The importance of heritage in our built environment is well established. A heritage item may be significant for aesthetic, historic, social, spiritual or technical reasons. Even where a building’s heritage significance is recognised, the usefulness and long term viability of the structure (physical and financial) remain important considerations.
The Australian Institute of Architects (the Institute) believes that at all levels of government, policies and funding are inadequately delivering the potential benefits to the broader community of heritage conservation initiatives. It is important that more rigour is applied to the listing of heritage buildings and places and that adequate funding and resources are available to assist owners of important structures.
The architectural profession has a responsibility to contribute to the conservation and understanding of the built environment. Creativity allied with design skills and an appreciation of the original are required for successful conservation and adaptive re-use.