Harry Jakamarra Nelsen Cultural Centre

Northern Territory, Australia

“A place to restore and cultivate cultural connections and facilitate knowledge sharing between the Warlpriri generations.”

Design Studio Construction | April 2024

Grade achieved - High Distinction

The Harry Jakamarra Nelson Cultural Centre was designed as a community and cultural hub for the Warlpiri people of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory. The project responds to the local climate, cultural customs and community rhythms, offering flexible and welcoming spaces that support both everyday activities and ceremonial gatherings. It is a response to place that restores and cultivates cultural connections and facilitates knowledge sharing between Warlpiri generations.

The centre includes spaces for performance, education, yarning, making, learning and exhibition. Each space is carefully zoned and scaled to reflect cultural hierarchies and local uses of space. Open courtyards and shaded thresholds provide opportunities for gathering, contemplating and knowledge sharing.

Materiality and construction respond to the remote location and hot climate. Lightweight steel framing, rammed earth, stone walls and deep overhangs ensure thermal comfort while minimising maintenance.

The project demonstrates a sensitive balance between architectural methods and a deep contextual awareness. It uses spatial planning, form and materiality to reflect connection to country. Passive environmental strategies such as cross-ventilation, shaded outdoor spaces and access to natural light are considered throughout.

The centre is a broad vision of resilience, place based architecture rooted in culture, reconnection and knowledge sharing.