‘Design for Country’ – a concept that until relatively-recently most non-Indigenous Australians had not ever heard of – has entered the mainstream.

Metrix Group are proud to be joind by Professor Phil Duncan, a member of the Gomeroi Nation from Moree and Terry Hie Hie for this culturally unique session of CPD Live. Our panel, which also includes non-Indigenous speakers, will discuss their own approaches to ‘Design for Country’. Using real case studies, our speakers will outline what they see as the best ways to successfully initiate and complete projects of this type.

Architects and designers are now actively encouraged to not just understand the notion, but to incorporate it into their own work. They are encouraged to collaborate with Indigenous artists, designers, and communities; and to effectively alter the homes, buildings, and public spaces they would otherwise have produced.

While this change of approach is to be applauded – and well overdue – projects of this type should be approached with care. They should always involve communication with, and approval by, Indigenous communities, as well as adherence to a range of legal, ethical, practical standards.

This session of CPD Live is concerned with all of the above, and more. Our panel, which includes both Indigenous speakers and non-Indigenous speakers, discuss their own approaches to ‘Design for Country’. Pointing to examples to illustrate their points, they outline what they see as the best ways to successfully initiate and complete projects of this type.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:

Define the terms ‘Country’ and ‘Design for Country’
Explain the importance of cultural protocol, Indigenous IP and localisation of knowledge when undertaking projects of this type
Explain the importance of engaging with Indigenous people and ‘Listening to Country’, through all project stages
Outline the ways projects of this type can contribute to architects’ commitment to ‘Makarrata’ and the broader goals of being respectful custodians of the environment

AACA NSCA Competency Standards: PC15, PC27, PC50

Architecture & Design Team

Metrix Group

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