Larrakia
Northern Territory
The Bureau of Meteorology’s office interior, located in the heart of Darwin’s CBD, showcases workplace design through innovative storytelling while solving complex requirements to enable the seamless function of the national weather agency.
Key to the design concept is the interior floorplan divided into distinct themes corresponding to the nature of the Territory’s seven Gulumoerrgin seasons. Each space is playfully translated using a rich material palette of textures and colours reflecting each season, creating a deep sense of identity rooted in place, on Larrakia Country. Highlights include baffle ceilings representing the gushing of waters and rivers overflowing, bold orange glass in the boardroom emulate the bushfires.
These strong interior concepts are carefully balanced with the office’s functional requirements. In addition to the main workspaces, the project incorporates end of trip facilities, SCEC rated data room, media room and family space.
The outcome is a workplace prioritising function, experience and wellbeing.
“We are thrilled with our new office at the Mitchell Centre in Darwin’s CBD. The thoughtfully designed space, inspired by the Larrakia seasonal weather calendar, offers modern amenities and stunning 270-degree harbour views. Hames Sharley’s exceptional vision and design have significantly improved our working environment, providing accessible features and end-of-trip facilities that enhance our daily experience. This project exemplifies excellent teamwork and honors the traditional custodianship of the land. We are grateful for Hames Sharley’s outstanding work in delivering a workspace that meets our needs and supports our operations. Thank you for creating such a fantastic new location.”
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.
