Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Architectures

This module of five charts the design, forms, types, siting and construction techniques from the vernacular to contemporary architecture in a survey of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander architectures from pre-colonization to the present day. The module presents materials on Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander architecture for teaching to national and international audiences, for standalone or delivery as a lecture series.

The lecture series discusses the diversity of Indigenous cultures and architecture across Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, introducing students to the concept of Country, and manner in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have sought to retain and revive individual and collective identities, and made considerable progress in affirming rights to land, cultural practices and identity through architecture. Architecture, design and placemaking that celebrate cultural identity, fit with Indigenous peoples’ socio-spatial and cultural needs and is devised by or with Indigenous peoples, is an important aspect of reasserting Indigenous control and demonstrating Indigenous resistance and resilience in contemporary Australia.