Worthy of Protection? After World War II the introduction of office blocks transformed the skyline of our capital cities. Australia Square with its striking building, retail shops, car parking and public plaza is an amalgamation of what was once 30 small inner city sites of Sydney. Photograph courtesy of Compass Management and Leasing As a community, we generally agree that significant places dating from the 18th and 19th century are important to keep for future generations. But what about buildings and structures from our more recent past? Why should we conserve 20th century items? How do we decide what to keep? As the year 2000 approaches, it is time to think about the achievements, history and heritage of the 20th century. Every generation leaves behind material evidence of its history and development. However, when we consider the architecture or remains of the more recent past, we tend to undervalue their significance. While the heritage and architectural qualities of an old and beautiful mansion of the 19th century can be readily enjoyed, it is perhaps not so easy to appreciate a high-rise office block of the 1960s. We may dismiss it as ugly and commonplace and of no significance. However, the concrete and glass high-rise may also be representative of significant changes in Australian history. This century has seen enormous social, political, economic and technological changes which have dramatically altered our cultural landscape. As a community our challenge is to keep items that can tell us about some of the significant changes in the history of NSW. It is important to think now about what we want to pass on to future generations. Lack of recognition and appreciation of our 20th century heritage has meant that significant places have already disappeared or have been altered unsympathetically. One of the technical challenges in conserving 20th century items is that many buildings of the modern era were built using new materials and technologies. Conserving the fabric of these innovative structures is a challenge. For example, what is the best way to look after concrete, one of the most widely used modern building materials? Often the practical questions of how to conserve a 20th century building are still to be answered. The sheer number of 20th century buildings is another challenge. This century has seen a number of architecture themes and styles. There is a wonderful range and variety of 20th century buildings. But how do we decide which places to keep? Research and assessment is one way to select the buildings which will be of the greatest value to future generations. People react passionately to post-war architecture. Many of the buildings of the 1960s/70s were not loved by the community who saw in them harsher styles and unattractive materials. While to some a building is ugly and alienating, to others it can be an exciting and fascinating example of contemporary architecture. This lack of consensus means that listing of 20th century heritage, and post-war places in particular, is a complex process and needs be accompanied by much public debate and interest. The Heritage Office is launching the discussion on how to protect our 20th century heritage with a series of talks during the Heritage Festival. Four members of the Heritage Council will lead our reflections on these questions. The Talks Wednesday, 17th March: Richard Mackay is Managing Director of Godden Mackay Logan, Heritage Consultants. He will draw upon his interaction with communities all around Australia to explore contemporary notions of community esteem and social value. Wednesday, 24 March: Evelyn Crawford, of the Barkandji tribe from the far west of NSW, will draw on her personal and professional experience as Manager of the Aboriginal Heritage Division of the National Parks & Wildlife Service to review the advancements in official recognition of the breadth and depth of Aboriginal heritage. Wednesday, 31 March: Associate Professor Ian Jack from the Department of History, Sydney University, is an alternate member of the Heritage Council nominated by the RAHS . He has written extensively on historical and heritage issues. Wednesday, 7 April: Joan Domicelj is Australia's delegate to the International Centre for the Restoration and Preservation of Cultural Property, Rome (ICCROM). All talks commence at 6:00 p.m. at the Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of NSW. The Debate Wednesday, 21 April, 6:00 pm: The Galleries, The State Library of NSW The four speakers are joined by journalist David Dale, who will be moderator, for a lively discussion and debate of the ideas that have emerged from the talks. Audience participation is invited! Cost: $5 each talk, $10 for debate, $20 ($15 concession) for talks and debate. Bookings advisable, contact Lisa Rogers at the Heritage Office on tel: (02) 9849 9552.