James Lesh explores the relationship between skyscrapers and heritage buildings. He considers best-practice models for constructing high-rise buildings within low-rise historic environments. This provides a model for how architects and planners can create sophisticated design responses to maintain heritage values amidst the inevitability of urban change. His case study examines Sydney’s MLC Building, Perth’s Bond Tower and Melbourne’s Rialto Towers to provide a national perspective on the phenomenon of skyscraper development in Australia’s historic CBD areas.
Key Outputs
- International Research Article
- Lectures for Planning, Architecture and Heritage postgraduate students
Commendations and Awards:
- History Fellow’s Essay Prize, University of Melbourne
Links:
- Read the article: From Modern to Postmodern Skyscraper Urbanism and the Rise of Historic Preservation in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, 1969-1988.
- Check out James’ heritage.city blog on the Rialto Towers rejuvenation