The group of 15 Master of Architecture students will work in two groups over the last 10 days of June to help install ‘media boxes’, multi-purpose community centres providing a focal point for skills training in the community. 

Designer and student Silas Gibson says the centres provide “a place where residents can forge links with people outside their own communities through intensive workshops and internet use”.

The shipping containers have been outfitted by locals working through the Ironbark Employment agency, while the students will help with the final landscape design and construction of the carport-style roof.  The students have spent the first part of semester designing and testing prototypes and will use their time up north to also consult with locals and refine further designs to community needs.

Studio and project leader Dr David O’Brien says the building process has uni students working alongside locals to enable strong bonds to form and an understanding of the complexities of design and development in town camp communities.  “So often projects fail when they are not matched with community needs. This project was selected from many alternative designs as it ticked all the right boxes. “

“Working with our partner communities as well as agencies such as Darwin Regional CDEP, Ironbark Employment and Yilli Housing we have formed a strong team capable of delivering results and value for money”.

“Our ‘media boxes’ are also designed to ‘fit into’ the fabric of the community and provide space for people to get together in a positive environment”.

The ‘Bower’ series of design studios at the University of Melbourne are now in their third year.  In 2009, a similar group of Masters students helped redesign and rebuild one of the so-called ‘chicken coop houses’ in Gudorrka.  

Students will be posting updates on the progress of the project at www.bower2010.com or @bower2010 on Twitter.