The notion of Country is fundamental to Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and designing. Yet, as architects and landscape architects increasingly seek to engage with this concept, the question remains: what is Country? How do diverse Indigenous communities across Australia define and relate to it? And how might a deeper understanding transform contemporary design practices?

This year’s Designing with Country discussion explores these questions with leading Indigenous thinkers Owen Cafe and Leila Gurruwiwi, in conversation with Jock Gilbert and Christine Phillips from the Yulendj Weelam Lab (RMIT School of Architecture & Urban Design). Together, they unpacked the complexity and richness of Country, offering insights into its meaning, relevance, and potential to shape a more culturally responsive built environment.

Designing with Country was presented by Melbourne Conversations in partnership with program curators Open House Melbourne and event partner Fed Square.

This recording contains political themes.