The shortlist for the competition to design a new Indigenous cultural precinct in Canberra has been announced.
To be named “Ngurra,” meaning home, camp, a place of belonging and a place of inclusion, the precinct will be a new home to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, as well as a national resting place for reptriated ancestral remains.
Four multidisciplinary teams have been selected to progress to the next stage of the competition, and included combinations of architects partnered with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design consultants, landscape architects, artists and engineers.
The shortlisted teams include:
- BVN Architecture with Greenaway Architects and Nguluway DesignInc as Blak Hand Collective;
- Denton Corker Marshall with Yhonnie Scarce and Kat Rodwell;
- Hassell with Djinjama Collective and Edition Office; and
- Peter Stutchbury Architecture with Allen Jack and Cottier Architects.
Stage one of the design competition opened on 4 March and submissions closed on 1 April, with a total of 25 responses received from across the country.
According to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), the breadth of experience and interest in the competition was a reflection of the “significance and importance” of the cultural precinct as an opportunity to create “a long lasting legacy for all Australians”.
The competition brief specified the design of the Ngurra Cultural Precinct should support the themes “renew”, “restore”, “replenish” and “reflect”. The proposal should demonstrate a renewed respect for heritage; present a leading example of restorative, climate-positive design; replenish economic opportunities and foster innovation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; and provide an opportunity for all Australians to learn, reflect and embrace a common future.
In stage two of the design competition, shortlisted teams will be invited to prepare a detailed submission of concept designs and to present their submission to the jury. AIATSIS said the winning design will be “iconic, befitting its location, and reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples’ aspirations, achievements and deep connection to Country.”
Stage two submissions will close on 6 July, with a winner selected on 29 July.
