Conde Library: Sydney Science Park: Place in Country

How can Sydney Science Park:

Integrate innovative design approaches informed by First Nations sciences and ways of knowing, doing and being?
Foster a sense of custodianship, and advocate connecting with Country for future visitors and residents?
Regenerate the social, cultural and environmental systems of Country?
Leave a lasting legacy, and guide future generations of the site – both human and non-human?
Promote knowledge sharing and record keeping through story, song, dance and art as we Move with Country?
Prioritise the wellbeing of native plant and animal species, through habitat creation and connection for Non-Human Kin Country?
Capture, treat, guide and discharge water to regenerate the health of Water Country?
Reveal the historical layers of soils, geology and undulating landform which make up this unique Deep Country?
Pay tribute to our ancestors and spiritual beings which dwell within Sky Country, and bring attention to First Nations sciences of navigation, astronomy, seasonal flourishes, deep time and Songlines?
Celebrate the dynamic movement of Wind Country, which carries messages of seasons, songs, words and vibrates through the trees, grass and clouds within the Master Plan?

General Resources

Design : building on country by Alison Page & Paul Memmott
Call Number: 305.89915 PAG
ISBN: 9781760761400
Publication Date: 2021
Aboriginal design is of a distinctly cultural nature, based in the Dreaming and in ancient practices grounded in Country. It is visible in the aerodynamic boomerang, the ingenious design of fish traps and the precise layouts of community settlements that strengthen social cohesion. Alison Page and Paul Memmott show how these design principles of sophisticated function, sustainability and storytelling, refined over many millennia, are now being applied to contemporary practices. Design: Building on Country issues a challenge for a new Australian design ethos, one that truly responds to the essence of Country and its people.

The Australian Indigenous Design Charter
The Australian Indigenous Design Charter aims to help facilitate accurate and respectful representation of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in design and associated media.
SBS - Country-led design in Australian cities: what is it and why does it matter? [podcast]
Country is the term at the heart of Australian Indigenous heritage and continuing practices. The environments we are part of, carry history spanning tens of thousands of years of First Nations presence, culture, language, and connection to all living beings. So, how should architects, government bodies and creative practitioners interact with Indigenous knowledge when designing our urban surroundings?
Australian Institute of Architects - First Nations Resources Hub
The Australian Institute of Architects has assembled the First Nations Resources Hub, a dedicated platform for built environment professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of culturally respectful and appropriate design for First Nations peoples.
Indigenizing practice: What can non-Indigenous designers do?
This question is on the minds of many non-Indigenous architects wanting to learn how to design with Country. Budawang/Yuin woman and spatial designer Danièle Hromek has gathered together a group of individuals to answer it, using 14 interconnected principles.
Country and connections
Country and connections chapter from the 2021 Australia state of the environment report.

Connecting with Country case studies
The NSW Government has listed a number of case studies where the Connecting with Country Framework has been applied.
Yerrabingin - Parramatta River Catchment
Yerrabingin is an Aboriginal-owned design practice merging Indigenous wisdom and contemporary design in the built environment. Have a look at their ideas for the Parramatta River Catchment.
South Eveleigh Native Rooftop Farm
Built on the 500sqm rooftop space of an office building, the native rooftop farm uses principles of Indigenous knowledge, collaborative design and permaculture to create and maintain the Australia’s first Indigenous rooftop farm for urban food production. Located high above Sydney on the roof of Yerrabingin House, Yerrabingin has grown over 2,000 edible, medicinal and culturally significant plants.
The Living Pavilion Research Report
The Living Pavilion was a living laboratory and temporary event space featuring a landscape design of 40,000 Kulin Nation plants that celebrated Indigenous knowledge, ecological science and sustainable design through participatory arts practice.

Supporting Aboriginal people in Planning
NSW Government is committed to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in planning and design.
Connecting with Country framework
The NSW Government's Connecting with Country Framework supports us to develop connections with Country that can inform the planning, design and delivery of built-environment projects in NSW.
Water, Country and Community Program (2020-2024)
The Water, Country and Community Program is designed to better include Aboriginal people in water management and to reconnect communities to water for cultural, economic, customary, and spiritual purposes.

CSIRO - Indigenous science and engagement
The CSIRO work with Indigenous communities and organisations to create Indigenous-driven science solutions that support sustainable futures for Indigenous peoples, cultures and Country.