Life And Architecture: Memory, Memory And Identity In Architecture

Boyd (1970, 21) argues that Australians identify lifestyle and architecture as one; The place where we share, eat, play, sleep, hold family activities and create memories – all take place within the ‘home’. The human experience of place over time creates our identity through memory, directly informing the way we perceive, use and design architecture. Personal, social, cultural and political behaviours evolve as time travels onward. Architecture is the platform in which space and time touches us, giving these intangibles a degree of humanity (Pallasmaa 2005, 17). This essay explores the role memory, heritage and identity in architecture, focusing on my home region of the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. Both personal and collective insights are discussed.

Our experiences in a space, shape the way we perceive architecture – the space, structure, surfaces, memory and experiences all play a role in what we may distinguish as spirit of place. The effect this has on us is what shapes our identity, which in turn will be reflected in the architecture. The same qualities can be found in objects, which may have emotional meaning; a catalyst for triggering memories that are significant to us, which differs from the unemotional account of a descendant, to which it is nothing more than a historical narrative, because they were not participant in the past experience, therefore has no connection emotionally. As time moves forward, memories become history; an unemotional, factual account of the past. Nevertheless, history can still have an impact on the way we perceive and use architecture. Uncovering historical artifacts during a renovation, or a visitor with an emotional account of a space, can redefine one’s emotional connection toward a space, expanding both the narrative of the building, enriching our personal experience and creating a sense of connection and “home. As society endures changes, our social values and experiences change with these times. Changing social values in Australia were reflected in the post war period, with economic prosperity spawning the suburban lifestyle, with new modern, forward looking architectural designs gaining popularity – A way to forget the past and focus on the progression of a new wealth. Identity is memory; it is the narrative of who we are. The story of Yallourn shows the damage that can be done when identity is removed from a community. Identity is memory. We use architecture to record our existence, our culture, our heritage. It is the tangible account of who we are, and who we were. To have this taken away from us effectively obliterates our existence – to burn the