Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Design: MITS' New Boarding Facility

John McIldowie (Director, McIldowie Partners) sheds light on the new boarding facility for the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School. A beacon of culturally sensitive design, creating a supportive and empowering environment for indigenous students.

Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS), home to 40 students from remote communities across the Northern Territory and Victoria, aims to provide a sanctuary that nurtures cultural identity and offers a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar urban setting.

First and foremost, the project aims to create safe spaces for students experiencing a significant cultural shift and the isolation that comes with leaving home for the first time. The interiors are meticulously designed to reflect the students' diverse backgrounds. Elements from each of the six regions where MITS students hail from are incorporated through fabrics, lighting, wallpaper, wayfinding graphics, and artwork. One notable example is a painting in the foyer by Lorraine Kabbindi White’s father, Freddie Nadjamerrek, which tells the Lightning Dreaming story of Namarrkon. This serves as an inspiration for students to "create their own lightning here in Melbourne," reminding them of their roots while encouraging personal growth.

The building’s design also pays homage to its location on Wurundjeri land. Working closely with TCL Landscape Architects, the project is set within a reclaimed native landscape, featuring gardens, terraces, and courtyards filled with native plants. This effort echoes the pre-colonial landscape and fosters a connection to the local environment. Poured paving artworks by Trawlwoolway artist Edwina Green further enhance this connection, symbolising the movement of rain across Wurundjeri Country. These elements ensure that the building is reflective of its place here on Wurundjeri land, bridging the students' home regions with their new environment.

Conceiving and realising this project was no small feat. Designed and built during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project faced significant challenges. However, the dedication and generosity of head contractor Kane, sub-contractors, and suppliers, who provided labour and materials at significantly reduced rates, were instrumental in bringing the vision to life. This spirit of collaboration is one of the project’s hallmarks, guided by MITS' vision of supporting their students' cultural and educational journeys.

A striking feature of the project is its street-facing façade, designed to express the values of MITS and the stories of its students. The key design question was how to express these values and stories as non-indigenous architects. Through much consultation, the final design envisaged the building as a canvas for storytelling, cultural celebration, and exchange. Indigenous artist Lorraine Kabbindi White contributed a custom artwork for the façade, a perforated metal lacework depicting the dreamtime story of the First Bees. This story of transformation, where men's spirits turned into bees, mirrors the students' journey, symbolising their growth and development.

The impetus for the project was to create a home for 40 students and MITS administration staff, with spaces for community engagement and gatherings. More than just a building, it was an opportunity for MITS to make a statement to the broader community. Extensive consultation with a cultural heritage team ensured that the building reflects both the local cultural heritage and the diverse backgrounds of the students. Of nearby significance is Yarra Park, home to MITS’ school and a place of Aboriginal cultural heritage with a series of scarred trees on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.

The design strategy focused on three key aspects: situating the building within a reclaimed native landscape, establishing a street-facing statement of MITS' identity, and creating a functional boarding facility connected to courtyards and a roof terrace. This approach ensures that the building is both a place of cultural resonance and a functional, supportive environment for students.

The project’s success lies in its ability to address issues of cultural safety, isolation, and engagement for indigenous students. By weaving Indigenous identity with the local landscape, the building provides a physical and spiritual home for over 100 students. This design fosters a culturally aware and sustainable community, offering students a nurturing space to thrive both academically and culturally.

Ultimately, the project exemplifies the power of collaboration and consultation. Input from Wurundjeri elders, MITS staff, students, and the broader community at all stages of design and construction has resulted in a building that truly represents and supports its inhabitants. The facility not only addresses systemic barriers to education for indigenous students but also stands as a beacon of cultural celebration and exchange.

 In a significant moment, the building became a focal point during the voice to parliament referendum, with a large ‘Yes’ banner displayed prominently. This act underscored the building’s role as a platform for MITS to express the voices of its students, fostering a dialogue with the broader community about cultural identity and inclusivity. This project is more than a structure; it is a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and cultural pride.

Through thoughtful design and a deep respect for cultural heritage, the MITS boarding facility has created a space that supports the educational and personal growth of indigenous students. This project stands as a model for how architecture can influence and uplift communities, making a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

K5 is the proud sponsor of the INDE Influencer category in the 2024 programme. The shortlisted projects, such as Melbourne Indigenous Transition School, embody our company ethos; create only when necessary and always consider the impacts on the future. Congratulations Studio Edwards.