in collaboration with architects without frontiers, the bawinanga aboriginal corporation and maningrida arts and culture, HASSELL has designed a new community center for maningrida in the northern territory of australia. the site, known as manayingkarírra to the kunibidji people (the traditional owners of the land), is envisioned as a precinct that will include the djómi museum and bábbarra women?s centre. the project aims to shed light on the history, culture and contemporary art movement of the remote region, while also forming an architectural expression that is contextually relevant to the location.

eastern view of the proposed maningrida arts and culture precinct
all images courtesy of HASSELL
 
 
HASSELL?s design for the precinct is in collaboration with senior artists and cultural leaders of the region to ensure the design responds physically, culturally and socially to the context and feels inherently of its place. the scheme features two new integrated buildings, each with a different personality and approach to meet its function and fulfil the needs of users. the new bábbarra women?s centre is more internal, private, local and connected, while the new djómi museum is more public and outward reaching. even though the buildings will use similar materials, construction and systems, they will still feel distinct in terms of how people experience and use them.
southern view
 
 
the shape and orientation of each building reflects the needs of both visitors a...