

Launched within the shiny new suites of Melbourne Connect’s LAB-14 co-working space,
Moving beyond the limits of built environment, the theme expands our concept of place, city, and sites of significance with building tours, talks, and destinations activated by art.
At the program launch we heard from Fleur Watson, OHM’s executive director and curator, Peter Maddison, architect and long-time OHM ambassador, and Tara McDowell, director of curatorial practice at Monash University. They shared their highlights for the upcoming program. Here’s a few we’ve hand-picked and why we think they’ll be so good!
Be sure to
1. This Public: Built/Unbuilt – the Weekend Opening Speaker Series, Friday 29 July at The Capitol, RMIT University
Why are we excited?
Well firstly, the speaker line-up looks juicy! There’s architects Kerstin Thompson and Amy Muir; urban designer and landscape architect, Mark Jacques; founder and chair of the Boon Wurrung Foundation, N’arweet Carolyn Briggs AM; architect Jefa Greenaway with Christine Phillips and Jock Gilbert, Samaneh Moafi of Forensic Architecture, and Caitlyn Parry.
For this talk they’ve been asked to reflect on projects that amplify and register cultural memories, pre-histories and knowledges of place that are deeply present in the buildings, spaces and landscapes of our city. A great way to

2. Queen & Collins building tour
Why?
This newly completed precinct has caught our attention with its Neo-Gothic architectural flair, the way in which it has been embedded into the city, and the precinct’s own unique features – including Venetian-inspired courtyards. We

3. Take Hold Of The Clouds – exhibition programming
Why?
We love that the OHM program has expanded into a series of site-specific – and actually specifically non-site in one case – works.
4. Julia McInern’s Joanna at Villa Alba
Why?
Who could forget the beauty of Villa Alba during Melbourne Design Week this year –what a mysterious and evocative stage it offered for the designers who showcased there. Which is why we’re looking forward to returning to see McInern’s installation, entitled Joanna after the artist’s mother.

5. Snack Syndicate at Victorian Trades Hall & Literary Institute
Why?
Doesn’t this sound like fun? Snack Syndicate will revive the historic 3KZ radio station for These Thoughts Large and Public (2022), a series of readings, talks and conversations around the history and future of labour. The talks will take place in Solidarity Hall, recently renovated by Lovell Chen, with invited guests discussing labour history, First Nations’ organising, sex work and social reproduction, artistic labour, the gig economy and the history of the building.
6. Glenroy Community Hub by DesignInc – tour
Why?
Having just written about this project for our upcoming issue of

7. Hütt 01 Passivhaus – building tour
Why?
Peter Maddision recounted the fascinating and heart-rending story of this dwelling, soon to feature on Grand Designs. Envisaged and project managed by its owners on a curious block of land, it endured a fire prior to move-in and was rebuilt again. Most interesting to us, it’s a certified Passivhouse ‘Premium’, producing more energy than it uses.

8. Brighton’s Billilla Historic Mansion – building tour
Why?
In a city that sports so much new and exciting architecture, we can’t help but love the historic buildings. OHM will be a rare opportunity to see this 1878-built mansion and its beautiful estate.

9. Market Lane by Elenberg Fraser – building tour
Why?
We’ve

10. Victorian Holocaust Museum by Kerstin Thompson Architects – building tour
Why?
A last minute addition to the program is the brand new Victorian Holocaust Museum. It’s a rare opportunity to see this space, freshly finished.

Open House Melbourne runs 30 and 31 July 2022.
Open House Melbourne
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