An International Conference to explore approaches to the preservation of urban built heritage, with a focus on Melbourne
Aerial view of Melbourne from the Eureka Tower with the National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road in the foreground
The Australian Institute of Art History, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts (School of Culture and Communication, and the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies) the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, and the University Library hosted a conference on urban heritage, with a focus on Melbourne.
The aim of this three day conference was to bring together specialists from Australia and around the world to discuss issues concerning urban heritage, referencing their own experiences, approaches, opportunities, inhibitions, successes and disappointments, before an audience of both specialists and interested generalists. The conference dedicated a day to the global experience, with an emphasis on Asia, and subsequently two days on Australia, with an emphasis on Melbourne.
In Melbourne we have recently experienced a growing community debate on urban planning issues, the role of the Minister for Planning, the role of the MCC, and the role of the property development sector. A major aspect of this civic discourse, which we felt requires greater discussion and understanding, is the protection of urban built heritage. The global focus was important for contextual reasons, but overall one of the aims of the conference was to engage in a serious discussion about some fundamental questions:
- What are the key urban heritage issues, problems and solutions facing cities in the UK, the USA, and Asia?
- What is the history of the urban heritage debate in Melbourne?
- What heritage and planning legislation do we have in place?
- Are our legislative and planning processes still fit for purpose?
- Why is there such disquiet in the community?
- What can be done to improve and rationalise the traditional stand-off between the development sector and the heritage lobby?
Speakers
Professor Andrew Saint (UK)
A senior advisor to English Heritage, and currently General Editor of the influential Survey of London (former Professor of Architecture at Cambridge University). More information...
Dr Ron VAN OERS (China)
Vice Director, World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for Asia and the Pacific (WHITRAP) under the auspices of UNESCO Shanghai CHINA. More information...
Matthew Hu Xinyu
Beijing Hutong Museum
Professor Philip Goad
The University of Melbourne. More information...
Associate Professor Doug Hall
University of Melbourne and former Director of the Queensland Art Gallery. More information...
The Hon. Tim Smith
Chair, Accountability Round Table. More information...
Shane Green
Associate Editor, The Age. More information...
Professor Kate Darian-Smith
The University of Melbourne
Andrew Andersons
Director PTW Architects, Sydney. More information...
Catherine Heggen
Message Consultants Australia Pty Ltd. More information...
Mary Drost
More information...
Professor Gerard Vaughan
University of Melbourne, conference convener
Rupert Mann
Yangon Heritage Trust. More information...
Associate Professor Duanfang Lu
Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney. More information...
Emeritus Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor Graeme Davison
Monash University. More information...
Paul Roser
Senior Manager Conservation and Advocacy, National Trust. More information...
Ray Tonkin
Former Executive Director of Heritage Victoria. More information...
Brad Jessup
University of Melbourne. More information...
Limited Places
The AIAH was awarded a grant from the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation, this generous funding enabled us to offer a limited number of free places for University of Melbourne staff, Victorian tertiary students and representatives from voluntary organisations.