Yuggera and Turrbal people
Queensland
Brisbane
Mari-Mari-Ba is a regeneration of Joyce Wilding Hostel, which served as a refuge for vulnerable First Nations women and children since the 1970s.
The development provides 33 residential units within a series of two storey buildings wrapped around a central landscaped courtyard. A community hub building at the front of the site provides support services for the residents at ground level with units above.
The Mari-Mari-Ba site has an extensive First Nations history, providing needed support services throughout its existence, both directly in terms of accommodation and support services, but also as a safe community space.
Deicke Richards was involved early in developing the initial project brief and master plan in consultation with the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy and the operators, the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS).
After extensive community consultation, the centre has been renamed Mari-Mari-Ba or place of the porcupine or echidna.
Luke Watson, Design Architect
Peter Richards, Design Architect
John Deicke, Project Architect
Julia Comer, Graduate of Architecture
Ian Hamilton, Project Architect
Belinda Wood, Graduate of Architecture
Khai Jie Ng, Project Architect
EDGE, Structural Engineer
EDGE, Civil Consultant
ACOR, Hydraulic Consultant
JHA, Electrical Consultant
STANTEC, Acoustic Consultant
Place Design Group, Landscape Consultant
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
