Western Sydney Parklands ‘Gabrugal Yana’ takes out a National Landscape Architecture Award in the Parks and Open Spaces category at the AILA National Awards. Gabrugal Yana is a bushwalk that connects you with Dharug Country and culture, and the story of six Dharug Seasons, told through artwork created by First Nations artists. Congratulations to Moir Studio, the Greater Sydney Parklands team and all our wonderful partners from First Nations Artists, Shay Tobin and Djon Mundine OAM, Aboriginal Cultural Educator Erin Wilkson, to local Dharug knowledge holders and Indigenous design and strategy agency, BALARINJI. Gabrugal Yana was an idea that came out of an arts and culture accelerator program led by GSP where First Nations people came together, camped on Country and created lots of wonderful ideas on how to share First Nations stories. Today, it is a wonderful 11-kilometre trail that boasts spectacular views from as far west as the Blue Mountains all the way to Sydney Harbour. Its modular design ensured efficient construction and minimal disruption to the natural landscape, while enriching connection to the land through First Nations artwork and stories. Well done to everyone who played a role in bringing this project to life.
We are thrilled to announce that Moir Studio has been awarded a National Landscape Architecture Award in the Parks and Open Spaces category at the AILA National Awards for our Gabrugal Yana project! In partnership with the Western Sydney Parklands Trust, we developed the concept, detailed design and construction documentation for an 11 km trail, formerly known as Western Ridges Walk, across Dharug Country, connecting Wylde Mountain Bike Park to Cecil Hills through 390 hectares of bushland. The Award citation states; This well-executed endeavour marries conservation with visitor engagement. The project presents an eco-friendly design that incorporates innovative construction and strong First Nations involvement in the artwork. The design team have taken a “light touch” approach here with an overall design strategy that successfully preserves the project’s natural setting. The project features discreet, low-impact lookouts that offer expansive views but have a minimal ecological footprint. This approach supports the integrity of the site and enhances the visitor experience, providing an authentic connection to the place and its history. The project demonstrates leadership, achieves its expected sustainability outcomes, and enhances the liveability of the area while honouring Dharug heritage. Gabrugal Yana honours ancient pathways, minimising environmental impact using a 'light touch' to landscape interventions. The trail offers breathtaking views of Sydney and the Blue Mountains alongside Aboriginal artworks and cultural storytelling. It provides insights into Dharug seasons, flora, and fauna and creates a place for the community and tourists to enjoy. Gabrugal Yana is a celebration of sustainability and cultural heritage, honouring the land's beauty and the profound significance of Dharug Country. We would like to take the opportunity to thank all who have made this wonderful project possible including; • TYRRELLSTUDIO for identifying the project within the Western Sydney Parklands Master Plan. • JMD design for their instrumental role in the on site construction management City People People for curating the arts programme. • Dunnings Consulting Engineers for their innovative approach to design and l • @shaytobinart and Djon Mundine, supported by Tilt Industrial Design, for delivering the site-wide art strategy. • Daracon Group for their care and detail during construction and installation. • Greater Sydney Parklands for their unwavering vision and commitment to delivering an outstanding project. #moirstudio #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #landscapearchitectureaustralia #ailaawards #ailanationalawards2024 #awards #gabrugalyana #westernridgeswalk #gandangara #darug #openspaces #publicdomain
-
-
-
-
-
+3