MODERNIST ADELAIDE

"You have Stuart Symons doing his modernist architecture tours. That doesn't happen in every city in Australia. To be able to showcase and talk about great twentieth-century buildings in Adelaide is jewel-like. It’s a great asset that you have."

– Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs

MODERNIST ADELAIDE – THE BOOK

Modernist Adelaide: 100 Buildings 1940s–1970s is the first book to provide a large-scale survey of Adelaide’s mid-century architecture. This beautiful publication celebrates 100 examples of Adelaide’s iconic modernist buildings, many of which have featured in the popular Modernist Adelaide tours, presentations and events. Buy your copy here.

MEET STUART SYMONS

Modernist Adelaide was founded by mid-century architecture and design enthusiast Stuart Symons to celebrate Adelaide’s modernist architecture online and through tours and events. Stuart was awarded South Australian Emerging Historian of the Year 2019 in recognition of his engagement with the community about Adelaide’s modernist architectural heritage.

TOURS + EVENTS

Through city walking tours, exclusive house tours and events, Modernist Adelaide tells the story of the rise of modernist architecture in South Australia in the context of its growth internationally – unearthing a richness and value in these buildings and our city. More than 1700 people have attended 60 Modernist Adelaide architecture tours and events over the past two years. Tours have been temporarily suspended due to coronavirus social restrictions, but are expected to return later this year.

PRESENTATIONS + RESEARCH

Modernist Adelaide researches, visits, photographs and profiles Adelaide’s modernist buildings and presents them online regularly through Facebook and Instagram – with more than 100 buildings profiled so far – and through public presentations, publications, media coverage and photography exhibitions.

FESTIVALS + PROGRAMS

Modernist Adelaide has featured in major cultural programs including the London Festival of Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects’ Festival of Architecture & Design, National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival, South Australia’s History Festival, South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA) and the JamFactory’s Adelaide Modern exhibition program.

"The rich architectural history of your city deserves to be brought to light. It is rare to find someone so passionate and one who can communicate ideas so clearly as Stuart. You are lucky to have him."