Jury citation
The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a powerful example of how architecture and design can positively impact communities by honouring and preserving their cultural heritage.
The development, which provides tourism infrastructure across five sites near Portland, Victoria, demonstrates a refined and elegant contemporary architectural vocabulary that mirrors the multifaceted and sophisticated nature of Gunditjmara culture. By embedding the ideas of Country, Culture, and Community within the design approach, Cooper Scaife Architects has created a place where these elements interweave. The project was initiated by the Traditional Owners, who now manage and operate the facilities.
The holistic design is grounded in a deep understanding of the local community and its relationship to the land. The project provides ongoing economic opportunities for Gunditjmara on Country, and enables the sharing of unique cultural knowledge and innovation with visitors connecting with this special place.
The ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact is organized by Architecture Media, publisher of ArchitectureAU.com, and presented in partnership with the Melbourne School of Design and supported by Latitude, Peptolab, and NHO.
Credits
- Project
- Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
- Architect
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Cooper Scaife Architects
- Project Team
- Bianca Scaife, Daniel Cooper, Tijana Dabic, Caitlin Phillips
- Consultants
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Archaeologist
Ecology Heritage and Partners
Building surveyor Beaton Building Consultancy
Interpretative designer and graphic designer Lookear, Mono Design
Land surveyor Brayley and Hayes
Landscape architect Site Office
Project manager Accuraco
Quantity surveyor WT Partnership
Services engineer Introba (formerly Integral Group)
Structural and civil engineer Tonkin
- Site Details
- Project Details
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Status
Built
Category Landscape / urban
Type Community
