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Dulili

Interior Design

Location

George Street, Sydney

In collaboration with Emily Brunsdon, Alannah Lawrence, Chloe King & Tayla Brummer

 

Client Brief:
  • Create a public sculptural element in response to a cultural, environmental, social, technological, or sustainable issue and respond to this site by generating an innovative design outcome that can be sustained into the future.

  • Explore possibilities for innovative design elements that respond to sustainable practices.

  • The sculptural form should extend both above and below ground level.

  • Have a strong metaphorical element which relates to the significant historical/cultural/social aspects of the area.

  • Multifunctional design

Sydney’s existing cultural identity is a crucial and significant part of its history. Sydney is home to 29 Aboriginal clan groups which make up the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. The site is located along Park Street and is nestled between Pitt Street and George Street in Sydney’s central. This new landmark addresses the city’s need for more interactive outdoor spaces, educational monuments, and parkland escapes from the surrounding city. Named ‘Dulili’, after the Indigenous word for ‘together’, this was pivotal in the design direction and purpose to create an immersive and innovative space for all. 

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The initial concept revolved around the form, significance and metaphor that came from clapping sticks, a culturally significant and powerful tool used in ceremony. In Gadigal culture, using clapping sticks is a call to Mother Earth to voice gratitude for the landscape, what it provides for all and acknowledging nature’s heartbeat. They are created from mulga wood and patterning is created through burning with hot wire. The significance of this symbolic use of clapping sticks is that it represents what lies beneath the city and the life that laid before it.

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The design revolves completely around the clapping sticks, which are the central focus and significance of the site. The design consists of three levels; ground level, middle level and base level. The ground level provides a unique parkland scene with towering beams which line the opening to the levels that lie beneath. These beams intertwine with each other creating a nest formation. Native flora is celebrated particularly those with cultural significance such as eucalyptus flower, strawflowers, and Xanthorrhoea Trees (Grass Tree) which require minimal water and do not need pesticides. The middle level consists of a mezzanine with display space for potential events or gallery displays. The lowest level, the base level is where the clapping sticks lie. This level is filled with additional native flora, grassed areas, and immersive lighting features.

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Sustainable technologies are employed to ensure efficiency and longevity. Lighting and sound systems are powered through solar power while many reclaimed and locally sourced materials were used in its creation.  

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Dulili provides a city escape for all and has become a landmark that stands for reflection, gratitude and acknowledgement of the history that lies on this land.

References:

 

Gorman, A. (2020). ‘As an Australian it will affect you. It’s your land as well’: Indigenous tourism’s new online travel agency.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/dec/03/as-an-australian-it-will-affect-you-its-your-land-as-well-indigenous-tourisms-new-online-travel-agency

RENDER-4-WIXREADY.jpg

Renders created by Emily Brunsdon (3DsMAX)

“You’re still on country. It still is unceded, there are a group of people who are connected, whether there’s buildings and cement there, they know what’s on country there. They know the story underground.” 
Rhoda Roberts (Head of First Nations at the Sydney Opera House)
  (Gorman, 2020).

Renders created by Emily Brunsdon (3DsMAX)

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