Country-guided practices
To meet the current sustainability challenges and be better caretakers of our environment, architects, designers, and construction managers need to become familiar with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, seeing, and doing. This is accomplished by acknowledging Country as the author, guide, and reference point for creating design that blends, moulds, and correlates with Australia's cultural landscape. Using best practices, Country-informed design meets the specific criteria set forth in the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021 (NSCA 2021).
We also acknowledge those who walked before us.
Country-guided practice courses
ARBE6805 - Decolonisation and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
This micro credential introduces students to decolonised practices and Indigenous knowledge systems in their professional practice. Participants will learn how to critically engage with Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being, and apply creative research methodologies that centre Country and community. The course blends theoretical frameworks with practical application through a live project case study and reflective research design.
ARBE6806 - First Nations Community Engagement and Indigenous Cultural Heritage
This micro credential focuses on respectful collaboration and engagement with Indigenous communities to support the protection of cultural heritage and uphold cultural protocols. It is designed for professionals working in government and industry who seek to build meaningful relationships and practice cultural accountability in their work with First Nations peoples and places.
As part of their studies with SABE, our students are exposed to traditional smoking ceremonies, teaching from Indigenous staff across our disciplines, learning on and from our bush-campus environment, and the opportunity to undertake special projects based in the Northern Territory, Far North Queensland, and throughout New South Wales.
Country-guided practices in Indigenous design
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into the built environment
Embedding the narratives of cultural place into the built environment
Integrating embodied spiritual Knowledge into the built environment
Framing arts-based knowledge in elements of the build environment
Applying relational knowledge and Indigenous methodologies within research
Care for Country and Australia’s First Peoples is an active principle within our School.
Indigeneity both as a value and an animating force, is one of the main driving powers within our School. This value has influenced the design of all of our undergraduate and graduate programs. The focus on Indigeneity extends to SABE’s research efforts with our requirement for Indigenous participation in all its forms.
Our School respects the vast body of Aboriginal knowledge that needs to be shared, for the experience of a different wisdom – including human, societal, and environmental wisdoms.
Barry - Special Elective
Students on Special Elective
Student at Special Elective
Special Elective
Barry and Students on Special Elective
Students at Special Elective
The eight-ways framework
The eight-ways framework of Aboriginal pedagogy brings Indigenous ways of knowing and being into our classrooms. It comprises eight interconnected pedagogies that are grounded in people and place, which fits neatly with our School’s aims and philosophies.
The approach to teaching and learning is non-linear, introspective and highly reflective, involving repetition and returning to concepts to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their learning.
Source: 8 WAYS by Dr Tyson Yunkaporta
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Master of Architecture Graduate named top in state with 2026 Architects Medallion
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New partnership to bolster Indigenous Careers
The University of Newcastle and CareerTrackers today officially launched a partnership to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into meaningful careers, internships and leadership opportunities.
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University PhD Candidate Amplifies Youth Voice in Regional Transition Talks
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.