Australia Modern: From the Iconic to the Everyday

Taking inspiration from the latest book on Australian modernism Australia Modern: Architecture, Landscape & Design 1925–1975 edited by Hannah Lewi & Philip Goad and published by Thames & Hudson, this exhibition celebrates twentieth century architecture through newly commissioned photographs and archival images that vividly capture how modernism has shaped Australian society.

The pervasive presence of modernism is inescapable in Australia. Modernist architects and designers set out to rebuild at all scales, from vast infrastructure projects, public health and educational institutions, to new centres of culture, consumption and leisure. The exhibition Australia Modern showcases this legacy with a striking sample of the 100 significant modern sites included in the accompanying book.

In the year of our BE—150 program which celebrates 150 years of built environment education at the University of Melbourne we invite you to join us in exploring modernism’s influence on every facet of life in Australia. Featuring projects from the iconic and the urban to the everyday, the regional and the lesser known, Australia Modern celebrates the modern architects and buildings that will constitute the heritage of tomorrow.

Floor Talk

Join Professor Hannah Lewi and Professor Philip Goad for an intimate discussion of their book Australia Modern: Architecture, Landscape & Design and University of Melbourne exhibition Australia Modern: from the iconic to the everyday.

They will discuss the genesis of the book and exhibition, exploring the histories and anecdotes associated with some of Australia’s most iconic modernist buildings, interiors and landscapes.

Australian Modern is part of the University of Melbourne’s BE–150 program celebrating 150-years of built environment education.

Partners: Hannah Lewi, Professor, University of Melbourne. Philip Goad, Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor and Chair of Architecture, University of Melbourne.

Presented by: The University of Melbourne BE–150

Image – Sydney Ancher House III, 15 Bogota Ave, Neutral Bay, NSW, 1956. Architect: Sydney Ancher.
Photograph: Max Dupain, 1958.