In 1978, architectural commentator Norman Day described Melbourne as ‘an empty useless city centre’. 

The city’s transformation since the 1980s has been dramatic. 

Today, Melbourne is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most liveable cities, with a vibrant, urbane downtown. There are many reasons for this dramatic turnaround but the return of residents to the downtown 21 years ago is generally acknowledged as a major contributing factor. 

Comparisons to Paris, New York and even Hong Kong have been made by many to describe and market the nature of this change, and certainly Melbourne has in small part similarities with these cities. But, at its heart, Melbourne is distinctive. It has been the product of many influences over its nearly 180 years and the current growth in its large residential and student population is the latest phase in its development.

Postcode 3000: a city transformed? is an exhibition curated by Rob Adams that looks at the genesis and typologies of this change and its ongoing impact on the form and vitality of central Melbourne. It asks the question: do we fully comprehend the impact of this latest boom?

Location

City Gallery
Ground 110 Swanston Street
Melbourne Vic 3000
Enter via Halftix

Dates and Times

22/08/2013 to 21/12/2013

> via thatmelbourne.com.au