Jury comment
Curtin University School of Design and Built Environment is an exceptional project that balances connections to ancient stories of place with the provision of a high-quality campus space. The co-creation of this site by artist and landscape architect has produced an experiential space rich in cultural narratives. The Curtin University Living Knowledge Stream framework by respected Elder Dr Noel Nannup with Syrinx and Sync7 identified the cultural significance of the site, where two Songlines, Kujal Kela (Twin Dolphin) and Djiridji (Zamia), intersect. This guidance document was awarded at a chapter and national level by AILA in 2018. In response, Realm Studios developed a design that is grounded in a collaborative process. Throughout the project, the landscape architecture team consulted with the Curtin University School of Indigenous Studies and with Kamsani Bin-Salleh (Kambarni), a Western Australian artist who is descended from the Nimunburr, Yawuru and Ballardong people. The respectful treatment of Kambarni’s resulting artwork and its integration with the designed landscape defines this project as one that is embedded in the unique elements of place. The realized outcome – a landscape that is a seamless integration of art, amenity and storytelling – is evidence of an exceptional attention to process, collaboration and high-quality delivery.
School of Design and Built Environment – Curtin University is built in Bentley, Western Australia on the land of the Whadjuk Noongar people.
Project credits
Design practice Realmstudios in collaboration with Apparatus Public Art and Cultural Services and Kamsani Bin Salleh Cultural guidance for landscape works Curtin Centre for Aboriginal Studies Cultural guidance for artworks Noel Nannup, Marion Kickett, John Curtin Gallery (artwork collection) and Syrinx and Synch 7 (Living Knowledge Stream design guidelines) Project architect Wardle Project manager Johnson Group WA Irrigation designer Pinion Advisory Builder Lendlease Landscape contractor (softworks) Tim Davies Landscaping Electrical engineer ETC Lighting designer Schuler Shook Metalwork RMF Fabrications Concrete First Class Concrete Artwork collaborators Artitecture, Simon Gauntlett, Concreto and Kanyana Engineering Photographers Frances Andrijich and Dion Robeson
To view all the winners of the 2023 National Landscape Architecture Awards, go here.
