Dark tourism, death, design, and the macabre — should some places stay untouched?

Dark tourism is increasingly popular. Sites of suffering like old gaols, asylums, orphanages hold a certain allure. Can we honour their dark heart and histories, whilst also re-imagining their future? Should some 'traumascapes' be left untouched so the scars of the past are never forgotten, or can we turn them into happier settings with sensitivity? How do designers, developers, and historians tread such tricky terrain? 

This event was organised by Open House Melbourne and held in the Old Melbourne Gaol during Melbourne Design Week 2025.

Speakers

Dr Sue HodgesHeritage interpretations specialistManaging director, international consultancy SHP (Sue Hodges Productions Pty Ltd)

Erwin TaalSenior AssociateInternational landscape architect and urban design studio ASPECT Studios