Djinjama

A series of stories and aspirations shared by key Dharug Knowledge Holders guided the work on the AMRF building in Bradfield. These Narratives of Country are evidenced directly through the design of the building and landscape. See the stories outlined here. Diagram by Djinjama. Hassell Bradfield Development Authority Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) #DesigningwithCountry #IndigenousDesigners

The Seven Hills Community Hub will be a lively, climate-adaptive, and environmentally connected space that deepens the community’s bond with its natural and cultural heritage. The architecture, led by Welsh + Major in consultation with First Nations consultant Djinjama, and the landscape architecture by SMM draw inspiration from the Cumberland Plain Woodland, a critically endangered ecological community occurring within the Cumberland Plain.   SMM’s landscape approach for the Community Hub is rooted in the site's ecological and cultural context, responding to the two ecological communities it straddles. The landscape design prioritises public life, creating welcoming and adaptable spaces that support social interaction, gathering, and cultural expression. The design integrates permeable pavements in the public plaza, allowing water to filter naturally into the ground and fostering a meaningful relationship with the surrounding waterways. A network of shaded areas, misting elements, and water-sensitive design strategies work together to provide relief from heat.    We look forward to the Community Hub coming to life and serving the community in the future! https://lnkd.in/g8TQESWh

The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility at Bradfield was opened yesterday by The Hon. Chris Minns. It was an honour to collaborate on this deadly project that demonstrates how listening to First Nations wisdom and integrating First Knowledges into built form brings Designing with Country to life. All built environment professionals have an obligation towards the health and wellbeing of Country. This building sets a benchmark for sustainable development in the new city being planned, designed and built in Western Sydney on Dharug Country. We are humbled to have been part of the design team for this project. Hassell

What does operating in a relational way mean in built environment projects? Relationality is the state or condition of being relational, i.e. the way we are related to one another, our Ancestors, Country, non-human kin, more-than-human kin, experiences, spaces and places. Relationality means being accountable and responsible to all these entities. Relational ways of being and doing are embedded in an Indigenous worldview. From a design and built environment perspective, acting relationally means taking consideration of all who we share our work with. It means building genuine and meaningful relationships. It is working through challenges and celebrating wins. Acting relationally means honest communications and telling the truth. It ensures power imbalances and privilege within a relationship are openly addressed. Being relational means being prepared to learn and relearn. It is adopting a process and approach that is inclusive of numerous ways of knowing and different perspectives. Djinjama preferences a relational way of working as one of our core values. We are an Indigenous led small business founded with Indigenous values such as relationality at our core. Is relationality an important value in your practice?

A lovely yarn with Jessica Agoston from Australian Design Review about the process behind our competition winning submission for Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)'s Ngurra Precinct.

Djinjama's director, Danièle Hromek was given the honour of presenting the Yarramundi Lecture at Western Sydney University with her good friend and colleague Sarah Lynn Rees this week. They discussed the exciting project at WSU – the Indigenous Centre of Excellence – along with understandings of spatial equity, culturally responsive architecture, and aspirations to create spaces in which Country, community, culture and kin can be Blak, Loud and Proud.

“Rarely does there come a chance to make a genuine difference for First Nations Peoples across the whole continent. Ngurra - The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct is one of those chances. Clearly it must be done right, which means First Nations voices must be at the heart of the project, guiding, deciding, designing, and living culture through the process." Dr Danièle Hromek – Djinjama's Director Designed in collaboration with COLA Studio, Hassell, Edition Office.

Djinjama with COLA Studio, Hassell and Edition Office in collaboration has won a design competition for the most significant new cultural precinct in Australia, Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct in Canberra. The design for the national landmark houses both the National Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Centre and the National Resting Place. The cultural precinct invites reflection on the past, while encouraging meaningful dialogue about what it means to live on a continent that starts with a First Nations understanding of Country, now and into the future. Recognised by the jury for being “bold, yet elegant in integrating with the landscape”, our winning design was also commended for its “commitment to rehabilitation of the site as a statement about the environment and First Nations connection to Country.” We hope this overall design concept and proposition sets the beginning for a dialogue and developmental process together with First Nations peoples. 🔗 Read more about our Country-led design and process here: https://lnkd.in/gt6t_kC2 and https://lnkd.in/gwzXKk5n. 🖼 Image 1 and 3 by WAX

Djinjama's team have been doing some deep thinking and writing about Indigenised Biodiversity. We co-authored a piece in this month's Architecture Australia called 'A Country Centred Approach to Civic Biodiversity'.

It was an honour to work on the NSW Public Spaces Charter Easy Read – a more accessible version of the Charter, designed for individuals with low literacy levels. We were pleased about how our colleagues in NSW Government worked so hard to ensure Country and First Nations values are respected and reflected in the Easy Read. Check it out here: PDF version: https://lnkd.in/gZJN-Zp9 Html version: https://lnkd.in/gpTZH7dW