The Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility is a shared platform for collaboration and innovation, a place where government, research institutions, and industry can lead research and product development. Djinjama, in collaboration with Hassell, connected with Dharug Knowledge Holders to develop an understanding of the significance of ‘Wianamatta’, a Dharug word meaning ‘Mother Place’, a significant place for women.
The ‘First Building’ is a key feature of the innovation precinct known as Aerotropolis. Connecting and designing with Country is at the heart of the design which takes cues from the surrounding waterways and the Cumberland Plains. The design language informed by Djinjama centred on ideas of water and fluidity, using warm soft natural materials that ‘touch the ground lightly’. The structure creates a sense of rising up from the ground and being accessible and permeable.
Surrounded by green and open spaces where people can gather, the design embedded the idea of a circular economy. It will be energy positive, carbon neutral, water balanced, nature positive, healthy and inspiring. Rainwater is used for grey water and landscape irrigation and the longest freshwater stream in Greater Sydney will be regenerated to promote biodiversity, slow down runoff, and allow for natural filtration into the ground, benefiting the creek’s health, and ultimately the Cumberland Plain.
Djinjama’s work visioned a beautiful culturally responsive design that responds to the flows of water and people across the landscape.
Djinjama honours our connections to Country, community, culture and kin through our work. Djinjama’s projects actively interact with lands, waters and air, and as such we actively protect the rights of Country to be healthy in our work. We respect Traditional Custodians who have long cared for Country and aim to elevate First Voices in all our work. We are grateful to Elders and Knowledge Holders for their continued sharing of wisdom, story, language, and knowledge.
