SAVE OUR SIRIUS

Social housing in Sydney has declined by over 20% in the last decade, while luxury development continues to expand. The Sirius building became a powerful symbol of resistance, defending the right to housing and the cultural value of architecture that serves people over profit.

BACKGROUND

Sirius stands as a rare example of brutalist architecture and landmark of social housing in Sydney. Located in one of the city’s most contested and valuable precincts, it was built in the late 1970s to house residents displaced by nearby redevelopment. When it was threatened with its own demolition and redevelopment into luxury apartments, the Save Our Sirius foundation emerged, seeking heritage protection not only for Sirius’ architectural value but its role in the city’s social history.

CHALLENGE

Despite widespread support from architects, historians and the local community, Sirius faced intense pressure from private interests and government plans prioritising profit over preservation. We developed an awareness campaign to raise visibility and funding for the heritage fight. This included a limited edition poster series and accompanying collateral that would bring the story of Sirius to life and galvanise public support. All sales would be donated to the foundation.

IMPACT

Each design responded to a different facet of the building: its distinctive silhouette, signage typography, interior finishes, and place within Sydney’s topography. The campaign honoured Sirius’ architectural integrity and made a broader case for the social value of inner-city housing. While unfortunately Sirius was ultimately sold by the government for private development, the campaign helped influence policy debate and secure partial preservation, supporting fundraising efforts and bringing attention to the broader issue of housing equity.

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