Designing with Country
Designing with Country
Every financial year Architects around the country have to do some heavy accounting. And, no, it’s not their taxes. Well they have to do that too but fortunately the ATO has a more lenient timeframe than the ARB (Architectural Registration Board). That’s right - we have to count up our CPDs (Continuing Professional Development). So many acronyms already! Well, the ARB have now introduced mandatory topics that we need to include as part of our CPD and one of those is “Understanding Country”. I’ll be the first to admit I’m a pretty ignorant white fella when it comes to all things indigenous culture. I always feel like a bit of a phoney or like I’m going to say something wrong when I acknowledge country before a presentation. And look, I feel like I’m only a product of a pretty ignorant schooling system that seemed to teach us more about the Vietnam war than it did anything pre-colonised Australia. It’s fantastic to see times are changing and now my kids can sing the national anthem in Dharawal!
And so it’s time - about time! Time to gain a better understanding of Country and time to start designing with Country. Can I add too, that this is but one example of where an Indiginous voice to Parliament will be indispensable to closing the gap and reducing the disadvantage experienced by Indigenous Australians with regard to health, education, employment, housing and property rights. There was one Architect who championed this more than anyone - Paul Pholeros. Sadly he’s not with us anymore but I urge you to go find out more about this great Australian Architect - https://www.ppfoundation.com.au.
Okay, so in a very brief rest of this article and with a big hold my breath and hope I don’t get something wrong, I’m going to give my early journey into understanding of Designing with Country:
Country and Connection
Country is more than just a physical place; it encompasses a spiritual and cultural connection to the land, waterways, and everything within them. It is a living entity that holds their ancestral stories, customs, and knowledge systems. We need to think of ourselves as custodians of Country, responsible for its protection and preservation. A deep connection to the land influences our daily lives, rituals, and sense of identity. Designing with Country means respecting and acknowledging this connection and incorporating it into our practice.
Embedding Cultural Significance
Designing with Country requires an understanding of the cultural significance of specific sites and landscapes. Indigenous knowledge holders possess a wealth of information about their traditional lands, including burning practices, sacred sites, dreaming tracks, and significant natural features. We as architects can work in collaboration with these knowledge holders to identify and preserve these important places. This may involve careful site selection, orientation, and the incorporation of traditional design elements that reflect the stories and histories of the local Indigenous nation.
Sustainability and Respecting the Environment
The original Australians have long been stewards of the land, maintaining a sustainable and harmonious relationship with their surroundings for many thousands of years. Their holistic approach to the environment can inform architectural design practices. By incorporating principles such as passive design, the use of renewable materials, and the preservation of natural habitats, architects can create sustainable buildings that align with Indigenous values of environmental stewardship. This approach not only reduces the ecological footprint of architecture but also promotes a deeper connection with the natural world. The health and wellbeing of country is inextricably linked to our own collective health and wellbeing.
Cultural Expression and Inclusivity
Architectural designs should be inclusive and respectful of diverse cultural practices. Creating spaces that accommodate ceremonies, gatherings, and storytelling strengthens the cultural fabric of communities and fosters a sense of pride and belonging for all Australians alike.
I’ve got a lot more to learn but it’s early days. There’s a long journey and one that’s constantly evolving. The more we embrace and engage the richer our practice will become. Designing with Country is an invitation to architects to embrace Indigenous perspectives and create spaces that honour the deep connections between the land, culture, and people. By engaging with Community, understanding their values, and respecting their heritage, architects can contribute to the revitalisation of culture while fostering sustainable and inclusive practices.