The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) has recently launched the Ngurra Cultural Precinct design competition
AIATSIS is seeking to create a new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct of the highest order; also known as the Ngurra Cultural Precinct. Ngurra appears in many different Aboriginal languages around Australia and means ‘home’, ‘country’ or ‘place of belonging’. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct will include two elements: a National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre, with new and expanded facilities for AIATSIS and a National Resting Place.
A two-staged design competition will be conducted to determine a winning design team. The first stage
of the design competition has been endorsed by the Australian Institute of Architects. Following the EOI
Stage (Stage 1), an invitation-only second stage will take place where successful shortlisted design
teams will participate in a competitive design process.
The design for the Ngurra Cultural Precinct should support the following themes:
- Renew – Reflect deep and enduring respect for heritage and meaningful understanding to advance the cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Restore – World-leading example of climate-positive design, living place that gives back more to nature than it takes.
- Replenish – Unlock meaningful economic opportunities and foster innovation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples nationwide.
- Reflect – Welcome all Australians to learn, celebrate, and embrace our common future, and to move forward on a shared journey of global significance.
AIATSIS is seeking Australian design professionals based in Australia, with a strong track record of Australian projects and capacity and capability to deliver a project of such national and cultural significance.
Multidisciplinary Australian design teams led by an architect registered to practice in Australia are eligible to participate.
Examples of multidisciplinary teams include a team led by an architect, partnered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design consultants, landscape architects, artists, engineers.
Aerial Photo: Geoff Comfort