Kambri Precinct, Australian National University
This renewal of the heart of the Australian National University introduces an entirely new public domain and buildings to create a bustling place for socialising and learning that tears down walls between the campus and wider Canberra.
ASPECT Studios devised a legible and memorable landscape framework of plazas, green streets, riparian areas, courtyards and greenways that link together to create a clearly defined public space. Much of the landscape works are constructed on a raised podium to enable an seamless and accessible public domain between the new buildings.
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- TRADITIONAL OWNERS & ONGOING CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND Ngambri Country, Ngunnawal (Ngunawal) Country, and Ngarigu Country
- Client Australian National University
- Location Acton, Canberra, Australia
- Year 2017 - 2019
Engagement with traditional custodian groups was an important part of the project and led to the name “Kambri” – meaning “meeting place” – being gifted to the university by the Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council, Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation, King Brown Tribal Group, and the Ngarigu Currawong Clan. A desire to reveal and honour the site’s Indigenous heritage and the strength of the city’s Walter Burley Griffin-designed urban framework underpinned ASPECT’s design approach.
- TEAM ASPECT Studios, lahznimmo architects, BVN Architects, ColonySix, Lendlease
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AWARDS
2020 AILA ACT Landscape Awards - Award of Excellence for Health and Education Landscape
2020 AIA ACT Architecture Awards - Urban Design Award - PHOTOGRAPHY Florian Groehn
The character of Kambri varies throughout the precinct to reflect the different types of spaces, their associated buildings and their intended functions. These range from laneways and retail spaces through to learning commons, cultural event venues and student accommodation. Spaces vary from more active platforms for play and events, while others invite a quieter, more contemplative use.