Still the Problem Child? Reflecting on Modern Heritage in Victoria
- James Lesh
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
In 2013, Professor Philip Goad diagnosed postwar architecture as the "problem child" of the heritage world. Over a decade later, our recent discussion at the Robin Boyd Foundation suggests this era has evolved. While the aesthetic is now undeniably popular in mainstream culture and real estate, the actual protection of these sites remains a complex undertaking.
Today, we might view modernism as a "rebellious teenager": physically awkward as its experimental materials age, frequently misunderstood by rigid statutory systems, yet forcefully carving out a popular identity. We are moving past the era where these buildings were dismissed as mere "bunkers," but the gap between cultural celebration and statutory protection remains a significant professional hurdle.
The Data of Modern Protection
When we look at the hard data from the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR), the scale of the challenge becomes clear. Of the nearly 2,400 places protected at a state level, only 94 date from 1950 onwards—less than four percent of the total register. This suggests a systemic lag in how our heritage frameworks account for the era that fundamentally built modern Victoria.
However, there are "green shoots" appearing in the current decade. Since 2020, over half of all new listings added to the VHR have been post-1950. While the overall rate of state listing is slowing, this shift indicates that the system is finally beginning to pivot toward the 20th-century cultural landscape.
Navigating Physical and Economic Pressures
Conserving modern fabric requires a departure from traditional "light-touch" heritage approaches. The postwar era was a period of unbridled experimentation, leaving us with a legacy of carbonated concrete, failing sealants, and hazardous materials like asbestos. Saving these structures often demands significant capital investment and the pragmatic flexibility to replace failed experimental assemblies with modern equivalents.
Beyond the physical fabric, we must also navigate the "density disconnect". The sprawling, car-centric DNA of the 1950s—exemplified by our middle-ring suburbs and early freeways—often clashes with contemporary demands for walkable, medium-density neighbourhoods. Success in this space requires aligning heritage values with the pressing urban and financial imperatives of the 2020s.
A Localised Strategic Approach
With federal and state listing remaining a highly exclusive process, the burden of management falls largely on local councils. We are seeing a move away from the exhausting "whack-a-mole" approach of individual listings toward more successful "gap studies". By integrating mid-century fabric into existing, robust Heritage Overlays, councils can protect these sites more effectively while reducing political friction.
Ultimately, modern heritage is about more than just elite residential design; it is increasingly tied to social and communal values—the "history from below". From industrial sites to recreation spaces, these places represent the creative and cultural life of our communities. As practitioners, our role is to provide the expert, grounded advice necessary to guide these "teenagers" into a sustainable future.
Work with Heritage Workshop
Navigating the complexities of postwar heritage requires historical insight and a strategic perspective.
Contact Dr James Lesh and the team at Heritage Workshop to discuss how we can help you unlock the value of your modern heritage project through expert policy and planning guidance.
