Lead architect Rossi Architects, supported by Alice Springs-based Susan Dugdale & Associates, collaborated with Larrakia advisers to design what is already being heralded as one of the most striking buildings in Northern Australia. 

Project lead Rossi Kourounis says: “It was a critical missing piece to celebrate, share and practice Larrakia culture.” 

The meaningful building was designed after years of meetings and workshops with stakeholders, especially the Larrakia Cultural Consultative Group. 

“The most important thing was to listen to what they wanted, what this building meant to them,” says Rossi. “Everyone had to have a voice. 

“We didn’t go into the meetings with preconceived ideas. Our job was to listen and be culturally guided, while we translated ideas into a complex built form with a challenging site. 

“ Focusing on being respectful and listening consistently throughout our five years on the project was essential to achieving a genuine culturally strong outcome.” 

The final design captures the essence of local Indigenous culture – the building on the Waterfront cantilevers out over the saltwater as a dramatic representation of the Ancestral Being that hovers over and protects Larrakia Country. 

Rossi remembers the then Larrakia Development Corporation chief executive Nigel Brown saying: “We may have to bring in outside help to design and build the centre but it must always be remembered that this is for the Larrakia people.” 

The $45 million building, expected to be finished this year, importantly sits next to a Larrakia sacred site. It is also close to Stokes Hill Wharf and a stone’s throw from the Darwin Convention Centre and Waterfront precinct. 

There is a semi-basement carpark and two levels above, including a restaurant, museum, art gallery, art and retail shop, kiosk, offices, art studio, classrooms, restaurant and conference rooms. 

Landscaping includes a welcoming savannah arrival sequence, women’s and men’s cultural areas, saltwater and freshwater ponds and a large coastal amphitheatre and stage for events. 

There are many Larrakia artworks throughout the building and landscape. 

The centre will be beneficial to the wider Darwin community for tourism and development. 

Rossi Architects has completed more than 300 assignments since it was founded in 2009, including the new Parap Preschool, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, Darwin Middle School multi-purpose Hall, Gray Community Hall, Nightcliff Police Station and several of the Top End’s most eye-catching residential projects. 

The firm, which has a staff of eight, designs a mix of buildings but its core passion areas are educational centres, such as schools, as well as community and cultural facilities. 

“We are really passionate for architecture that serves and benefits our communities,” says Rossi, a home-grown architect of Darwin. TQ 

CONTACT Rossi Architects 

2/8 Parap Place, Parap NT 0820 

(08) 8947 1513 

info@rossiarchitects.com.au 

rossiarchitects.com.au