Architecture can be a creative vehicle to help evolve and shape a community’s identity.
In its imaginative and functional layout, design, art and relationship with the natural environment the IKE building facilitates a uniquely Koorie vision of education and community and brings a bold, confident and authentic Koorie Presence to the Deakin University Waurn Ponds Campus.
The plan is organised around one main ‘track’- a north-south spine threading the main entry, gallery, reception, the main stair, lift, common room and courtyard. From this spine a strong sense of orientation and feel for the pulse and life of the whole place is possible, visually linking the two extremities of the building, their entrances and mediating landscape.
The building with the inspiration, commitment and collaboration of the Institute staff, students and associated respected elders aspires to express the spirit of Koorie culture in a way that is sharing, inclusive, practical and inspirational, facilitating a creative and supportive environment, a place that brings together the abiding ancient traditional wisdom with the best of current knowledge and educational methods to meet the challenges of life in the 21st Century.
Geelong, VIC2012
Deakin University