Architectus celebrates NAIDOC Week across Australia

Each year NAIDOC Week is a time for us to celebrate the oldest living culture on earth and learn more about First Nations cultures and histories, including the generations of people who have been calling for change.

NAIDOC Week 2022 asked us to Get Up! Stand Up! and Show Up! – to make a genuine commitment to institutional, structural, and cooperative reform. That includes seeking the right environmental, cultural and heritage protections, advocating for constitutional change, working towards treaties and a comprehensive process of truth-telling, and calling out racism.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) group hosted a series of events across Australia throughout the week, dedicating time for all of us to reflect on how we can support ongoing progress and reform.

Here’s how our studios celebrated:

Nationally

We invited all studios to a streamed opening address from Bundjalung and Kullilli journalist, broadcaster and sound artist Daniel Browning, who spoke about what NAIDOC Week means to him and how we can welcome Indigenous voices into architecture and design.

Sydney

Our Sydney team kicked off the week with a basket weaving workshop run by Tegan Murdock of Ngumpie Weaving. Tegan says she uses weave to “break down barriers – so we can sit, connect and learn about each other’s journey while learning about my beautiful culture at the same time.”

Later in the week, the team visited the Koskela showroom for a discussion with Zoe Sims, First Nations Impact Specialist at Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney.

Brisbane

Dr Tim O’Rourke visited our Brisbane studio to present his recent research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait housing design and traditional built environments.

Perth

The Perth studio welcomed local Yamatji and Wajarri/Yuet artist from the Murchison, Anthea Corbett. Anthea shared her perspectives and insights along with her inspired artwork. Local Aboriginal-owned and operated catering company, Gather Foods, catered the event.

Melbourne

Our Melbourne staff visited the Emu Sky exhibition at the University of Melbourne. The exhibition explores Indigenous knowledge and perspectives on the sustainable management of the Country. The themes focusing on science, plant use, language and land management are really relevant – and valuable – to our work as architects, urban designers and interior designers.