Indigenizing the built environment research awarded $1.4 million in funding

A research project conducted by Dr Michael Mossman and professor Donald McNeill of The University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning department has been awarded $1.4 million in Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Indigenous 2024 funding.

The project, Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia, will examine the 2021 National Standard of Competency for Architects, specifically the criteria relating to Country and First Nations communities and cultures. The Indigenous-led research project will determine the efficacy of the criterion through engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders to collect critical information for the 2025 iteration of competencies.

The research will provide insight for the profession. Information collated will aim to Indigenize discourse between Indigenous Communities and built environment professions, promote greater cultural competency and advocate for considerations of First Nations specific performance criteria in other registered built environment professions across Australia.

The research project will commence in January 2024. It was one of nine projects to receive funding through the scheme for 2024.