MissElle Davidson

Thesis question: how can Aboriginal cultural living practices be revived through engagement and planning?

Aboriginal people have been forced into homes, communities and towns that do not respect or accommodate for their cultural living practices. Many scholars and practitioners have researched culture and climate responsive housing, however there is little research into alternate layout design for Aboriginal communities. Building envelopes lacking practical outdoor space, dividing fences that restrict access between lots and little consideration for extended kinship living all limit cultural living outcomes. However, the resilience of culture means that many practices continue within constrained circumstances.

The proposed PHD topic is to explore a range of principles and considerations for culturally responsive planning and design in Aboriginal communities. A strong engagement approach across three different communities representing urban, regional and remote typologies will be undertaken. This will help to understand the similarities and differences in planning for a variety of communities.