Comedian, radio host and design enthusiast Tim Ross has accused Australia of being hellbent on erasing its architectural past.
With Australia's cities and suburbs experiencing an unprecedented development boom, its architecture of the last 60 years is being destroyed in the process, says Ross.
"Why as a nation are we hellbent on erasing the past? What is it in our national character that makes us think that it's okay to do so?" he asks.
"Our cities and suburbs should be like our record collections with the best of the new stuff, the best of the old stuff and some rubbish to remind us where we've come from. The way we are approaching things today we are embracing the worst of the new stuff and heading down the path to a bogan version of Blade Runner."
He will discuss Australia's attack on modernist houses at this year's Griffin Lecture, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects.
Supported by GHDWoodhead, the Griffin Lecture is a major event for the architecture profession. Named in honour of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the lecture has been running since 1961.
According to Catherine Townsend, chair of the Institute's Griffin Committee, the lecture looks at how modern architecture shapes our built environment and the way Australians live.
"Our aim is to address the 'big issues' of architecture and design, to make better and more liveable cities and overcome the problems endemic in our cities," she says.
This year's lecture will take place at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 7 November.
