Melbourne & Australian Architecture Topics

Fools!

OK, it is not the best building in Melbourne, but it is like keeping only the best of your teeth and loosing the rest; the result is simply terrible.

You can't tell me that the developers and their designers can't come up with some creative way of improving access and keeping the important elements of this building. Have you stood back and seen the roof structures? Reminds me of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic stadium. A wonderful and inspiring clutch of antenna spires.

I'm in. I'm not very good at organising these sort of things though.

ok well let's set up a meeting time for those interested in organising something.. hmm.. how about next Wednesday 5th of August 6pm? In the CBD somewhere.. I'll have to try and think of a suitable venue..

Re: protest - Should contact the Natioanl Trust and Art Deco Society - Im sure they will join in !

There's so much to write about this. I'm certainly appalled but not shocked by the decision. I just get the feeling this deal was done a long time ago. The deal smacks of Brumby. Just one more reason for him to go.

I'm a regular listener of The Architects on 3RRR and I thought I'd catch them to find out their response. It is very much a show with a focus on modern architecture but even they felt that the facade should be retained.

I would like to be involved with some protest. It's interesting in the paper today that the Windsor have revealed plans to 'rejuvenate' the top end of Bourke St. Again, no clearly historic building is harmed but others just slightly more marginal are slated for demolition. Council heritage overlays are likely to be tested and this Council has proven that they are no protection at all. Big questions about how this city will look and feel do not seem to be discussed and yet they are our greatest advantage!

As far as a protest goes, if its anything like the Eastern Arcade then demolition will done on the weekend when the traffic is slow. On the other hand if it something needs to be public then the Town Hall would be the place.

I've just written to both. Hope to hear back soon.

Then I'll announce the protest so that we can get some decent numbers.

Without decent numbers it will look a little hollow, but I'm sure we can drum up some support.

Without a protest, this could be a real turning point for heritage in Melbourne. If heritage lists mean nothing to the City of Melbourne and the state government then the character of the whole CBD and inner suburbs are very vulnerable.