2021 National Architecture Awards shortlist
Traditional Land Owners: The Whadjuk People of the Nyoongar Nation
Located on Whadjuk Nyoongar country on UWA’s Crawley campus, Bilya Marlee houses the School of Indigenous Studies, Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, and Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.
The building also provides support networks for aboriginal students.
The site is positioned between Derbal Yerrigan (the Swan River) and a generous landscape space to the west.
The building curates three distinct landscape conditions:
• A ceremonial space
• An inclined landscape plane providing a place for outdoor learning
• A contemplative garden below existing Marri trees.
The design team worked closely with Nyoongar Elder Dr Richard Walley OAM, to embed cultural narratives within the design. Of particular significance was the concept of the swan’s nest – a place of fertility, birth, parenting and teaching. It was through this process that the material palette developed, drawing inspiration from river reeds, the colours of the swan and the blues and greens of Derbal Yerrigan.
Client perspective:
How does the design benefit the way you live/work/play/operate/educate/other?
Please refer to the article in Uniview Volume 45 for the client’s perspective
Kerry Hill, Project Team Member
Patrick Kosky, Project Team Member
Seán McGivern, Project Team Member
Gertjan Groen, Project Team Member
Anna Siefert, Project Team Member
Kate Moore, Project Team Member
Glenn Russell, Project Team Member
Turner & Townsend, Project Manager
Dr Richard Walley OAM, Cultural Adviser
Wilde and Woollard, Quantity Surveyor
Stantec Australia Pty Ltd, Mechanical
BEST Consultants, Electrical / Lift
PGD, Hydraulic Consultant
Pritchard Francis, Structural Engineer
Inhabit Group, Facade Engineer
Pritchard Francis, Civil Consultant
Strategic Fire Consulting, Fire
Gabriels Hearne Farrell, Acoustic Consultant
Arbor Centre, Arborist
Full Circle Services, Energy Eciency
Galt Geotechnics, Geotechnical
Arina, Brief Consultant
Maggie Baxter, Art Consultant
Sharyn Egan, Artist
Resolve Group, Building Surveyor
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.
