Curtin University Yarning Circle
The Curtin University Indigenous Learning Circle (Yarning Circle) is a culturally welcoming space for On Country and integrated learning experiences within Curtin University’s Perth Campus at Bentley on Whadjuk Country.
Redefining the campus ‘Front Door’ as a ‘Cultural Entry’ by siting the Yarning Circle along the Djiridji trail, in alignment with the University’s grand axis, in front of the Ceremonial Walk.
The project is a symbolic link to Curtin’s Nowanup Bush Campus – an innovative learning space set in Noongar bushland which was initiated by Nowanup Noongar Elder Mr Eugene Eades, Curtin’s Elder-in-Residence Professor Simon Forrest and Gondwana Link’s Keith Bradby. Photo by Peter Banyard, courtesy of Greening Australia. More information.
Positioned along the Djiridji (Zamia) songline and in front of the University’s grand axis of its Beaux-Arts campus arrangement, the Yarning Circle redefines the campus ‘Front Door’ as a ‘Cultural entry’ and welcome place.
Consisting of a circular 6-tonne shade canopy, rammed earth seating, and a network of garden paths that meander through thousands of native plants, the Yarning Circle celebrates Curtin’s cultural heritage, and provides a symbolic link to Curtin’s Nowanup Bush Campus.
Five key strategic design principles for Curtin’s Yarning Circle include:
Redefining the ‘Front Door’ as a ‘Cultural Entry’ placing the Yarning Circle along the Djiridji trail in alignment with the University’s grand axis, with the aim to elevate the outdoor learning experience to be on par with traditional classroom experiences
Embedding and revealing the Djiridji (Zamia) songline from macro to micro
Intersection as cultural entry
Providing a range of formal and informal learning spaces catering for different group sizes and varying degrees of privacy and openness
Ensuring the provision of safe and legible journeys to campus users and visitors alike by prioritising physical and visual connectivity to the campus’ existing path network.
Strategically, the Yarning Circle builds upon the Greater Curtin Living Knowledge Stream Guidelines (Syrinx, Nannup, 2017) which provided a framework for a cultural trail and blue-green infrastructure network focused on ancient songlines that traverse the Bentley Campus.
As a place where culture, art, ceremony, recreation and learning are interlinked, it’s at the intersection of a healthy environment, a healthy campus community and a healthy culture. Photo by Jayde Conway.
With cultural guidance from Professor Simon Forrest and Dr Noel Nannup, the project’s inception and development followed an Indigenous design methodology that centred co-design, collaboration and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. The incorporation of Indigenous Yarning Circle Protocols led to an inclusive design outcome – a culturally safe place of respite and conversation for students, staff and visitors alike. The larger outcome here is that the project and its process have become templates for how to incorporate Learning on Country experiences at Curtin, and more broadly.
Lighting supports Green Star principles and promotes the ‘dark sky’ to limit impacts to flora and fauna.
The landscape of the Yarning Circle involved the installation of over 2500 endemic plants and trees, including over 40 mature Djiridji and Balga. Plant selections were based on original vegetation complexes, as well as based on low ongoing water and fertilizer use.
Awards:
2023 Good Design Award for Architectural Project - Place Design
2023 ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact Shortlist
2022 Dezeen Awards Longlist for Landscape Project
2022 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) National Award for Cultural Heritage
2022 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA Award for Health and Education Landscape
2022 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA Award for Cultural Heritage
Details:
Client: Curtin University
Aboriginal Country: Whadjuk Noongar Country
Location: Bentley, Perth, WA
Dates: 2019-2021
Collaborators: Professor Simon Forrest (Curtin University Elder in Residence at the time of project), Curtin University Architecture students and staff (including Thomas Allan, Sam Chapman, Samuel Dawson, Ricardo Muller), Dr Noel Nannup, Curtin University Centre for Aboriginal Studies, Curtin University Properties Facilities & Development, ACORPP Project Managers, ESC Lighting, Stantec Engineering, Hydroplan Irrigation, HWA Quantity Surveyors.
Photography: Yvonne Doherty
