Ngarara Place is a significant addition to the cultural and campus life of RMIT University. In recognition of the oldest continuing culture in the world, a newly conceived landscape/urban design intervention has been incorporated adjacent to the key cross access (of Chemistry Lane) within the heart of RMIT’s city campus.

This project stemmed from the University’s Indigenous Unit – the Ngarara Willim Centre to build a visible presence and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories as connected among the lands of the Kulin Nation in which RMIT stands, with particular deference to the cultural continuity of the custodians of the land, especially the Wurundjeri and the Boon Wurrung.

The project draws on four key pillars, which anchor the design narrative embedded in the scheme. Our work on the design for Ngarara Place, was influenced by an ‘Indigenous Placemaking’ approach. The concept reinforced the connection between Indigenous Country and people.

A broad range of stakeholders were consulted to determine how best to reveal and celebrate Indigenous knowledge systems, traditions, motifs and people, and amplify Indigenous culture throughout the space.

The importance of engaging with a cross section of stakeholders such as the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council was fundamental to the success of the design outcome.