22 August 2013 to 18 January 2014
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? was an exhibition that looked at the genesis and typologies of this change and its ongoing impact on the form and vitality of central Melbourne. It asked the question: do we fully comprehend the impact of this latest boom?
Curated by Rob Adams
Rob is currently the Director of City Design at the City of Melbourne and a member of the Urbanization Council of the World Economic Forum.
With over 40 years experience as an architect and urban designer and 30 years at the City of Melbourne, Rob has made a significant contribution to the rejuvenation of Melbourne.
He and his team have been the recipients of over 120 local, national and international awards including on four occasions receiving the Australian Award for Urban Design.
Rob has also been awarded the Prime Minister’s Environmentalist of the Year Award in 2008 and the Order of Australia in 2007 for his contribution to architecture and urban design.
Some key projects include CH2: Australia’s first six star green commercial office building, Birrarung Marr, Swanston Street, City Square, Sandridge Bridge, East Melbourne Library, Urban Forest Strategy and the City of Melbourne street furniture range to name but a few.
His current interests concern the health and sustainability of the metro city and he has published and presented extensively on the subject of transforming cities for a sustainable future.