Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds: Designing Everyday Modernism for Australian Communities 1920–1970
Chief Investigators: Dr Hannah Lewi, Professor Philip Goad, Assoc. Professor Julie Willis (with Professor Kate Darian-Smith & Assoc. Professor John Murphy, the Australia Centre, University of Melbourne)
Funded by: ARC Discovery Project grant 2006–2008
This cross-disciplinary project will construct an historical account of the interconnections between the network of governmental policies and initiatives promoting a healthy and educated citizenry, and the design and use of modern, municipal architecture in mid-century Australia. Detailed analysis of modern building types from around the nation, including kindergartens, sporting facilities, swimming pools, child health clinics, libraries and community centres will constitute an original and important resource for historians, conservationists and architects. Historical findings will inform directions and lessons for future practice in the design, planning and conservation of community infrastructure.