Ahead of the Victorian state election, the Australian Institute of Architects has issued a statement calling for First Nations approaches to Designing with Country to inform the procurement, planning, design and delivery of built environment projects across the state.
Victorian chapter president David Wagner said respecting Country forms part of the 2021 Nations Standard of Competency for Architects, and at a minimum, it requires the protection of existing cultural materials.
“At its best, this approach to design celebrates Country through a project,” said Wagner.
Co-chair of the Institute’s First Nations Advisory Working Group Sarah Lynn Rees said that while it is not always possible for all built environment projects to engage with First Nations knowledge holders, it is “imperative” that the government leads on good practice in its procurement of buildings and infrastructure.
The Victorian chapter has referred to the New South Wales draft Connecting with Country and the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects as exemplars for the development of a framework in Victoria. It has also called for an improved heritage protection system to ensure better preservation of cultural landmarks.
The Institute has also called for an additional $50 million in funding for Heritage Victoria to ensure the appropriate assessment and listing of places of significance, and to subsidise owners through the Living Heritage Grants program.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
