Larrakia People
Northern Territory
While MODE’s Charles Darwin University (CDU) Danala – Education and Community Precinct stands still in the Darwin City Centre as witness to the rich indigenous heritage of the Larrakia People, it is also a dynamic and innovative educational space that will shape the futures of the people of Darwin for generations to come.
This precinct supports CDU’s vision of an inclusive and progressive learning experience for students, one that seamlessly integrates sustainable design for the tropics and cutting-edge technology. Also, the building honours First Nations people, languages, and customs, and connects to the surrounding cultural landmarks and green areas.
The impact of our design extends beyond mere university learning, it will create a resource that will support the broader community in Darwin, inviting people of all ages to engage in cultural and creative practices in its library, galleries, studios and auditorium.
The jury were unanimous and enthusiastic in recognising the DANALA Education and Community Precinct.
The building symbolises an intention by the university to engage in the civic life of the Darwin CBD. It is an acknowledgement of the social impact a significant educational building can have on the urban life of the city. It also makes CDU facilities accessible to the broader community, housing public functions including the Northern Territory Library and NT Public Radio.
The building addresses Cavenagh Street with a generous public forecourt focussing on a heritage listed Boab tree, which was protected and restored to health as part of the works. The raked South West building elevation beautifully moderates the scale of the building and allows increased solar access to the tree. The South Western façade of the building comprising extensive shading, elevated gardens, stepped terraces and a large internal void is a nuanced, and joyful interface between internal and external functions of the building.
MODE’s work on this large and complex building legitimises the university’s decision to relocate part of their campus to the centre of the city.
The jury is awarding the CDU DANALA Education and Community Precinct for it’s contextually rich use of steel in shaping a major civic precinct.
The ARAMAX entry roof creates a grand verandah, drawing on classical tropical architectural language while functioning on a scale befitting an education precinct in the Darwin CBD. The steel profile is used with deliberate intent on the ground plane as people enter, as well creating a stepping stone from the lower-level verandahs to the courtyard.
The continuation of steel to the perforated internal cladding gives a grandeur to this contemporary Darwin expression of tropical architecture. The directional use of the profile assists in highlighting the experience of the central atrium, which is experienced throughout the building.
The jury recognises the deliberate use of steel to ensure this building – despite it’s scale, civic function and contemporary form – sits within its context and contributes to the urban fabric of Darwin.
The building exemplifies how steel can be used as a civic material that connects architecture to place.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Faculty of Arts and Society Professor Ruth Wallace testimony:
• I’m particularly excited about the technology available to teaching staff. This will help CDU level up its student engagement.
• The rooms also adjust the teacher’s lighting and temperature preferences automatically to save energy and offer a more comfortable learning environment.”
• The centrality of the new campus opens up new opportunities for staff and students to engage with the broader Darwin community. Danala was built to breathe new life into the CBD, and I hope to see CDU’s relationship with the Darwin populace strengthen.”
Ari Pitkanen, Design Architect
Shaun Miller, Project Architect
Emily Cavanagh, Lead Interior Designer
Barry Vos, BIM Technician
Troy Matheson, Wayfinding Designer
Robert McCray, Project Architect
Rhonan O’Brien, Project Principal
Capital Insight, Project Manager
WSP, Engineer
Aurecon, Civil Consultant
Clouston, 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.
