About Project: This project was the Master of Architecture capstone consisting of research component and design proposal. This research addresses the palpable lack of celebration of the First Nations culture in Australia, prompting the need for a built form of commemoration closely knit to an Indigenous sensibility that prioritises the land, the spirit of the place and its nature. The research undertaken in 7701ENV explored the possibilities for First Nations spatial memorials and investigated the manipulation of lighting, weathering & hapticity as parameters that could potentially enhance the immersivity of experience and strengthen collective memory and identity. Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) was selected as the site due to its rich Indigenous and natural history. The methodology utilised a literature review, case study analysis, site analysis, local community
consultation and research by design. The findings deemed the traditional memorial typology unsuitable due to the complex grieving processes in the Indigenous culture and shifted the priorities towards the
connection to the land, the spirit of the place (community) and its nature. Consequently, the connection to the land, the spirit of the place (community) and its nature. Consequently, the design proposal celebrates the Indigenous and natural heritage of Yunbenun through two design proposals directly informed by the consultation with the Wulgurukaba , balancing the complexities of greater acknowledgement versus ingrained protective and private nature of cultural knowledge sharing. This includes the widely accessible Yunbenun Cultural centre located in Nelly Bay and more private Mountain Camp in the remote National park. Additionally, both proposals adopt the design guidelines and parameters as established within the 7701ENV methodology. The research addresses the continuous redefinition of priorities regarding the user’s perception, recollection and memory and aims to contribute to the wider appreciation of the First Nations cultural knowledge.

Research Contribution:The research concludes that despite the complexities and difficulties involved in dealing with Indigenous communities, it is crucial that architects engage in discussions with the Traditional landowners and respect their connection to the land, the spirit of the place and its nature. Whilst this research focused on Yunbenun, the outcomes of the inquiry are widely applicable australia wide and set to contribute to a broader appreciation of the First Nations cultural knowledge. Moreover, the research uncovered the need for an updated heritage study for Yunbenun. This study which comprehensively maps the island’s natural, post settlement and Wulgurukaba heritage was submitted to the Townsville city libraries and consequently published in June 2019. The study aims to educate about the island’s rich heritage and in result contribute to its preservation.

Completion Year: 2019 – 7701ENV Architecture Research Project 1 & 7702ENV Architecture Project 2

Software used: Archicad & Adobe Photoshop

Physical Model