Cheesewright, aka Wollongong architect Andrew Conacher, is presenting the lecture at the Wollongong City Gallery on behalf of the Illawarra branch of the National Trust.

He believes it was the "best of times and the worst of times" for architecture after World War II with plenty of drab, triple-fronted, red-bricked veneers being built among a scattering of stylish and ultra-modern homes.

"You have mainstream, conservative, traditional style architecture, but then there was this progressive design which even by today's standards is comfortable and visually attractive," Cheesewright says.

Those who took the plunge into the unknown were mostly brave and young, newly married couples who for the first time in Australia's history were swayed by the power of American popular culture through movies, magazines and books.

Baby boomer designs used masses of concrete and glass to let the outside in.

Born in California, which has a similar climate to Wollongong's, the post-war design embraced the relaxed outdoor living so suited to the Australian way of life.

"The open-plan living, with lots of light, began in the '50s and is still considered avant-garde even by today's design standards," says Cheesewright.

The Illawarra has a number of intact residential examples which Cheesewright will discuss at the lecture. Perhaps the most stunning piece of baby boomer architecture is St Mark's Anglican Church at West Wollongong. St Mark's was built in 1959 and opened for services in 1960.

"It was revolutionary in that the frame was made from concrete panels," says Cheesewright

"It's a very satisfying building to look at. All the glass is framed by concrete, which is unusual. It's a real landmark. A lovely, modern church."

Baby boomer-designed homes are sought after and treasured by their owners. "Their owners are proud of them and the style has become popular again in the last 10 years. That's because it was simple, sensitive architecture," Cheesewright says.

"It has everything we like in a modern house because it encourages relaxed living."

At some point in the evening guests will be encouraged to pull on their dance shoes and join in the swing with the Footloose Rockers then sit back and enjoy an Elvis impersonator belting out some rhythm and blues.

Following the talk supper will be provided by the National Trust.

Guests are invited to dress up in 1950s costumes and to bring along their Barbie and Ken dolls - arguably the biggest icons from that era.

■ The public lecture will be held on Thursday at the Wollongong City Gallery at 6pm. Tickets are $25 and include supper and entertainment.