Capstone: Fractured History

Preceding modern heritage laws are land stewardships that align with First Nations (specifically Gadi) culture. Sydney’s heritage laws prioritise assessing material based on its heritage value. As a result, they often default to a ‘Preserve at All Costs’ approach, rather than considering the building’s current relevance and role as a Heritage Site. Its legislative rigidity gives rise to social revolt, in itself challenging the conservationist mentality. This defines the character of the locality. Understanding First Nations frameworks of placemaking and care for the country allows a deeper understanding of the building’s spatial context - both physical and metaphysical.

As gentrification and re-zoning transform the area around the Waterloo Glass Factory (866-882 Bourke Street, Waterloo), it is encountering a mix of different cultural values without adequate urban planning to integrate them effectively. Graffiti and street art play a significant role in shaping the urban environment and in expressing the diverse senses of ‘belonging’ within the fragmented community of Waterloo. There is a deep connection to the role of the built environment and infrastructure in the way a person attributes themself to place, also affected by state legislated Heritage. Conservation zoning in itself acts as a titular protection rather than one of active and practical protection. As a result, it often spatially correlates to areas presently having Graffiti, used as an active protest, vivifying the alienated state of a person to “safeguarded … retained ... managed” place.