Architecture collection at the State Library of Victoria

The Library’s Architecture Collection provides an overview of the work of architects in Victoria, and documents the changes in building styles from the late 19th century until recent times.

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/collections/architecture/index.html

eMelbourne – The Encyclopedia of Melbourne Online

The Encyclopedia of Melbourne reflects and encompasses the city’s historical position as one of the world’s pre-eminent nineteenth-century metropolises, and as one of the twenty-first century’s most liveable cities.

http://www.emelbourne.net.au/

ICOMOS (un)loved modern conference – full presentation papers available

http://www.aicomos.com/2009-conference/program/keynote-speakers/

Here’s a very generous collection of papers and presentations made at the ICOMOS (un)loved modern conference, including

• Dr Philip Goad, leading Australian architectural academic and author looks at important post-war era buildings slated for demolition which are appreciated by the professions but eschewed by the public and politicians.
• Richard Johnson, architect and 2008 RAIA Gold Medallist addresss the challenges of re-engaging with the original designer of an iconic, World Heritage-listed building – the Sydney Opera House.
• Leo Schmidt, an art historian from Germany talks about the architecture of Holkham Hall, an English 18th-century country house.
• Dr John Schofield, academic and author from the United Kingdom, used Paul Klee’s (1920) work, Angelus Novus as the starting point for an alternative view of landscape – a reverse perspective on the value and significance of archaeology, landscape and memory, as they apply to the (un)loved modern.
• Dr Theo Prudon, a Dutch-born American academic, author and practicing architect, looks at preserving much loved and appreciated Modern icons in the US with case studies such as the TWA Terminal in New York and Modernist houses of the US north-east which enjoy no legislative protection.
• Susan Macdonald, an Australian architect by training, joined the Getty Conservation Institute in 2008 as Head of Field Projects.

1940s Melbourne at Heide

1940s Melbourne: Photographs by Albert Tucker

Alber Tucker was not only a celebrated painter but an avid photographer. The exhibition includes images of inner city Melbourne including the laneways, gardens and Luna Park.

The exhibition is on between 18 July – 15 November 2009

Heide Museum of Modern Art
7 Templestowe Road
Bulleen Victoria 3105 Australia

http://www.heide.com.au/Exhibitions/1940s_Melbourne

20th Century Society website

Next time you are in the UK…..

From cinemas to chapels, leisure centres to libraries, and phone boxes to factories, The Twentieth Century Society campaigns for the preservation of Britain’s architectural heritage from 1914 onwards….

http://www.c20society.org.uk/

20th C modern building walking tour

The 20th century saw many aesthetic, engineering and technological developments in architecture. Throughout Melbourne there are many wonderful examples of the innovation and beauty of modern architecture.

Despite their relative youth, many buildings from the last century hold significant heritage value, due to their unique or noteworthy designs, or because they have played an important role in our community.

http://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/Learning-education/Exhibitions-activities/Twentieth-century-architecture-tour.aspx

Modernist gas stations

Yes, we know American gas stations are not Victorian housing, but they are really terrific examples of the Modern aesthetic. Our heritage experts have been talking about them online, so we couldn’t resist….

Top 15 Modernist gas stations http://www.oobject.com/category/%20top-15-modernist%20-gas-stations/

The architecture of happiness – Alain de Botton

Alain de Botton is a writer on the philosphy of ‘every day life’.

His book “The architecture of happiness” discusses why one of the great, but often unmentioned, causes of both happiness and misery is the quality of our environment: the kind of walls, chairs, buildings and streets we’re surrounded by.

A fascinating read as to why we are so connected to our houses and homes.

Have a look at his website – http://www.alaindebotton.com/architecture.asp – you can get extracts, reviews and purchase the book online.

Modernist Australia website

For Modernists fans in Australia.

Not only great images of Modern homes, but a clever real estate section that lets you know what Modern style property are up for sale.

http://www.modernistaustralia.com/index.html

great Flickr photo set on Bungalows

One of our staff found this terrific Flickr set of bungalows in the U.S.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/daily-bungalow/collections/72157601292900235/

It demonstrates how Victoria embraced overseas influence in domestic architecture.

Please let us know if you find a similar photos set or blog specifically about Bungalows in Victoria.