Q&A with GML intern Yilun Zhu

Yilun, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Architecture, finished at University of Liverpool, UK. And I am currently completing a Master of Architecture/ Master of Urban Cultural Heritage at the University of Melbourne.

I am more like a designer but really focused on heritage-related projects right now. My previous experience in architectural practice, heritage research and academic projects explores the intersection of design and conservation, seeking innovative approaches to preserving and reactivating historic places.

My previous experience as an architectural assistant allowed me to explore architectural research, local culture and heritage management planning, interpretative design, public engagement, and stakeholder consultation. Right now, I am particularly interested in projects that balance preservation with innovation, ensuring heritage sites remain dynamic and meaningful for communities.

What inspired you to study architecture and cultural heritage management?

Growing up in Suzhou, an ancient city with a rich cultural heritage, I was always surrounded by historic architecture and traditional craftsmanship. The influence of I. M. Pei, who designed the Suzhou Museum with a deep respect for heritage while embracing modernity, left a lasting impression on me.

I’ve always been drawn to things that feel old-school—perhaps even a little out-of-date—but carry an enduring charm.

When I moved to Liverpool, another city steeped in history, my appreciation for heritage deepened. I realised that my passion wasn’t just about design itself, but about creating and preserving things that last, places that hold stories, adapt over time, and continue to be meaningful for future generations. This naturally led me to cultural heritage management, where I could explore how to sustain and evolve historic places in ways that respect their past while keeping them relevant.

What has been the most surprising or interesting thing you’ve learned during your time at GML?

One of the most interesting things I’ve learned during my time at GML is the complexity of heritage decision-making in practice. Coming from an academic background, I was familiar with theories of conservation and heritage management, but seeing how these ideas are applied—often involving negotiation between different stakeholders, policy frameworks, and practical constraints—has been eye-opening.

I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for the role of research in heritage projects, particularly how historical analysis, site investigations, and community perspectives come together to inform meaningful conservation outcomes. The collaborative nature of heritage work at GML has reinforced how dynamic and multidisciplinary this field truly is.

What areas of cultural heritage interest you most?

I am particularly interested in the narratives that shape cultural heritage—how places are not just defined by their physical forms but by the layers of human activity, memory, and meaning embedded within them.

I see heritage as something that is continually evolving, shaped by the stories and interactions of the people who inhabit, use, and reinterpret it over time. This is why I’m especially drawn to living heritage, where traditions, crafts, and everyday practices actively contribute to a site’s ongoing significance.

I’m also interested in adaptive reuse and experimental preservation strategies that allow heritage sites to remain relevant while respecting their past. More broadly, I’m fascinated by how different cities negotiate the tensions between conservation, urban development, and tourism—how heritage can be a living, adaptive force rather than a static monument to the past.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?

In five years, I see myself working at the intersection of heritage, design, and research—contributing to projects that explore innovative ways to sustain and activate historic places. I hope to be involved in shaping heritage policies and strategies that balance conservation with contemporary needs, whether through urban planning, adaptive reuse, or community-driven initiatives.

At the same time, I want to continue researching how narratives and everyday life shape heritage, particularly in rapidly changing urban environments. Ideally, I would be working on projects that engage with international perspectives, helping to bridge different cultural approaches to heritage management. Whether in practice, academia, or consultancy, my goal is to contribute to a future where heritage remains dynamic, relevant, and deeply connected to the people who experience it.

How do you think heritage can play a role in shaping the future of our cities and communities?

Heritage plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our cities and communities by providing a sense of continuity, identity, and belonging. It is not just about preserving buildings but about understanding the narratives and lived experiences that make places meaningful. By integrating heritage into urban planning and design, we can create more inclusive, resilient, and characterful cities that respect their past while adapting to contemporary needs.

Heritage can also serve as a catalyst for innovation. Adaptive reuse projects breathe new life into historic structures, allowing them to evolve rather than becoming static monuments. Community-driven heritage initiatives help foster social cohesion and keep cultural traditions alive. At a broader scale, heritage-sensitive development can guide sustainable growth, ensuring that urban change is rooted in local identity rather than erasing it.

In a rapidly changing world, heritage should not be seen as a constraint but as an opportunity—to build cities that are both forward-looking and deeply connected to their histories.

Yilun on site in Ballarat. Photo: Chairim Byun, GML

‘I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the role of research in heritage projects, particularly how historical analysis, site investigations, and community perspectives come together to inform meaningful conservation outcomes. The collaborative nature of heritage work at GML has reinforced how dynamic and multidisciplinary this field truly is.’

Yilun with GML’s Head of Victoria, Edwina Jans and Associate, Mark Huntersmith. Photo: Chairim Byun, GML