Yidinjdji
Queensland
Far North Queensland
Cairns State High School was founded in 1917. The new three court multipurpose hall, accommodates learning, performance and community space at the gateway to the center of Cairns.
Principal Chris Zilm said, “Important to the school was that the building could perform in a variety of configurations as well as define a new aesthetic for State School buildings, sensitive to the story of the local people and environment. From a stage for the 70-piece orchestra or a whole school assembly for the 1670 students for the first time in the school’s history.
Designed in consultation with First Nations students, staff and community members, our architects interpreted the brief with creativity and commitment to quality. The end product has exceeded our expectations with custom design and fabricated features integrating in a simple colour palette.”
Bou-wa has become a destination for international training and aims to welcome Olympic Teams in the future.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
