2021 Reconciliation Prize Winner
BVN
The 2021 NSW Reconciliation Prize is awarded to BVN Architecture for Kimberwalli located on Darug Country, in Mount Druitt, Western Sydney.
Meaning ‘many stars’ in Darug, Kimberwalli has been designed and delivered with self-determination and pride in culture front of mind, reflecting the centre’s objective to create an Aboriginal Centre of Excellence which encourages better learning outcomes and improved career pathways for young Aboriginal people in Western Sydney.
It is an exemplar for reconciliation both in its community leadership, conception, architectural response and the process undertaken to realise the project. A project control group consisting of 8 Aboriginal youth assisted in the development of the project, regular community events were held to engage with community and Aboriginal people were employed throughout project delivery. Architecturally the renewal of two existing brutalist buildings has resulted in a striking outcome for the Centre which has a strong indoor and outdoor presence in the campus.
The buildings are grounded in Country through a fire pit which is pivotal to the journey into the site and forms a cultural heart and gathering space. Reflecting cultural values, demonstrating positive community benefits, authentic partnerships and deep engagement, the Kimberwalli project illustrates what can be achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are enabled to lead, design and build projects for their communities.
COMMENDATION: Ngardang Girri KalatMimini(NGKM) in collaboration with Koskela | luk
A commendation is awarded to luk a beautiful pendant light and artwork luk created by Ngardang Girri Kalat Mimini (NGKM) in collaboration with Koskela, engaged by Gensler on the refurbishment of Ernst and Young (EY) offices.
Responding to EY’s ambition to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, the lighting piece was designed to reflect the significance of the eel trap and it’s importance to the traditional and artistic practices of Aboriginal people.
Working in partnership with Georgia MacGuire, Aunty Glenda Nicholls, Aunty Lorraine Brigdale and Aunty Janet Bromley (NGKM), Koskela facilitated the creating of luk, which was first conceptualised by First Nations artists through a series of weaving workshops before being faithfully realised by Koskela’s industrial design team.
The project not only delivers on EY’s ambition to celebrate culture, but demonstrates meaningful engagement, authentic partnership and provides positive community benefits. Koskela’s deep level of commitment to realising this project in collaboration with First Nations people is an exemplar for the positive artistic and cultural collaborations which can occur as part of architectural and interior fit out projects.
COMMENDATION: Yarrabah Community and the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning | Burri Gummin Housing Studio
A commendation is awarded to the Burri Gummin Housing Studio a collaboration between the Yarrabah Community and the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
Undertaken on four occasions, the studio is focused on exploring alternate housing typologies for remote Aboriginal communities. Held on Gungganyji land, north East of Cairns, with the generous participation of the Yarrabah community, students are given the opportunity to work directly for the community, obtaining unique insights and cultural perspectives to inform their research and studio work.
This immersive experience is an important opportunity for students to participate in meaningful engagement with Aboriginal people, respond directly to their needs and provides a forum for cultural exchange on Country.
The studio provides an important forum for raising cultural awareness, teaching meaningful engagement, and encouraging students to develop authentic partnerships with Aboriginal communities – all of which will build important professional capacity in our future practitioners.
