Architecture
The Kimberwalli Centre for Excellence, a place of empowerment for Aboriginal youth in Western Sydney.
In 2017 a group of eight young Aboriginal people with vision and passion came together with BVN architect Kevin O’Brien to shape the foundations of a new centre of excellence. A $20million investment from the State Government meant such a place was possible, to support those between high school and higher education.
A new double height verandah creates a sense of arrival and place.
The group envisioned a place deeply connected to their culture and Country. Somewhere for short courses, mentoring, upskilling and creativity. For cultural events and gatherings. Somewhere beautiful, safe and inspiring, where big ideas and small steps forward, would be possible.
Two years later, Kimberwalli became a reality. An adaptation of the former Whalan High School, it emerged afresh with active and vibrant spaces flooded with natural light and flexible open areas, ready to be filled with energy, ideas and possibilities.
The site is the former Whalan Public High School at Whalan, near Mt Druitt in Western Sydney.
The new centre has a range of spaces for different kinds of learning, collaboration and celebration. Seminar rooms, meeting spaces and digital labs make up the interiors. Here students have access to top class educators and programs. A landmark partnership with Microsoft and LinkedIn enables state-of-the-art technology and digital literacy training.
By creating several usable spaces around the precinct, people are reconnected with the landscape.
A double height screened veranda provides a generous and protected open air space. Outside are sports fields, carefully considered gardens and natural green spaces, as well as a leisure area complete with BBQs. A spectacular and specially-designed fire pit is a welcoming place for storytelling and special celebrations.
The specific arrangement of internal and external spaces was crucial in connecting students to each other and Darug Country. Likewise, the selection of colours, materials and finishes, which drew on the endemic characteristics of the land, was carefully selected. These considerations are integral to BVN’s Designing with Country methodology – an approach that connects First Nations thinking and contemporary architecture.
Western Sydney is home to the largest Aboriginal community in NSW of whom 60% are under the age of 24. For these young people transitioning between high school and the start of their adult life Kimberwalli is an important place. It’s grounded in a strong connection to Aboriginal culture and identity. And it offers a place to build confidence, gain new skills and prepare for what’s ahead. The centre has quickly established itself as a nationally recognised and innovative facility supporting young Aboriginal people as they take their first steps towards their career.
Kimberwalli was created and developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, consultants, businesses, supply chains and contractors. It was and remains led by the community consisting of the Darug people, Mt Druitt, Whalan and Western Sydney communities. As the project was led by community it observed community engagement and cultural expectations in all aspects of the project.
IMPACT
are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people (1.4%), making Western Sydney home to the largest Aboriginal community in NSW
of Population of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Western Sydney is between 20 and 29 of age
of the Aboriginal population of Western Sydney is younger than the population as a whole and are under the age of 24.
Kimberwalli means “many stars”. A fitting name for a place designed to help young Aboriginal people do extraordinary things.
The Process
BVN walked alongside young Aboriginal people from Western Sydney to co-design a space for young Aboriginal people to connect, share and grow in a culturally safe way.
As a building for the indigenous community, a working group of dedicated young Aboriginal people was established before BVN’s engagement to ensure their meaningful contributions informed the flow of information and influence.
Additional milestone community events allowed a broader reach into the wider community.
BVN walked alongside young Aboriginal people from Western Sydney to co-design a space for young Aboriginal people to connect, share and grow in a culturally safe way.
As a building for the indigenous community, a working group of dedicated young Aboriginal people was established before BVN’s engagement to ensure their meaningful contributions informed the flow of information and influence.
Additional milestone community events allowed a broader reach into the wider community.
Credits
BVN
Consultants
Aurecon, C&A Surveyors, EI Australia, Group DLA, Urbis, WT Partnership, PSG Holdings, COX Inall Ridgeway
Consultants
Aurecon, C&A Surveyors, EI Australia, Group DLA, Urbis, WT Partnership, PSG Holdings, COX Inall Ridgeway
Photography
Barton Taylor
Awards
Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) NSW Chapter Prizes - Reconciliation Prize (2021)
