The sad demise of Perth's FESA building.
A rant.
As a West Australian who is not a Philistine (see December 29 post on Modernist Australia's facebook page), and a lover of Brutalist architecture, I feel it would be remiss of me not to mention the continued lack of foresight by the big-wigs who make decisions in our state.
image via Modernist Australia
This is the Fire and Emergency Services building, built in 1979. Feast your eyes on its concrete magnificence while you can, because it's about to bite the dust to make way for another five star hotel. While I know it's probably not everyone's cup of tea - it is a very special building which (i.m.o.) should be preserved as a rare (and beautiful) example of architecture of its type. There are not many buildings like this (left) here in the West.
There is a history of stuff like this happening in Perth. So many amazing buildings gone and forgotten, because, in a nutshell, money talks. In the 80's I went to school in the heart of the city, and even then as an ignorant teenager I knew it wasn't a good thing when I noticed the wanton destruction of lovely old buildings around me. And there were many of them - their replacements, for the most part, truly diabolical!
Unfortunately the FESA building missed out on a heritage listing, the new hotel destined to replace it is a done deal. What a shame. People are gonna scratch their heads about this decision one day...some of us already are.
Thanks for reading x
image via (interesting article too)
Sounds like you live in Queensland...such a shame brutalist architecture is so under-appreciated. Money does talk...sadly. :(
ReplyDeleteIts amazing awe inspiring what a shame.....dx
ReplyDeleteOh I didn't know that it was doomed...I don't get into the heart of the city all that often but have very fond memories of buildings no longer there.....don' t they call it progress??? x
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame! Around here, buildings can only be considered for historic status if the owner makes application, and the problem is that most owners choose not to do so, because it limits their prospects for selling. The blame for demolition of all the architecturally significant homes in Fort Worth lately falls squarely on the heads of the billionaire families who own them. Although they already have more money than they could spend in 10 lifetimes, it appears the almightly dollar is more important than preserving history.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart to keep hearing the same story from my blog friends around the globe. Apparently greed is universal, but a social conscience isn't.
Oh man that building was the bees knees. if it were in Melbourne it would be turned into apartments. Apartment buildings are going up everywhere here. I can't believe it didn't get a heritage listing. I'm loving the "ranty" you by the way Kylie!
ReplyDeleteI think it is a very powerful statement of the construction and attitudes of that time and feel very sorry that they are going to let this one go. It happens here too, well in Hobart that is. At the moment there is a 70s structure that to the untrained eye looks unimaginative and unfashionable but luckily there are a LOT of people who will not let it go gently and it might still be saved. Launceston's skyline is heritage listed and that means nobody can build above the tallest building which is 7 stories and no-one can alter the skyline without approval from the heritage board. That means, no-one can decide they like a bit of land or decide something is pase. While it does make some developers feel hog tied at least we can still be proud of the eclectic and diverse character of our city. Even in Launceston we have a 70's grey block but it still has something important to say about the times we lived in. This is a very important post and I'm glad you did it. As ever, passionately yours in protest, Tanya x
ReplyDeleteMaintain your rage Kylie!
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame, I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteI teach brutalist Architecture to my yr 10's, I hope one day that might help.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing x
What a shame - it's such a classic. I hate it when history is destroyed.
ReplyDeleteOh my, I'm shedding a tear here, Kylie! Over here too, people are only beginning to see the value in 60s and 70s architecture, and so many gems have been lost through the years. It hasnt been lack of appreciation alone either, during the 70s there was a very pragmatic and unsentimantal approach towards city renewal. Nowadays, it's much easier to protect what is commonly considered cute or beautiful. Such a shame. protest marsh, I say!!
ReplyDeleteOhhh what a shame! It is an awesome building :(
ReplyDeleteSuch lack of foresight, we never seem to learn. Our government is desperate to bulldoze our ancient forests and build on them. If they can't get the legislation through one way, they try another. When everything is lost, then we will decry all our terrible decisions. Makes me so sad. Xx
ReplyDeleteIts very sad to see old building go we are lucky in England that so many of our old buildings are protected and brought back to life. Happy new year, dee x
ReplyDeleteWe really need some people with common sense & a passion for our heritage rather than money in the government...perhaps when hell freezes over. What a shame...if they had the chance they would probably demolish the Colosseum & build a hotel.
ReplyDeleteYay kylie......l fully support your views!
nelly
Ah yes. Brisbania knows all too well the history of the disappearing iconic building. Who makes these decisions anyway. Guarantee it's nobody who knows or cares about design, history or architecture.
ReplyDeleteman that building was the bees knees. if it were in Melbourne it would be turned into apartments. Apartment buildings are going up everywhere here. I can't believe it didn't get a heritage listing.
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