CDU ACIKE

CDU ACIKE
Darwin, Northern Territory

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An inspiring project involving the design of a series of modifications to the existing Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledge & Education (ACIKE) ceremony area on the Charles Darwin University Darwin campus. 

The project consists of a new ceremonial flooring feature, seating sunshade feature and woven shading structures which dramatically improve the usability and experience of this important cultural meeting place. Individual elements take inspiration from the surrounding cultural, natural and built environments. The careful use of colour, material and built form was significant to create harmony with and enhance the comfort of the ceremony space, providing a culturally relevant and vibrant space for the community.

The new dance floor takes inspiration from the ACIKE logo, the indigenous symbol for meeting place, with a floor radiating out from the centre. The dance floor now provides a timber stage and central viewing point for ceremony and traditional dancing. The functional screen elements derive their form from the traditional symbol for rain and sun, providing a dynamic four dimensional experience with dramatic shadow lines being formed as the sun moves across the sky. Seat shades provide much needed shade and are inspired by woven artworks of the local indigenous culture.