Victoria
The Koorie Heritage Trust, now expanded into all floors of the Birrarung building in Federation Square, is the first of its kind in an Australian capital city.
Delivered through thoughtful collaboration, the First Nations arts and cultural centre connects to Indigenous perspectives and amplifies Indigenous culture in Melbourne’s CBD. A key third pillar of Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust renovation seeks to anchor in the primacy of Country, echoing the colours of Country; the water of the Birrarung, the reds of the blossoms and the river red gums, the warmth of the lightly wooded landscape that once existed in proximity.
It is a significant gathering place, a culturally safe space, and a place for people on Wurundjeri lands to be inspired.
Award for Interior Architecture
The relocation of the Koorie Heritage Trust from the periphery of the city to the centre of Melbourne at Federation Square is a deep collaboration between Lyons with Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associate, the Koorie Heritage Trust community s. The project makes available a wide range of public spaces for the community, allowing access to First Nations knowledge and creative enterprises. The conceptual approach finally reorientates Federation Square towards the Birrarung recalibrating interior circulation and facade openings to frame views to the river – no easy task in the LAB–designed building that is geometrically and materially complex. Narrative–driven way finding is carried out via spatial layering of Koorie patterns and symbolic colours and textures reflecting Country, together with carefully curated artefacts, educating visitors about the Koorie community and its connection to Country. Visitors are embraced upon arrival with new, much–needed signage and Bunjil canopy, and directed towards the exhibition or meeting spaces. The complex task of reconciling the existing condition with Indigenous sensibilities has been completed in a way that provides an understanding of where the building emanates while pointing to a confident future that embraces Indigenous identity.
Commendation for Public Architecture
The Koorie Heritage Trust is a well-executed, public project that embodies the aspirations of its client. Through a clever reworking of interior spaces and the peeling back of outer layers, the architects have adapted the existing building to meet the needs of their client, and not the other way around. Meaning, Indigenous matters are prioritised and not forced to fit within existing structures. This defiant approach to business-as-usual connects users to Country.
The Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize
The Koorie Heritage Trust transcends conventional architectural achievements by embedding Indigenous stories into our urban fabric, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal heritage within Melbourne.
Situated within Federation Square, the architectural team have deftly collaborated to simultaneously reveal Indigenous narratives, navigate heritage listings, and create a delightful and important cultural place.
Reconciling the brief with existing spaces, a clever internal fit-out has been executed with the utmost respect for the building’s facade, while ingeniously reimagining its interior to create a renewed connection with the Birrarung. Considered apertures open lines of sight to the river and square and invite southern light deep into the building’s core.
Koorie knowledge and stories are shared with playful dexterity across project scales from siting to seat. Shimmering ceilings referencing dappled waterways create spaces both of and for reflection.
Repurposing the existing building also exemplifies a sustainable approach to civic spaces, and an attitude towards caring for Country which retains and transforms our built fabric.
The Koorie Heritage Trust is not just an adaptation of space, but an important reconnection of the city with Country, culture and community, embodying the spirit of the Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize’s recognition of significant contributions to Melbourne’s cityscape.
The expansion of the Koorie Heritage Trust has enabled us to occupy the entirety of the Birrarung Building, an important step in offering a seamless whole of building experience that is reflective of First Peoples connection to Country and culture.
The additional space has allowed us to present more of our permanent collection, which in turn provides more opportunities for Koorie artists to exhibit their work and facilitate more programs for the wider public. The expanded centre has a considered and culturally sensitive building interior design and fit out that acknowledges First Peoples community needs and values.
Lyons with Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates, Design Architect
Waterman, Services Consultant
Philip Chun, Building Surveyor
Philip Chun, Access Consultant
WSP Australia, Structural Engineer
Arup, Fire Engineering
Wilde & Woollard, 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.
