Western Australia – Two health clinics have opened in the Australian desert to accommodate local indigenous communities.
Sydney-based architecture firm Kaunitz Yeung redesigned the health clinics, which are located in some of the most remote communities in Australia. The Punkurunu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS), the sole provider of healthcare services for the region’s four Martu communities, will operate out of the spaces.
The clinics will respect the local people, land and culture, creating a facility with community ownership. Artists, who were selected by the Martu people, designed art screens placed around the buildings in a nod to elders and their culture. ‘A patient and repetitive dialogue in a variety of contexts ensured that all voices were able to be heard,’ says architect David Kaunitz. ‘This is important within a nomadic culture where people are not always comfortable speaking in front of the mob.’
Indigenous communities are traditionally left out of the conversation when it comes to infrastructure planning, but brands are finally recognising these communities. Read our IAM Weekend round-up for more on the importance of rural populations.