Cultural Principles and Protocols for Designers: for projects or curricula involving Indigenous peoples, communities and materials

A written document with cultural principles and protocols for designers, architects and planners, and those working in related industries proposing to work with Indigenous peoples and communities. These are also relevant for academic design staff intending to incorporate Indigenous cultural content into their curricula. This document was originally published in 2017 and republished in 2021.

Connecting with Country Framework

Connecting with Country is a framework for developing connections with Country to inform the planning, design, and delivery of built environment projects in NSW. The document has been written by and with Aboriginal experts in spatial design in collaboration with Government Architects NSW staff. It is an evolving document reflecting an increasing body of knowledge and practice.

Australian Indigenous Design Charter Communication Design

The Australian Indigenous Design Charter – Communication Design is a written document with protocols for sharing Indigenous knowledge in communication design practice. The purpose of the document is to help facilitate an accurate and respectful representation of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in design and associated media. It is an open document that is reviewed on a regular basis and modified as required.

Indigenous Planning & Design Principles

Indigenous Planning and Design Principles were developed by the University of Manitoba collaboratively under the guidance of an Indigenous advisory committee and subcommittee. The principles were established to guide planning and design on all university lands and campuses. These principles are rooted in interdependence, an Indigenous way of being and recognises that all components of a place are linked in complex ways.

Jefa Greenaway (Wailwan _ Kamilaroi), Architect, Academic and Activist

Audio-visual of interview with Indigenous Architect Jefa Greenaway. Greenaway discusses his design approaches to embedding and weaving Aboriginal voice into contemporary design, landscape and built environment. He further discusses indigenising spaces, connecting to Country and amplifying culture within the built environment.

Design: Building on Country

Design: Building on Country, published in 2021, is the second book in a six-book series. The First Knowledges series offers an introduction to Indigenous knowledges in vital areas, with the second book focusing on Design. The book explores building on Country and two different ways of understanding the natural world: ancient and modern.

Everyone’s Knowledge in Country: Yurlendj-nganjin

Published in 2021, this book offers insight into Australian Indigenous Peoples’ perspectives on the built environment. It features Indigenous voices from across Australia, along with several pre-eminent non-Indigenous practitioner voices, the book discusses the value of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Australian built environment and landscapes. A resource for all academics, students and practitioners in the built environment sector both within Australia and internationally.

Jefa Greenaway – Placemaking with the Koorie Heritage Trust

Audio-visual of Indigenous Architect Jefa Greenaway discussing the incorporation of Indigenous placemaking principles into design. It further discusses how to give voice and agency to Indigenous considerations as it relates to the built environment.

Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) 

Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) is a Victorian State Government project. The LXPR utilises Indigenous Design Guidelines created in consultation with WSP and Aboriginal Affairs Advisors to empower Traditional Owners and create further opportunities to share their culture and stories. The program involves the removal dangerous and congested level crossings.

Shaping Country

A written research report about cultural engagement in Australia’s built environment. The report focuses on adapting the way processes are used to design built environments to include community, culture and Country.