Notes from Aboriginal Reference Group workshop 3
Date: 25 July 2019 Location: Railway Cottage Attendees: Caroline Spotswood, Clair Anderson, Aunty Patsy Cameron, Dave Warrener, Dom Geraghty, Jacqueline Power, Scott Dickson, Tania Harvey The Aboriginal Reference Group was shown the masterplan and the following discussion was recoded while discussing significant spaces established in the masterplan Riawunna – The Centre Riawunna was described as being located in the current masterplan in the teaching and learning building. Discussion focussed on; • Current design shows Riawunna hidden at the ‘back’ of the building on the ground floor. • There is a desire for Riawunna be positioned towards the front to allow visibility at the entry. Riawunna, the centre could then have connection to the University Square • Possibility for a physical connection with the river is worth pursuing, but in reality the levee wall obstructs this. • There may be opportunities for a cultural garden adjacent or behind, the School of Architecture, or at the levee gate where site lines to the river are possible Stones Although the Nation and Guardian stones were thought to be best located near to Riawunna and be part of the setting of the Cultural Garden, it was acknowledged there was a potential to extend the reach of the Guardian stones’ presence and impact across the whole site. The Group placed representations of the Guardian stones on a site diagram, noting that placing the Stones on the Inveresk site was a significant gift to the campus as a whole. The thought was that they would guard and protect the Inveresk precinct as a whole, not just Riawunna, the centre. The idea was proposed that the Stones would be placed mainly in pairs at each significant entrance to the campus. This proposal was heartfelt and unanimously agreed by the reference group. The key entry points were defined as;
Also discussed were the potential positive impact of signage, flags, the use of stones, other natural materials (sourcing and placement where debated). The inclusion of culturally relevant sculptures and woven elements were considered in the way they might be integrated into the landscape setting on key circulation pathways across the site as a whole, and including Willis Street. Library and Student Services Ideas discussed: • The reference group discussed the use of big trees to form good framing and sitting places at building’s edges • Views to and from the building were discussed. • Circulation: how could the pathway to the car park via the Traverser Lane be interesting and engaging (not just straight lines)? How could the river be represented, if it couldn’t be directly seen? • The idea that the landscape edges of building 3 should connect and be considered holistically with the landscape design of the whole site. • Cultural Calendar: particular plants represent times of the year. (i.e.: some flowering plants indicate when snakes are ‘warming up’ and out of hibernation, other plants signify adjacency with materials that can be useful to community. University Square The reference group proposed a water feature, or something representation of water (perhaps shells?) would be appropriate in this ‘triangle’ of space. In addition, landscape designers could consider; • A range of smaller (micro) garden spaces, medicinal plants? • Places to sit (landscape inspired furniture) • Lingering in the area (incidental educational opportunities through signage and plant types and history of uses to community • Meeting space: the whole garden needs to be a meeting space for large or small groups and for formal and informal ceremonies • Fire pit, or similar should be central. This should provide a space for gathering and ceremony • External views from this space are important. What can been seen of the external site (e.g. mountains)? • Could this be a whole of site welcoming place? • Is there an opportunity for this to be a cultural garden? • Installation of culturally relevant sculpture or art pieces could present the start of an educational trail Seams and Pockets Activating the edges of buildings is seen as important via the following techniques; • Planter boxes • Medicinal planting • Healthy (food) gardens • Art/sculpture Another idea discussed was the importance of making sure the key circulation routes through the site, and adjacent the River are activated. Movement though the site could mirror the first people’s use of the land as a place to pass through, gathering materials and food as they moved.
• Willis Street • Black Bridge
• Roundabout (Cottage) • School of Architecture • Near student accommodation • Entry into Building 1 • Exit and Entrance to Willis Street Bridge
In addition, some stone clusters were located on the map at key points, noting that there were only 16 Guardian stones to distribute. Precinct and Themes The idea that the whole site might feel like a village was discussed, as well as the importance of integrating elements such as fire and water into the landscape as a whole. Discussion focussed on looking at how elements such as shells (the shape of the shells, and actual shells) might be integrated into the design.
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