Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence | Site Architecture Studio

First of its kind, the Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence was borne from an extensive Business Case where DFES identified the need for a new facility to support agencies and communities in understanding, preparing and adapting to climate change in a highly fire prone environment.

The project brief was developed through 4 key service delivery functions of: Training, Knowledge, Engagement / Outreach and Business Management.

The collaborative briefing process raised the importance of landscape and building as a teaching tool in bush firefighting and prevention design best practice and the need for a significant public outreach space at the project heart.

This central public gathering space, defined by curved rammed earth walls and indigenous public art, celebrates contemporary and traditional knowledge sharing and connection to landscape / country. Training and administration facilities emerge through earth wall carved openings concealing the extensive range of flexible teaching, learning and working spaces.