The power of co-design: Embracing first nations culture in placemaking
How might co-design methodologies facilitate better cross-cultural relationships and outcomes on placemaking and built environment projects?
Australia's journey towards embracing diverse worldviews and fully recognising Aboriginal cultures within its national identity has been slow. While archaeological investigations to record Aboriginal heritage are common in built environment planning, integrating Aboriginal perspectives into the design of spaces is a relatively novel concept. This shift towards designing with Country necessitates engagement with and guidance from Aboriginal communities and knowledge holders, prompting a critical question: how can participatory methods foster collaborative design processes?
Unveiling Historical Ideologies and Insights
Historically, unconscious structural and societal barriers have hindered Indigenous and non-Indigenous collaboration, perpetuated by mainstream ideologies. Systemic cultural erasure, white privilege, and a lack of cross-cultural awareness have contributed to narratives of deficit and irreconciliation dominating public and professional discourse in Australia. However, alternative models, such as strengths-based approaches like co-design, are emerging to challenge these ideologies.
“Through all of this, alternative models are emerging, such as strengths-based approaches like co-design.”
The Role of Narrative Evolution
Over time, political ideologies and media narratives have shaped public perceptions, from narratives of deficit to those of white mastery. These narratives perpetuate negative stereotypes, hindering effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration. It is evident that a change in narrative is imperative to foster inclusive design practices.
Addressing Eurocentrism and Privilege
Australia's Eurocentric value system has influenced its dominant design industries, perpetuating a lack of appreciation for diverse cultures. The higher education system, too, reinforces these values, reflecting a failure of pluralism. Furthermore, the lack of effective cross-cultural communication widens the collaboration gap, hindering meaningful engagement with Aboriginal protocols and worldviews.
The Power of Co-Design and Strengths-Based Approaches
Co-design offers a transformative framework for participatory design and shared decision-making, as evidenced by its successful implementation in policy reforms such as the Closing the Gap Refresh and Indigenous Voice to Parliament initiatives. By prioritizing equal citizenship and self-determination, co-design facilitates cross-cultural dialogue and recalibrates power dynamics for the benefit of all Australians.
The Role of Non-Indigenous Designers
As non-Indigenous designers, there is a responsibility to act as deep listeners and facilitators rather than experts. Co-design empowers participants to become co-researchers and co-designers, fostering respectful partnerships and equitable outcomes. While entrenched systems may pose limitations, co-design offers a pathway to more inclusive and democratic design processes.
Looking Towards the Future
To address the legacy of colonisation, a focus on strengths and community capacity building is essential. Co-design, with its inclusive and iterative principles, offers a pathway to redefine Australia's design and delivery models, centered on Country- and First Nations-led research. As exemplified by international initiatives in Canada and New Zealand, integrating Indigenous perspectives into design practices enriches cultural heritage and fosters sustainable, inclusive environments.
Conclusion
In embracing Aboriginal cultures in placemaking, co-design emerges as a powerful tool for fostering cross-cultural relationships and equitable outcomes. While challenges persist, the shift towards inclusive design practices offers hope for a future where Aboriginal perspectives are valued and integrated into Australia's built environment. As designers, our commitment to co-design is not only a professional obligation but a moral imperative to honor and preserve the richness of Aboriginal cultures for generations to come.
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