Translated Territories

This thesis project explores the Australian conceptualisation of Territory and investigates how an architectural exploration of place and culture might create a new, productive way of viewing the conflicting knowledge systems of ‘Settlement’ and ‘Country’. This project uses Kamay Botany Bay National Park as a testing ground for the development of a new National Park typology, the Cultural Learning Precinct. It seeks to address issues of culture and place through the lens of Territory as a productive concept - a way of reading site at multiple scales and from multiple points of view to create immersive experiences focused on genuine reconciliation.

The Main Hut follows the alignment of an existing roadway, touching the ground lightly and providing a mediating presence between the National Park and the New South Wales Golf Course.

A series of pavilions are housed under a singular roof form, and include moments for welcoming and orientation, accommodation, cooking and dining, recreation, and indoor and outdoor gathering.

Physical models were used to test the design at two key scales. The tectonic detail model was used to visualise the Main Hut section, revealing its material quality and atmosphere.