories of our past, reflecting the aspirations, influences, and innovations of people at the time.