In this talk from Ground Matters Student Conference, Sarah Lynn Rees discusses how nothing is more timeless than Country.
“Neighbourhood character” is a phrase often used to describe the “look and feel of an area” and why this should be preserved. As a design driver however, the term often acts as a device to reproduce watered down versions of colonial architecture. We live in a country that has incredibly deep geological, ecological and cultural stories. These stories form a more relevant and fundamental starting point than the echoing of architectural styles that have, since colonial times, erased the identity of place. It is our job to bring these stories back into view, for and with Country.  

Sarah will discuss these ideas through a selection of three projects including Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Arboretum and Western Sydney University Indigenous Centre of Excellence. These projects represent design of varying scale and typology, from interiors to pavilion to precinct.

Eleena Jamil explores About Making: The cultural continuity and environmental awareness embodied in the architectural-making process, which involves local materials and methods, can offer valuable insights into reimagining modern building practices. A selection of projects presented will demonstrate an engagement with the design and building process and the development of a deep understanding of natural and human resources rooted in context.

Further resources are also available from the First Nations Resources Hub, The Institute's dedicated platform for built environment professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of culturally respectful and appropriate design for First Nations peoples

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course participants should be able to:

- Understand the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives, values, and cultural protocols into architectural practices. 
- Gain insight into the ethical implications of material selection in architecture. Consider the cultural significance, sustainability, and provenance of materials, ensuring their use aligns with the values and protocols of the Indigenous communities and the environment.
- Comprehend the process of integrating cultural and functional briefs in architectural projects.
- Understand how to create designs that are not only functional but also culturally resonant and respectful, allowing for future cultural narratives and practices to be embedded and celebrated within the built environment.

2021 NSCA Performance Criteria

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 

PC10 Understand the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems.

PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN 

PC17 Have an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ aspirations to care for Country and how these inform architectural design.

PC18 Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of three dimensional form and spatial quality.

PC25 Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design.

PC26 Be able to undertake site, cultural and contextual analysis as part of preliminary design research.

PC27 Understand how to embed the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, shared through engagement processes, into the conceptual design in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way.

PC28 Be able to draw on knowledge from building sciences and technology, environmental sciences and behavioural and social sciences as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design to optimise the performance of the project.

PC29 Be able to develop and evaluate design options in terms of the heritage, cultural and community values embodied in the site, and in relation to project requirements.

PC30 Be able to explore options for siting a project, including integrating information and analysis of relevant cultural, social and economic factors.

PC31 Be able to identify, analyse and integrate information relevant to environmental sustainability – such as energy and water consumption, resources depletion, waste, embodied carbon and carbon emissions – over the lifecycle of a project.

PC33 Be able to investigate, coordinate and integrate sustainable environmental systems – including water, thermal, lighting and acoustics – into the conceptual design.

Speakers

ELEENA JAMIL
Eleena Jamil set up her practice, Eleena Jamil Architect in 2005, where her projects are underpinned by creating a socially responsible and sustainable response to the brief. Jamil utilizes natural materials and local construction techniques to create place-sensitive and experiential works of architecture that are sustainable, in an environmental, social and economic sense. Eleena Jamil was part of creating About Making, which is a project that interviews artists and architects who utilize traditional crafting techniques and mix these with contemporary hands-on ‘making’ to create their work. Smaller projects such as Bamboo playhouse and Garden library display a playful notion whilst allowing the practice to explore their love of natural materials and hand craftsmanship.

SARAH LYNN REES
Sarah Lynn Rees is a Palawa woman, working with Jackson Clements Burrows Architects as a lead indigenous adviser to work collaboratively with communities to ensure that their voices are heard and respected in every project undertaken. She is a lecturer at Monash University and has curated the Blakitecture talks which has provided a prominent platform for important
conversations about Indigenizing practice. Sarah’s work, both in practice and within the educational sphere, ensures that indigenous perspectives are listened to and shared in order to design better for both community and for Country. Passionate about shaping the future of the built environment and our profession, Sarah is also the Co-chair of the Australian Institute of Architects First Nations Advisory Working Group.

 
Price
Members $49
Non Members $74