Australian architects urge government to scrap parliament security fence plan

The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has asked the federal government to put on hold plans which would result in an "intrusive" 2.6 meter-high fence being erected around the Parliament House in Canberra.

The plan was approved by Parliament last month as an added security measure for the House, but the peak body's national president, Professor Ken Maher said there had a been a "lack of consideration" and consultation before Parliament approved the fence.

"The institute is deeply concerned about the lack of consideration of the fence's impact on the heritage value and design of this most significant building," Maher said in comments published in Thursday's newspapers.

Australia's Parliament House was designed by renowned Italian architect Romaldo Giurgola and was built in 1988, with the design allowing Australians to walk freely along the grass which acts as a roof for the building.

Maher said the decision to erect a fence was against the public interest, and did not strike an important balance between safety and allowing people the freedom to access the House's grounds, as it was designed.

"It is essential that on behalf of the Australian people, the fabric and intent of the design of Parliament House is protected now and into the future," Maher said.

"We have requested that further information be released and discussion entered into about less intrusive options to enhance the security of the building."

The AIA represents more than 12,000 Australian architects. Endit