The Greater Curtin Living Knowledge Stream project is a strategic framework that integrates TEK with contemporary ecological science
Location: Bentley, Perth, Western Australia
Client: Curtin University
Time frame: 2012 – Ongoing
Services provided by Syrinx
Integrated Resource Management; Interpretative Landscapes; Sustainable/Green Infrastructure; Sustainable Masterplanning; Sustainable Remediation; Urban Design; Water Sensitive Design; Knowledge Integration
Project Phases Delivered
Project Phases Details
The Greater Curtin Living Knowledge Stream project is a strategic framework that integrates TEK with contemporary ecological science
In collaboration with Elder Dr Noel Nannup and sync7, Syrinx carried out an integrated research and design process predominantly led by interrogating the historical and present day natural ecology to develop a unified, logical and modern interpretive design framework to guide future development across campus.
The resulting Living Knowledge Stream design guidance document represents a major green infrastructure and Indigenous cultural trail network within the 116 ha Greater Curtin site. It is a composite of multiple functional and structural ecological elements, rooted in the character of the site, its people and their connection to water past and present. The Stream provides a high amenity public domain and landscape, reinstating cultural connections and providing a platform for education, art, technology installations and integrated water sensitive infrastructure.
Awards and achievements
- Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA, Urban Design Award of Excellence, 2016, Winner (Greater Curtin Masterplan)
- Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) WA Award of Excellence – Landscape Planning, 2018, Winner
Key outcomes
- First of a kind TEK and modern science integrated design approach to the recovery and understanding of water in an urban environment
- Provision of a toolkit to guide the ongoing long-term recovery and restoration of key ecological and cultural nodes across the site independent of development staging and timelines
- Establishment of a precedent for the integration of outdoor learning, interpretation, art and technology installations to complement the universities teaching curriculum
- Encouragement of an ongoing commitment to future water management, including its capture, conveyance and reuse to enhance ecological and cultural connections and interpretation throughout the public realm
- The Greater Curtin Masterplan received Australia’s first 5 Star Green Star – Communities rating. The Masterplan in underpinned by the Sustainable Green Infrastructure and Integrated Resource Management plans (which were carried out by Syrinx).
