Boroondara Corroboree Centre

The brief for this project was to design a contemporary Corroboree Centre on Wurundjeri Country as a meeting place for First Nations People to connect with community and share sacred traditions, rituals, songs and art.

The circular design represents the interdependence of life - everything is connected. A central void opens up to the sky, bringing nature in to the heart of the building.

Connection to Country is an integral part of the design. Using natural materials such as rammed earth walls and timber cladding and incorporating an abundance of native vegetation shows respect for nature, aligning with Indigenous values. An outdoor performance area and yarning circle give the community a space to gather and the Rainbow Serpent creek encourages children to connect with nature and Dreamtime Stories.

Project Details:

I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Borooondara Corroboree Centre is placed, the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and pay respect to Elders past and present.

Created for: Swinburne University of Technology

Subject: 2021 Construction 2: Building Services and Documentation Packages

Software: Rhino3D, Enscape, Adobe Suite

Grade: High Distinction

Designed by Darshana Thapa

Indigenous Artist’s work in gallery space sourced from Pinterest:

Audrey Martin Napanangka - Walpiri Artist from Yuendumu Country

Michelle ‘Wilura’ Kickett - Noongar Artist from Bal-lar-dong and Whadjuk clans

Holy Sanders - Bundjalung Artist paints on Yuin Country

Mansfield Park Primary School - Painted by students on the traditional Country of the Kaurna people

Colleen Wallace Nungarrayi - Artist from Arnumarra Country

Kirsty Burgu - Ngarinyin Worrorra Artist from Mowanjum Community

Angelo Burgoyne (Judda) - Artist from Kokatha Country