Olkola Cultural Knowledge Centre, Cape York
[Monash University]

Research
2018-2019

The Olkola Cultural Knowledge Centre is a combined teaching and research project involving an ongoing partnership between Monash University, the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation and The Centre for Appropriate Technology(CAT). The research was led by Hannah Robertson, Innovation Fellow at Monash University. 

The purpose of the project is to design a Cultural Knowledge Centre, ranger station, cultural tourist accommodation and ablutions facilities at Sandy Creek Bore in Cape York, Queensland. In 2018, the Olkola Summer Intensive unit developed a master plan for a Cultural Knowlede Centre, ranger station, cultural tourism accommodation and ablutions facilities at Sandy Creek Bore on Olkola Country in Cape York, Queensland. In semester 1, the Olkola Design Studio continues the development of a conceptual and structural design response usin participatory, place-based, self-help and appropriate technology methodologies and theories. The problem solving and design approach taught in the subject equips students with new modes of critical thinking and decision making processes that can be directly applied to the complex, systemic and interconnected nature of the real world. The final conceptual design responses will be used by the Olkola Aboriginal Corporation in their applications to Government and philanthropic organisations for construction funds. The final conceptual structural responses will be used by the Olkola traditional owners and rangers to assist in the self-building of the structure.