Robert Raymond (Bob) Woodward AM (5 June 1923 – 21 February 2010) was an Australian architect who gained widespread recognition for his innovative fountain designs.
[2][3][4][5] Robert Raymond Woodward was born in Wentworthville in Sydney's western suburbs, the son of a public service accountant.
[7] He was initially stationed with the Lachlan Macquarie 54th Regiment in Bathurst, then at Victoria Barracks where he completed an armoury course at East Sydney Technical College.
Woodward later explained that being in the army at a young age had taught him to be responsible for the work he was doing and how to give instructions effectively.
[5] Woodward commenced his architectural degree in 1947 and was impressed by teachers such as Leslie Wilkinson, George Molnar and Lloyd Rees.
As a student he worked for Harry Divola and Peddle Thorp & Walker, while he represented Australia in the 440-yard hurdles at the 1950 British Empire Games in New Zealand.
[1][9] After graduating with honours in 1952 he joined the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and worked briefly for Peddle Thorp & Walker, detailing industrial buildings, but soon headed off for England.
He considered that "architects need to understand materials" and was impressed by 'Aalto's multi-disciplinary approach where landscape is involved in the building, and interior design, lighting, furnishings, fabrics...
[3] Combining his architectural and earlier metalwork training he developed the "dandelion" inspired fountain which became one of the world's most copied designs.
[6] Following this, he was commissioned to design a fountain for the High Court of Australia Building in Canberra, a cascade beside the ceremonial ramp.