Launched within the shiny new suites of Melbourne Connect’s LAB-14 co-working space, Open House Melbourne (OHM) announced this year’s program theme as Built/Unbuilt, running 30 and 31 July.

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 book early as, in the words of the OHM team: it’s first in best dressed.

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 kick off the program.

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 wrote about it recently here, and you can plan your tour here.

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. Take Hold Of The Clouds refers to the exhibition program which will take over the city. And there at least two pieces in that program which we’ll be visiting:

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. More here

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. Sign me up!

6. Glenroy Community Hub by DesignInc – tour

Why?

Having just written about this project for our upcoming issue of Indesign, the ‘State of Wellbeing’ issue, we can’t wait to experience this destination in the real. Designed as a ‘social connector’ of community, we’re particularly keen to check out its outdoor spaces and the new Glenroy Library, which the architects have envisaged as the new health and wellness space. Add to itinerary

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. I want to see how that happens.

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. Read more

9. Market Lane by Elenberg Fraser – building tour

Why?

We’ve published a lot about this award-winning development and outstanding workplace. This is a rare opportunity to discover its inner realm – including those outdoor office spaces that sit upon the terraces, surrounded by vegetation. More here

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. Read more

Open House Melbourne runs 30 and 31 July 2022.

Open House Melbourne
openhousemelbourne.org