Premier Steven Marshall said the striking reference design, with overlapping layers surrounding a central gathering space, embodied the vision of the AACC as a gateway to the oldest living cultures in the world by incorporating the elements of earth, land and sky.
Compared to the original project in 2018 when they won the competition, the look appears to have gone through a set of changes in the overall look of the facade and woven skin concept. The project's expected completion date is 2025.
Project description by Diller Scofidio + Renfro Studio
A New Paradigm
Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Woods + Bagot , the Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre (AACC) 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. The AACC 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. For the structure and building skin (façade) the design team drew inspiration from the temporary shelterstructures created by Aboriginal peoples across Australia, known by names such as “wurlie” and “humpy.” 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. AACC 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. The AACC 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
