Modernism Matters: Reflecting on Perth’s Mid-Century Legacy
- James Lesh
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 48 minutes ago
Heritage Workshop recently participated in a dynamic forum at the State Library of Western Australia, titled Modernism Matters: Architecture, Identity, and Innovation in WA, part of the Boorloo (Perth) Heritage Festival 2026.
Dr James Lesh was the invited keynote speaker. He then joined a panel with Stuart Harrison, Greg Howlett (COX Architecture), Associate Professor Kate Hislop (UWA), and author Warren Andersen. The discussion focused on the architectural innovation of the 1950s to the 1970s—a period that fundamentally reshaped the Australian built environment.
Keynote from Heritage Workshop
Dr James Lesh opened the evening’s discussion by providing a strategic overview of the conservation of modernism in Victoria. By drawing on his experience in the Victorian planning system, he highlighted broader national themes regarding how we value and protect the mid-century past. This cross-border perspective set the tone for the night, framing modernism not as a local curiosity, but as a significant chapter in Australia’s urban development that requires a consistent, best-practice conservation approach.
In the Victorian context, postwar commercial towers, community gathering places, factories and warehouses, and mid-century residences face unique development pressures. When we understand the original design intent—such as the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces or the use of experimental materials—we can facilitate changes that respect the place's identity while meeting contemporary needs.
Design, Education, Global Perspectives
The forum benefited from a cross-disciplinary panel that integrated architecture, history, and education. A/Professor Kate Hislop (UWA) discussed the vital role universities play in shaping public understanding of modernist heritage through research and education. By grounding heritage in academic research, we can move beyond nostalgia and provide the evidence-based analysis required for robust heritage outcomes.
From a design and sustainability perspective, Greg Howlett (COX Architecture) and Stuart Harrison explored the complexities of upgrading mid-century stock. They addressed how adaptive reuse can be applied to buildings that do not meet current standards. The discussion highlighted that climate-aligned heritage strategies—focusing on embodied energy and design review—are essential for ensuring these structures remain viable in a high-density future.
Warren Andersen brought an international lens to the conversation, looking at lessons from Los Angeles and Palm Springs. These regions have successfully utilised tax breaks, incentives, and non-profit outreach to protect their modernist fabric. Applying these global insights to the Australian context could provide new pathways for incentivising owners to conserve and adapt their mid-century properties.
Launching Perth Modern
The evening culminated in the official launch of Perth/Boorlo Modern, a new forum dedicated to the advocacy and study of Western Australia’s modernist legacy. Perth Modern will integrate heritage research, professional practice, and public policy, ensuring that mid-century innovation remains central to the conversation about our future cities.
For Heritage Workshop, participating in this event reinforces our commitment to community collaboration for positive heritage futures. By valuing 20th-century innovation today, we ensure that these extraordinary places continue to provide social, economic, and environmental value for decades to come.
Photographs courtesy of Anthony Tran, Instagram/@architectureofiwaniwanoff.
Managing modernist heritage requires a specialist understanding of both architectural history and pragmatic planning. Dr James Lesh and the team at Heritage Workshop provide the strategic guidance needed to navigate these complexities across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
