EDUCATOR
Wilcannia, Australia
First Nations Country-Centric Design
EDUCATOR
Wilcannia, Australia
First Nations Country-Centric Design
Project Team
Marni Reti
David Kaunitz (Associate Professor of Practice)
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Designing civic architecture for Wilcannia, NSW, this project centres Country, community, and culture, engaging with First Nations Barkindji knowledge to create contextually responsive, inclusive spaces through collaborative, research-led design.
Overview
Country-Centric Design is a civic architecture studio focused on Wilcannia, NSW, engaging deeply with First Nations Barkindji Country and community. Students collaborate with local organisations and Kaunitz Yeung Architecture to develop contextually responsive designs that honour Indigenous knowledge, heritage, and multicultural identity. The studio explores critical regionalism, remote and heritage architecture, and the Colonial–Indigenous dichotomy, emphasising research-led, multidisciplinary approaches. Through site visits, urban analysis, and iterative design, students create proposals that support Wilcannia’s evolving needs, fostering inclusive spaces rooted in Country, culture, and community. The project aims to synthesise research, technical skill, and cultural understanding for meaningful architectural outcomes.
Since 2021 the Australian National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) requires that First Nations knowledge be included in architectural education, and that Indigenous perspectives, understanding of Country, and ethical engagement are embedded into the curriculum.
Institution
University of Sydney
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Community Organization
Baaka Cultural Centre — Wilcannia, NSW, Barkandji / Australia
baaka.org.au
Additional Team Members
Dr Michael Mossman
Community Engagement
Community engagement is central, involving collaboration with Wilcannia Organisations and Barkindji Community Groups to ensure designs reflect local needs, cultural values, and aspirations, fostering genuine partnerships and respectful, inclusive architectural outcomes.
Partners
Partners include Kaunitz Yeung Architecture, Baaka Cultural Centre, Wilcannia Organisations, and Barkindji Community Groups, collaborating to support culturally responsive, community-driven architectural design for Wilcannia.
