Lessons learnt from past bushfires in Victoria have not necessarily been understood, and more lessons have been accumulating as towns in East Gippsland / Gunaikurnai-Bidwell Country continue an arduous recovery after the 2019-20 fires. Such disasters raise questions around the moral role of architects and built environment experts amidst efforts to recover quickly, especially through the tangibility of buildings.

Rethinking Regional Recovery presents the works of Monash University Master of Architecture students. The projects speculate on how we might deepen our understanding of the implications of what we design and build through respect for vernacular peculiarities, local knowledge and the deconstruction of sectoral silos. The small to mid-scale architectural interventions aim to re-think, challenge and re-imagine traditional design processes by leveraging interdisciplinary approaches towards long-term socio-spatial recovery.

Waterfront is proudly presented by Centre for Architecture Victoria | Open House Melbourne, in partnership with DELWP and East Gippsland Shire Council.