Country-led design in Australian cities: what is it and why does it matter?

Designers of the University of Technology, Sydney's National First Nations College aspire to make it a place of connection with Country. Credit: Greenaway Architects, Warren and Mahoney, OCULUS

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Country is the term at the heart of Australian Indigenous heritage and continuing practices. The environments we are part of, carry history spanning tens of thousands of years of First Nations presence, culture, language, and connection to all living beings. So, how should architects, government bodies and creative practitioners interact with Indigenous knowledge when designing our urban surroundings?

Key Points

It is a common misconception to think of Indigenous culture as being the same everywhere in Australia. It’s not
A developing shift in built environment design is seeking to make projects based on Country, the norm breaking away from business-as-usual urban planning.
In Country-led design, from planning to delivery, First Nations knowledge-holders, the environment, and the practices of the specific project site, drive the process.