Harry Seidler and the Legacy of Modern Architecture in Australia

Harry Seidler is recognized as one of Australia’s most important twentieth-century architects. Many of Seidler’s buildings are now becoming recognized as heritage places. His Rose Seidler house of 1950 was bequeathed to the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales (NSW), and is now a house museum. Seidler was vocal about the ‘heritage industry’, and it is interesting to reflect on these views now that his own buildings are considered worthy of recognition and conservation. The following interview with Harry Seidler’s partner, Penelope Seidler, reflects on the architect’s views on how we manage our heritage and on the interface between contemporary architecture and its conservation.

Figure 3 Australia Square (1967) is a landmark building in the Sydney skyline, which also created a successful urban plaza defined by the circular tower and the lower piloti building. It is arguably Australia’s most important post-war high-rise building, redefining corporate architecture. (Max Dupain)

Susan Macdonald BSc(Arch) B Arch, MA(Conservation Studies), RIBA, PIA

Susan trained as an architect in Australia where she currently works as the Director, Policy and Heritage Management of the NSW Heritage Office. She worked as an architect in London and in the architectural conservation team at English Heritage in the 1990s. She has a keen interest in the conservation of twentieth-century buildings and was the project director for the nomination of Sydney Opera House to the World Heritage List.

More information on the Journal of Architectural Conservation.

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Donhead Publishing 2012