Graduating from The Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage
The University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Design
Graduation Ceremony at The Royal Exhibition Building
At the start of this year, I embarked on an incredible journey at The University of Melbourne, undertaking a Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage. The program teaches the fundamental principles of heritage conservation across various international, national, and local contexts. It prepares graduates to enter the heritage industry with the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to tackle complex heritage issues.
The program offered various engaging learning experiences, from lectures by academics and Industry experts to site visits to see conservation work in action, learning how to conduct archival research, and working with peers on group projects. One of the highlights of this course was completing the MUCH Heritage Industry Internship with Melbourne-based Conservation Architecture and Consulting Practice - Conservation Studio, where I now work as a Heritage and Research Consultant.
As well as the course components, being part of The Melbourne School of Design - MSD Community gave me access to a wide range of social events, seminars and workshops, all of which enriched my experience as a student and helped me network and make connections within the industry.
I am incredibly grateful to my tutors Stuart King, Soon-Tzu Speechley, mentor Dan Blake, and the Melbourne School of Design for every opportunity this year has provided, and I look forward to continuing my journey as Uni Melbourne Alumni.
Key Highlights of the Year
Issues and Techniques in Global Heritage - Site Visit to The Royal Exhibition Building
We visited the World Heritage Listed Royal Exhibition Building to learn about the management, interpretation and conservation of a site recognised for its outstanding universal value as part of our Issues and Techniques in Global Heritage unit. We learned the importance of ongoing strategies to improve the interpretation and recognition of the site's Traditional Owner and First People’s Cultural Values.
We saw conservation work in action with the stabilisation of painted murals in the Great Hall, viewed artefacts from the 1880 and 1888 International Exhibitions and ascended the many steps to the reinstated Dome Promenade, where we took in Melbourne’s skyline. Site visits are essential to the learning experience, as they enable us to gain insights into the specific challenges facing heritage sites, building a deep appreciation of heritage values, here in Melbourne and around the globe.
King’s Trust Australia (formerly Prince’s Trust Australia) Architectural Drawing Workshop
In collaboration with King’s Trust Australia (formerly Prince’s Trust Australia), INTBAU (International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism) & DES Student Society, this architectural drawing workshop introduced students to the concept of sketching ‘en plein air’ (outdoors). We observed the 1888 building on campus and sketched using a range of observational techniques shown to us. We also learned about the Five Classical Orders of Architecture and the proportional systems used to draw them. We drew a Tuscan Order using the same methods that have been used for centuries. This workshop at the university also introduced me to one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever participated in, The King’s Foundation Summer School in Scotland.
Urban and Landscape Heritage Unit - Case Study Royal Park
Over two intensive weeks, Master of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban and Cultural Heritage students came together to learn about the layers of significance within urban landscapes. The Urban and Landscape Heritage intensive fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between students with different perspectives and skill sets, allowing for a richer understanding of the relationships between community, environment and heritage.
We focused on Royal Park, attending a site visit to observe and map our experiences by creating a ‘deep map’ of the layers of cultural significance. We then presented our observations, which included a need for better recognition of the Park's Aboriginal Cultural Values, a continued effort to protect remnant bushland and support for the continuation of community use. We then worked on creating a Management Plan to protect these values and a Creative Interpretation Proposal. We also visited Reimagining Birrarung at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia to see how landscapes and waterways might be revitalised in future.
MSDX Summer Exhibition
I was delighted to have my work exhibited at the MSDX Summer Exhibition in November. A video on display showcased several students’ Internship and Thesis experiences. I shared my journey as an Intern at Conservation Studio and how this placement transitioned into employment.
A collection of reports from Issues and Techniques on Global Heritage and Principles of Heritage and Conservation were exhibited and showcased a range of issues and challenges facing heritage.
My report, "Changing the Fate of Endangered Traditional Building Crafts by Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage," highlighted several key concerns for the future of these crafts, such as an aging skilled workforce, limited skills transmission, and a lack of awareness of available career pathways. The report examined three case studies in which digital technologies have been used to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of continuing these crafts. If you would like to read this report, please contact me.
La Trobe’s Cottage Case Study
La Trobe’s Cottage is the home of Victoria’s First Lieutenant Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe. The original structure was a modest prefabricated timber design shipped from England and constructed in 1839. It experienced many challenges and changes throughout its history, left to deteriorate for many years before being relocated and reconstructed twice. It is now in the care of The National Trust of Australia (Victoria), where dedicated volunteers oversee its operation and regular maintenance.
I had the opportunity to explore this site from two different perspectives. In the unit Principles of Heritage and Conservation, I investigated the conservation history of the site, its journey through changes, and what the future might hold for this structure. This involved archival research in databases like The State Library of Victoria, Trove and even a visit to The National Trust Archives. In the unit Measured Drawings and Digital Heritage, I learned how to assess and document the existing conditions with measured drawings and use digital technologies such as photogrammetry to create a 3D Digital model.
I found it very interesting to focus on one site across these two units as it allowed me to see how this approach of research and documentation would be useful in practice to create a full picture of the site’s history.
MUCH Heritage Industry Internship - Conservation Studio
Earlier in the year, I participated in the ICOMOS Mentor Program at the university, where students were paired with an Industry Mentor to discuss heritage practice, potential career pathways and attend site visits. I was paired with Dan Blake from Conservation Studio. This was a great learning experience that led to me completing the MUCH Heritage Industry Internship with Conservation Studio, where I was able to visit multiple sites, worked on a research project to uncover the original paint scheme of a heritage building and saw the many responsibilities of a Conservation Architect and Heritage Consultant.
I am delighted to share that I have now joined the Conservation Studio Team as a Heritage and Research Consultant.
The Master of Urban and Cultural Heritage has provided me with so many amazing experiences and prepared me to enter the industry, creating the connections that led to employment. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as I take this next step in my professional journey and continue working towards becoming a Conservation Architect.
