The yarning circle is becoming ubiquitous across Australia, but many struggle to bring gravity to these cultural spaces. The Curtin University Indigenous Learning Circle, however, is layered and engaging, and it establishes a beautiful destination within the campus. Its location at the “front door” of the campus’s arrival sequence sets a tone of inclusion and embrace. A key focal point within a broader cultural trail, the Yarning Circle provides a lush, Indigenous landscape – soft, layered and textural – as a counterpoint to an integrated and charming ovaloid shelter, a place of pause and respite. Located adjacent to a remnant natural basin and sporting ovals, the scheme demonstrates a passion for detail and a clear understanding of the needs of all..
The Curtin University Indigenous Learning Circle (Yarning Circle) is located in Bentley, Western Australia on the land of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation.
Project credits
Design practice UDLA Collaborators Simon Forrest (Curtin University Elder-in-Residence at the time of project), Curtin University architecture students (Thomas Allan, Sam Chapman, Samuel Dawson, Ricardo Muller), Noel Nannup, Curtin Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin Properties, Facilities and Development, ACCORPP, ESC Lighting, Stantec, Hydroplan, HW and Associates Photographer UDLA
To view all the winners of the 2022 National Landscape Architecture Awards, go here.
