Demystifying Engagement

Woods Bagot's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) leader and Principal Bronwyn McColl in conversation with Indigenuity Lab Director Kaylee Anderson (Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta/Bangerang Countries) for a frank, open, and demystifying chat around the codesign process and how to meaningfully embed cultural wisdom in projects from inception through to realisation. It's about recentering community and culture as a starting-point – not a response.

Kaylee and Bron will discuss what it means to decolonise architecture as a sector, exploring how designers can be advocates and enablers for the codesign process. Presenters will consider what engagement could look like – beyond performative social license, marketing tool or competitive advantage – but as a genuine and meaningful way of embedding knowledge, cultural safety, and connection to Country for a sustainable and equitable future legacy.

Drawing on recent examples from major infrastructure projects to corporate workplace refurbishments, Bron and Kaylee will talk through the steps for culture-centred design outcomes. As with any other specialist area, they will advocate for outsourcing expertise pertaining to engagement and cultural consultation for modelling best practice in culturally progressive design. We consider design as a form of restitution and self-determination, offering an alternative process based on reciprocity and trust, amplifying First Nations knowledges through the built environment.

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