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Monash University > News and Events > Monash Memo
From warehouse to your house
14 October 2009
Monash researchers have delved into the history of Melbourne and Geelong focusing on changes from the 1970s until the present day.
The research looks at the two cities' reinvention after factories and warehouses were closed down and operations moved overseas.
As a result, the cities were left with large, empty industrial spaces. With consumption the key driver, these spaces were then transformed into chic and stylish residential properties.
Dr Seamus O'Hanlon from the School of Historical Studies in the Faculty of Arts said these buildings were a rich historical resource.
"While our research focused on local areas around Melbourne and Geelong, the results play an integral role in the story of economic and social change that was occurring on a global scale," he said.
The study examined areas around inner-city Melbourne such as Southbank, Docklands, Fitzroy, Prahran and South Yarra, as well as the Waterfront in Geelong.
Outcomes from the research were then compared to a similar study conducted on inner London by geographers at King's College, London.
"Looking at this phenomenon at an international level provided a deep insight into why it occurred, the similarities and differences between the cities and what this means for the future of our urban spaces," Dr O'Hanlon said.
"Another interesting element to the research was its multi-disciplinary nature.
“We had researchers from different faculties and different disciplines all contributing their expertise."
The other key researchers on the project were Professor Tony Dingle from the Faculty of Business and Economics, who investigated the economic reasons behind the transformations of the cities and PhD student Adrian Regan, who covered the Geelong region.
Other researchers from the geography, sociology, history, economics and architecture disciplines also participated.
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