TARRKARRI

–

CENTRE

FOR

FIRST

NATIONS

CULTURES

A New Paradigm

Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Woods + Bagot , Tarrkarri – Centre for First Nations Cultures is a new paradigm that showcases the past, present and future of Aboriginal cultures while supporting contemporary art practices and events across disciplines.

Connection to the Elements: Earth, Land, & Sky

Grounded on Kaurna land, the design of the 11,500 square metre building originates from the Aboriginal conception of the elements that link us to place: earth, land and sky. The design narrative for the building is based on the deep Aboriginal connection to country, place and kin, with connected layers being the foundation of the design. Lower level galleries and terraced landscapes are carved from the earth, providing indoor exhibition spaces, performance spaces and a gathering area for Welcome to Country ceremonies – within the outdoor amphitheatre. Reveals in the upper galleries frame views oriented to the sky and natural surroundings, while also exposing the activity within - depicting truth-telling and transparency. Tarrkarri offers 7,000 square metres of diverse exhibition spaces – ranging in size, height and light quality, each offering views of the natural surroundings – seamlessly blending inside with outside, natural with built. Between these exhibition levels is a radically welcoming arrival ground plane that extends to the land in all directions and reorients the building and its entry to Kainka Wirra (Adelaide Botanic Garden.) An additional 8,100 square-metres of public realm welcomes visitors with a gentle slope of native at North Terrace, providing seamless access.

A Space for Gathering and Storytelling

At the heart of the building is a flexible, three-story gathering and performance space that visitors spiral around as they make their way to different levels. A basket-like nest of columns shapes the central space and anchors the entire building, placing storytelling at the heart of the building. Draped onto this structure is a softly shimmering woven skin that tilts open to connect Aboriginal art and cultures back to the public and to Country. Tarrkarri will be a building of the 21st century, flexing to curation, use and time.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking vision to create a place of pride that authentically honours the oldest living cultures on the planet. This first-of-its-kind project has taken on a new life with our continued collaboration with the Aboriginal community and other stakeholder groups, as well as our Australian design partner Woods Bagot. Tarrkarri will welcome visitors through a radically open ground floor, into a safe space with storytelling at its heart. It will be a building of the 21st century, while remaining agile enough to allow future generations to evolve their own storytelling.” -Charles Renfro