Architecture for Aboriginal Children and Families

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are proud, living cultures. The survival and revival of cultures relies on cultural identity being an integral part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's educational environment and providing environments that respect the ancestral ways, family, cultural and community traditions. Family is at the core of Aboriginal society and well-being. Complex kinship systems are central to how the culture is passed on and society is...
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are proud, living cultures. The survival and revival of cultures relies on cultural identity being an integral part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's educational environment and providing environments that respect the ancestral ways, family, cultural and community traditions. Family is at the core of Aboriginal society and well-being. Complex kinship systems are central to how the culture is passed on and society is organised with families having the primary responsibility for the upbringing, protection and development of their children. Providing a safe communal setting of loving and caring with opportunities for a child's growth, development and self-empowerment has dramatic impacts on the overall welfare of the child and is pivotal in addressing the disadvantages experienced by the Aboriginal children. This report reviews the development, outcomes and responses of users to three Children and Family Centres constructed in South Australia. The projects are recognised as Australian exemplars in the design of facilities for Aboriginal children and families. Critical to the success of the projects were the concepts of placemaking and the creation of Aboriginal 'places'. To achieve this, the design process included developing understandings of the behavioural and cultural norms and health requirements of potential users so that spaces were designed that were easy and pleasurable to use. In collaboration with communities, the centres were layered Indigenous meanings through the use of signs, symbols and representations. The Taikurrendi, Gabmididi Manoo and Ngura Yadurirn Children and Family Centres are precedents for the future, where facilities will be designed for Aboriginal children and families that reflect preferred Indigenous lifestyles and child rearing practices and respond to the cultural identity and spirituality of Aboriginal people with respect.