The Great Heritage Debate

Tue 9 Sep 2025 9:00am5:00pm

Venue

The University of Queensland
Room: 
Room 275, Global Change Institute Building

UQ's Architecture Theory Culture History Research Centre (ATCH) presents...

The Great Heritage Debate

Date and Time: Tues Sept 9 – 5pm
Location: Room 275, Global Change Institute Building, The University of Queensland
Registration: Ticket registration here

Is heritage helping or hindering our cities today? Heritage is up for debate in our city. Come hear why and what you need to understand to help shape our urban future.

This debate brings together members of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning’s ATCH (Architecture Theory Culture History) Research Centre, with key figures in heritage and urbanism, to discuss, debate and expand our understanding of how heritage operates in Brisbane today.

Heritage is being positioned by some as a block on upgrading cities to incorporate more dense and affordable housing, and as a form of cultural dominance.

  • But how did heritage protection start, and what is its purpose? Who is heritage for?
  • Can heritage contribute to solving rather than exacerbating urban and social problems?
  • Can heritage itself be renovated to incorporate valuable places from contemporary society that need preserving and protecting?
  • How can heritage be a social rather than individual value?

This event is presented as part of UQ Research and Innovation Week.