Making architecture more inclusive

Making architecture more inclusive

Next generation of architects and designers taught the importance of Indigenous inclusion by prominent researcher.

The construction industry is booming and students of our world-renowned architecture course will be designing the structures of tomorrow.

But Indigenous architecture researcher Carroll Go-Sam says the industry needs to get better at adopting design principals that reflect the Indigenous identity.

“Indigenous people should not just be called to the table to endorse something that someone has already decided,” she said.

Not just about making buildings look Aboriginal

In 2015, a 31-storey portrait of Indigenous leader William Barak was unveiled on the façade of the Swanston Square building in Melbourne.  

The building caused a heated debate within the architectural profession but Go-Sam says Indigenous voices were largely dismissed in the ensuing discussion.

Conducting her own personal research, she found opinions amongst the Indigenous people she spoke with were greatly varied but none were opposed to the use of Barak’s face on the building. 

Swanston Square Melbourne's Swanston Square building features a portrait of Indigenous leader William Barak.

Educating the next generation

The Barak façade shows the importance of taking a holistic approach to Indigenous engagement in building design, something Dr Christine Phillips is eager to instil in her students.

“It’s critical our students know how to best embed Indigenous knowledge into our cities,” Phillips said.

“To have a female Indigenous scholar talking on this topic is important but still rare in university teaching.”

Go-Sam said involving Indigenous communities in construction projects can benefit everyone.

“I don’t think that’s being fully realised in some projects and that has to definitely change,” she said.

Carroll Go-Sam is a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland’s Aboriginal Environments Research Centre and spoke to RMIT architecture students as part of a broad survey of Australian architecture.

Story: Aeden Ratcliffe

13 June 2018

Share

13 June 2018

Share

  • Indigenous
  • Arts and culture
Engage

Related News

Gentrification and local democracy in Europe: Q&A with Kristin Reichborn-Kjennerud

Kristin Reichborn-Kjennerud, visiting scholar to RMIT's Centre for Urban Research, discusses urban development and the need for social mobilisation to address challenges faced by city residents.

Students presenting work in the ACMI gift shop

RMIT students design ACMI’s first ever line of merchandise

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) has launched a fresh line of merchandise locally designed and produced in collaboration with RMIT textile design students.

PlanningGlobalExperiencesInEurope - RMIT student awarded European internship with industry leader.png

RMIT student awarded European internship with industry leader

An RMIT engineering student has spent two months in the south of Spain working on an innovative solar energy project for one of the country's largest chemical groups.

RMITreportshedslightonenergypoverty_L_1220_72.jpg

RMIT report sheds light on energy poverty in Barcelona

More than 10% of Barcelona's population experiences energy poverty according to RMIT research commissioned by Barcelona City Council.

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information