Practical Workshops

STUDIO KIMBERLEY, 2021

This studio contributes to a larger research project based in Fitzroy valley [Kimberley Social and Cultural Innovation Project] carried out by the Bio-Based Materials Design Lab, School of Design – UWA. The project involves three main stakeholders: the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries [DLGSC] Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation [MWW] and 5 remote Aboriginal communities [Bayulu, Junjuwa, Wagnkatjunka, Yakanarra and Noonkanbah]. This studio is a first of a series of studios that are planned to work with these communities on a collaborative co-design plan for empowerment through the development of social and cultural infrastructure in the next years. The community of Bayulu was chosen as a pilot initiative and it is the topic of this studio.

Design proposals are thought to develop a masterplan for the entire community and the design development of particular buildings within the community, which are meant to have a particular impact on the empowerment of the youth. UWA students had choices on what typologies and focus areas they wished to work with, according to their understanding and evaluation of the challenges and issues brought up by their research and stakeholders consultation. Refurbishment and relocation were considered part of the redesign of areas and complete redevelopment with the proposal of new structures. The studio has at its core values the use of environmentally friendly materials, processes and methods of construction. Students were supported in the development of their design choices, and encouraged to search for design alternatives that are culturally appropriate and socially impactful for communities.

Featured Students:

Julia Keymer - Build with Country | Build Community Parthiban Subashini - Learn | Interact | Create Christopher James Amy Tamati Cassandra Simpson - Building community. For the community. By the community. Brick by brick.

Guest lecturers: Krissie Dickman, Nicole Barthomeuf, Greice Portal Guest Critics: Rodrigo Salvati & Rainer Hirth