James Lesh has been instrumental to the conservation of Federation Square in Melbourne. It is the first twenty-first century heritage place conserved in Victoria. He provided heritage rationale and historical research to the state heritage listing and the Conservation Management Plan. He also campaigned and organised with the broader community for the protection of the place as a public gathering place – as co-founder of Citizens for Melbourne and the Our City Our Square campaign.
Key Outputs
- Historical Community Response to Federation Square – Conservation Management Plan – with Lovell Chen
- Nomination to Victorian Heritage Register – with Victorian National Trust
- Community Campaign Coordination – with Citizens for Melbourne
Commendations and Awards:
- Australian Institute of Architects – Victorian Chapter – Bates Smart Award for Architecture in Media (Advocacy Award)
- ArchiTeam Cooperative – Sustainability Medal
Links:
- Articles on Federation Square by James Lesh (heritage.city)
- The role of activists in heritage conservation by Christine Phillips and Tania Davidge (ArchitectureAU)
- Federation Square Homepage