Wingara Mura Design Principles Cover Image: Reko Rennie, 2015, Regalia
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The University of Sydney sydney.edu.au April 2016 Wingara Mura design principles Regalia Wingara Mura design principles Cover image: Reko Rennie, 2015, April 2016 1.0 Introduction ................................................2 2.0 Objectives of the Wingara Mura design principles .........................................2 3.0 Vision ..........................................................3 4.0 Wingara Mura – design principles .................3 4.1 Core value — Engaged Enquiry (EE) .........4 4.2 Value – Mutual Accountability (MA) .........6 5.0 Making it happen .........................................8 5.1 The Wingara Mura project partnership ...8 5.2 Wingara Mura design principles alignment checklist ����������������������������� 10 Appendix Background narratives – a design resource .......13 Consultation list ..............................................40 Wingara Mura design principles 2.0 Objectives of the Wingara Mura sydney.edu.au 1.0 Introduction design principles 3.0 Vision 4.0 Wingara Mura – design principles Wingara Mura-Bunga Barrabugu - The University The Wingara Mura design principles advance The University of Sydney will be known for its Introduction of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander the objectives and ideas presented in Wingara integration and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres The University of Sydney 2016-20 Strategic Plan Integrated Strategy defined the University’s strategic Mura-Bunga Barrabugu — The University of Sydney Strait Islander culture in its physical experience. defines the direction for the University for the commitment to building opportunity, capability Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Integrated next five years. The plan defines a continuation and and rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy. Translating these objectives and ideas into The experience of being at the University will deeper commitment to the vision and direction peoples and for valuing its Indigenous culture. design principles will ensure that a vibrant and deep contribute to students and staff understanding established in the University of Sydney 2011–2015 cultural narrative becomes an integral part of the and appreciation, knowledge and engagement White Paper and Wingara Mura-Bunga Barrabugu - “This ‘Thinking Path to make Tomorrow’ establishes campus experience. with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures The University of Sydney Aboriginal and Torres Strait a vision for the University of Sydney as a uniquely and knowledge systems, and foster a deeper Islander Integrated Strategy. Australian institution, one that is shaped by and The successful translation of these principles understanding of the historic significance of the helps shape our national story and identity. It creates seeks to: land the University inhabits. These documents have determined a set of core an opportunity for us to appreciate the richness of 1. improve the lived experience of the University’s values and focus for action that will shape the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures and build a strong and distinctive sense University’s future, and as such offer a robust culture as a part of that story and identity.” of belonging between the place and its people starting point for the definition of a set of design principles that reflect the aspirations of the Dr Michael Spence 2. create an environment that deeply resonates University community, to enhance the experience of Vice-Chancellor and Principal with the narratives of the University’s Wingara Mura-Bunga Barrabugu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and to rich and diverse cultures and history successfully deliver its meaningful representation in Wingara Mura design principles As Universities are fundamentally place-based 3. ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander its built environment. Wingara Mura design principles institutions, strongly associated and sharing a deep culture and its representation is a priority for connection to the places they inhabit, there is the the University and acknowledged in policy In the 2011–2015 White Paper the University defined opportunity to improve the lived experience of 4. ensure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander two core values as encapsulating both the vision of the University’s cultures by shaping the physical perspectives are meaningfully taken into account the founders of the University and the aspirations of environment to reflect, be responsive to, and in the planning and decision making process of its academic and student communities for its future. respect this vision. the University’s capital works program and in These values have been embraced and advanced in particular that this engagement is used to inform the University’s Strategic Plan 2016–20. the briefing and development of projects. 5. ensure more students who graduate from the These two values of ‘Engaged Enquiry’ and ‘Mutual University do so with a deeper knowledge and Accountability’ have provided the foundations and understanding of ancestral and contemporary focus for the development of a concise set of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander culture design principles, to guide the development of projects across its campuses. 6. foster stronger relationships based on mutual respect with local, regional and national Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities. (Bullet points 5 to 6 refer directly to actions detailed in The University of Sydney The University of Sydney 2011–2015 White Paper Strategy Ten – Promote Indigenous Participation, Engagement, Education and Research.) Page 2 Page 3 4.1 Core value — Engaged Enquiry (EE) Ref. Design principle Ref. Design principle Ref. Design principle Design approach EE 1.1 Imagine a uniquely Australian university EE1.3 Deliver cultural experiences that are EE1.5 Create an environment that deeply In the context of evolving the physical environment physically and visually tangible resonates with the narratives of the of the University this value sets in place the “The principle rests on an Australian and a − Projects should explore an appropriate University’s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait requirement for an approach to projects that: University vision that values the complex translation of ‘intercultural space’ Islander communities — to create a living sydney.edu.au − pursues a process of comprehensive range of Australian relationships, histories, - spaces for ‘deep listening’, language of the land and its peoples. interrogation and exploration of place cultures and aspirations and through sharing, learning and attempting to − Sensitively explore opportunities to and people, past, present and future education, research and engagement, and understand a different worldview. employ ‘naming’ in projects. Naming weaves them respectfully into a richer, − engages fully with the idea of cross‑disciplinary − Explore the physical, emotive and brings into being. It implies a notion complex but coherent Australian narrative dialogue and practice to foster respect, spiritual symbolism of relevant ‘storylines’ of belonging to group or country. and identity.” dignity, equality and engagement and and the materiality of the contextual When a building or a place is named unlock deeper design potential Ref. Wingara Mura — Bunga Barrabugu natural world to develop meaningful by a traditional owner it is a recalling − pursues outcomes that are responsive to the interpretation in the physical forms of of ownership and connection to an existing ancestral history and place. contemporary concerns of the diverse University − Projects should be firmly grounded in the University. For example, explore community, its staff, students and visitors. a response to place – they should be the seasonal significance of different − Explore opportunities to use the climatically and culturally responsive, species of plant and connect this with the environment to educate and reveal and explore opportunities to work history of the landscape and its people. the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait with a locally informed vernacular Islander vocabulary of place. At a of language, materials and craft. EE1.4 Create an environment that supports and simple level way-finding could be explored through the language and − Projects should express and convey clearly reflects core Aboriginal and/or symbolism of the Eora peoples. meanings legible to both Indigenous Torres Strait Islander values and non-Indigenous groups in the − Designs should validate Indigenous − Where relevant the achievements and treatment of buildings and spaces knowledge and values – community, contribution of significant Aboriginal kinship, social responsibility, social and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates − Projects should explore initiatives to Wingara Mura design principles should be considered as opportunities Wingara Mura design principles rethink sharing country and develop interaction and the importance of place. for acknowledgment and celebration spaces that seek to recognise − Projects should explore the creation in the design of spaces and places. shared history and co-existence. of spaces that strengthen community − The siting and orientation of buildings, ties and facilitate community activities and spaces should be obligations and requirements, to considered within the context of a larger create spaces that are designed to landscape of Indigenous narratives. fit the community’s requirements, both now and into the future. EE 1.2 Explore and advance ‘Storylines’ as design − Projects should consider the implication