Appreciating Modern
Recognising interesting buildings of the 1940s and 50s and beyond is now part of the work of heritage consultants. Louise Honman, an award winning design and heritage architect says “modern architecture can often be inspiring in its use of simple forms, economy of structure, and adaptability to new uses”.
Modern architecture, with its preoccupation with new forms, space, light and colour is an important expression of its time, and is well worthy of recognition. Recent investigation of a Benalla office building designed in 1958 revealed its importance as a small, bold experiment in modern design. As a result, it has now achieved State listing. Now looking forward from what was an uncertain future, this building is being considered for a new use as part of the council complex.
‘Aviation inspired’ is the best way to describe one of the industrial buildings at the edge of Essendon airport, a precinct that is a microcosm of early aviation in Melbourne’s north-west. Through Context research, this factory designed for making aircraft components has been recognised as the work of one of Melbourne’s foremost ‘between the wars’ architects – Harry Norris. This building of astonishing light and economy of structure was designed in 1956, and although now being remodelled, most of the important roof structure is being retained.