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.

Third Space, Architecture & Indigeneity – Studies of Designed Environments and Cultural Narratives in Australia

The University of Sydney, digitally published thesis discusses the need for more in-depth conversations that encompass conceptual frameworks relevant to First Nations cultures and presents the qualities of a Third Space. Further, it discusses that it can inform ways of thinking that link architecture and cross-cultural engagement with placemaking in contemporary settings, deep time living practices and colonial interventions on the Australian continent between beings. Focusing primarily on reciprocity in thinking—giving back—and how it informs more nuanced and inclusive approaches to architecture and placemaking as always becoming part of Country.

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.

Campuses on Countries Engagement Report

The written document is an Engagement Report for the Campuses on Countries: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Design Framework. The document was published by the University of Queensland in 2021. It provides a report overview, insight into the engagement process and findings, campus context and recommendations.

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.

Campuses on Countries Design Framework

Campuses on Countries is a written document featuring an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Design Framework at The University of Queensland. The document was published by the University of Queensland in 2021 to serve as a guide for architects, designers, project managers and construction staff in all future projects.

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.

National Indigenous Infrastructure Guide

The National Indigenous Infrastructure Guide is a written document from the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The Guide was written to assist people who are working with infrastructure in Indigenous communities. It provides an integrated framework for understanding major infrastructure provision issues for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Auckland Design Manual, Māori Design Hub

The Māori Design Hub is an online space on the Auckland Design Manual website that provides insights, resources and examples of Māori design practice. The Hub exists as a resource to ensure the equity, social, cultural and physical wellbeing of Māori Housing in Tāmaki Makaurau. It features Māori housing policies, design principles, strategies and toolkits.

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.