Northern Beaches Council is embarking on a significant initiative to identify and protect the architectural gems of the Northern Beaches and seeks the community’s input and suggestions. 

The Modern Architecture Study, supported by a grant from Heritage NSW, has been commissioned to identify notable Modernist and Mid-Century Modern buildings on the Northern Beaches.  It will contain two sections: the preparation of a thematic history of the modern architecture movement in the Northern Beaches and the identification and assessment of prime local examples of the movement from the 1940s through to the 1970s.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said there are some wonderful examples of mid-century and modernist buildings, both commercial and residential, hidden in our suburbs. 

“Together we can take a proactive step to safeguard the rich architectural legacy of our community. 

“By identifying and preserving these buildings, we are not only protecting our past but also shaping our future, ensuring the future generations can appreciate the unique character of our built environment.

“To ensure we have a complete picture of our Modernist architectural heritage, we are reaching out to you for your support and recommendations. We want to hear from you, your input will play a vital role in shaping our heritage preservation.” 

There are few Modernist buildings on Council’s heritage list, which is dominated by examples from the Victorian, Federation and Inter-War years. This study will ensure that notable buildings from the Modernist era are also included and protected by heritage listing.  

Spurred on by technological and economic changes during this post WWII period, as well as the increased accessibility of the area, building designs rapidly changed. Notable architects of the day such as Harry Seidler, Peter Mueller, Bruce Rickard and Arthur Baldwinson, amongst others, were increasingly commissioned to design buildings that either embraced the increased availability of new building materials such as reinforced concrete, steel and large pane glass or were designed to sit within the local landscape and embrace natural materials, giving rise to the ‘Sydney Regional School’ of architecture’ and ‘Organic Architecture’.

More information about this study and how to nominate a building for consideration, go to Council’s website here to have your say. Nominations are now open and will close on Sunday 9 June 2024.