Michael Venner Design

Building A Modern Melbourne

Architectural Publication Bundle

Building A Modern Melbourne is an architectural publication bundle that explores Melbourne’s shift towards modern architecture during the interwar period. The project examines how graphic design can be used to present architectural history in an engaging and creative way.

The publication is structured into six short chapters, each focusing on a significant building from this period. Each building is represented through self-generated imagery, combining minimalist vector illustration with monochromatic and black-and-white photography to create a consistent visual style across the bundle.

Layout presenting the publication bundle, including a custom-size perfect-bound publication, a stack of six retro-inspired posters, and a pile of six matching postcards.


The publication bundle uses expressive colour, typography, and imagery to reflect the visual character of the interwar period.

Closed publication front cover featuring the title ‘Building a Modern Melbourne’ and the subtitle ‘Architecture Between the Wars’ on a bold red illustrated architectural background.


The publication was printed in a custom 250mm × 200mm portrait, perfect-bound format.

Double-page spread of the publication showing full-colour stamp-style illustrations of the six featured buildings on the left page and a contents page listing ten sections on the right.


The publication is structured into six concise chapters, framed by a short introduction and conclusion.

Layout presenting minimalist vector illustration alongside black-and-white and single-colour toned photography for the Manchester Unity Building.
Layout presenting minimalist vector illustration alongside black-and-white and single-colour toned photography for Newspaper House.
Layout presenting minimalist vector illustration alongside black-and-white and single-colour toned photography for Yule House.
Layout presenting minimalist vector illustration alongside black-and-white and single-colour toned photography for Buckley & Nunn’s Men’s Store.
Layout presenting minimalist vector illustration alongside black-and-white and single-colour toned photography for Mitchell House.
Layout presenting minimalist vector illustration alongside black-and-white and single-colour toned photography for the Century Building.

Each featured building is represented through a combination of minimalist vector illustration and monochromatic and black-and-white photography.

Double-page title spread of the publication showing a minimalist vector illustration of the Manchester Unity Building façade in red tones on the left page, and the chapter heading, address, architect, and year of completion on the right.


Each chapter begins with a title spread featuring a bold vector illustration of the building façade.

Double-page spread of the publication showing written content, black-and-white photographs, and captions about Yule House arranged in a modular layout on a light green background.


Content across each chapter is arranged using a flexible, grid-based modular layout with varied image and typographic placement.

Double-page spread of the publication showing written content and a pull quote about Buckley & Nunn’s Men’s Store on a yellow background on the left page, and a monochromatic orange full-bleed photograph of the building on the right.


Each chapter concludes with a monochromatic, full-bleed feature photograph.

Layout presenting a retro-inspired poster and matching postcard featuring a minimalist vector illustration of the Manchester Unity Building façade in red tones on a light red background.
Layout presenting a retro-inspired poster and matching postcard featuring a minimalist vector illustration of the Newspaper House façade in blue tones on a light blue background.
Layout presenting a retro-inspired poster and matching postcard featuring a minimalist vector illustration of the Yule House façade in green tones on a light green background.
Layout presenting a retro-inspired poster and matching postcard featuring a minimalist vector illustration of the Buckley & Nunn’s Men’s Store façade in orange tones on a yellow background.
Layout presenting a retro-inspired poster and matching postcard featuring a minimalist vector illustration of the Mitchell House façade in blue tones on a light blue background.
Layout presenting a retro-inspired poster and matching postcard featuring a minimalist vector illustration of the Century Building façade in red tones on a light red background.

The featured buildings are also presented across a series of retro-inspired posters and postcards that accompany the publication.

© Michael Venner 2026
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