Victoria
Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is an Indigenous led social change fellowship program based at University of Melbourne. The brief was to create an inspiring and culturally safe space for staff and visitors, and a welcoming place for leaders from Australia and the Pacific to collaborate.
Underpinned by extensive Indigenous engagement, the design process involved listening to and being guided by Indigenous voices. The design incorporates a Welcome space, Knowledge room, kitchen, amenities, open and enclosed offices, and an Elders’ Lounge. The layout and adjacency of spaces were functionally and culturally informed.
The Welcome space incorporates a contemporary interpretation of message sticks as a ceremonial space for connection. 60 message sticks were sent across the Country to be carved and marked by Indigenous artists. The Hub enables fellows to thrive in a culturally safe work environment while also meeting ambitious aspirations for environmental and cultural sustainability.
AFSE Hub has gifted the program ; fellows, staff and visitors ; with a home that is unreservedly Indigenous. The design is a creative expression of AFSE’s values and purpose. It serves as a symbol of these principles for everyone who interacts with it, inspiring them to stay connected to their roots and maintain focus on their future.
AFSE Hub supports the sharing and building of Indigenous knowledges by creating space where Indigenous peoples feel a sense of grounding, belonging, and cultural safety. We are thrilled to continue learning, growing and working in the AFSE Hub for many years to come.
Tim Jackson, Design Director
Sarah Lynn Rees (Trawlwoolway), Indigenous Design Lead
Saba Komarzynski, Project Architect
Natalie Iannello, Interior Designer
Chloe Hinchcliff, Interior Designer
Veryan Curnow, Project Director
Adelle Mackey, Interior Designer
Agency Projects, Procurement of Major artworks
Aspect, Wayfinding
Aurecon, Engineering and ESD
BG&E, Structural Engineer
DCWC, Project Manager
Deloitte, Project Manager
Dobbs Doherty, Fire Engineer
Irwinconsult, Engineering consultants
Lucid, Services Consultant
Marshall Day, Acoustic Consultant
Mckenzie Group, Access consultant
McKenzie Group, Building Surveyor
Slattery, Quantity Surveyor
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.
