Jannawi Pavilion is a culturally significant outdoor gathering space located on the lands of the Wattamattagal clan of the Darug Nation at Macquarie University, North Ryde. Commissioned by Walanga Muru, the University’s Aboriginal student engagement centre, the pavilion was conceived as a place of welcome, reflection and collective learning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and community members.
From its inception, the project was guided by an Aboriginal engagement approach grounded in respect, reciprocity and relationships.
ecodesign worked closely with the University’s Aboriginal Cultural Advisor and key Aboriginal leaders throughout all stages of design, planning and construction to ensure the pavilion was culturally affirming, respectful and meaningful. This collaborative process was central to shaping a space that contributes to the cultural responsiveness of the University and supports the advancement of Aboriginal knowledges for future generations.
The pavilion responds to an identified need for additional gathering space within the Aboriginal student engagement centre. Designed in 2017 and completed in 2019, the brief called for an all-weather outdoor structure capable of hosting cultural, educational and community activities. The space needed to be flexible, inclusive and welcoming, while also supporting practical functions such as food preparation, ceremonial gatherings and everyday use.
Sited at the crest of a sloping landscape, Jannawi Pavilion takes advantage of a northerly aspect and expansive outlooks across the campus.
The elevated position establishes a strong sense of arrival and visibility, reinforcing the pavilion’s importance within the University precinct. The 570-square-metre site is bounded by intersecting pedestrian routes and an adjacent building housing the Aboriginal student engagement centre, placing the pavilion at the heart of student life while maintaining a sense of separation and refuge.
The design is composed of three interconnected elements: the pavilion structure itself, surrounding endemic and bush tucker gardens, and a series of informal gathering spaces cascading down the slope below. Together, these elements create a layered landscape that supports both large communal events and quieter moments of reflection.
At the centre of the pavilion, a striking floor artwork titled Circles of Fresh Water by Professor Liz Cameron, a proud Darug woman and University alumna, anchors the space. The artwork represents Darug lands surrounding the Hawkesbury River and reinforces the deep connection between Country, waterways and community. Laser-cut steel panels forming the pavilion’s walls feature artwork by Dr Leanne Holt, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy. The imagery speaks to journeys of gathering, collective strength and the sustaining role of waterways in maintaining the wellbeing of land and people.
Structurally, the pavilion balances permanence with lightness.
Monolithic concrete foundations and flooring provide robustness and longevity, while steel beams support a circular roof structure. Above, exposed laminated timber rafters and translucent roofing introduce warmth and filtered light, creating a sheltered yet open atmosphere that responds to the changing conditions of the day.
Surrounding the pavilion, the landscape reinforces a strong sense of place. Endemic plantings, bush tucker species, wildflowers and medicinal plants create a living classroom and a connection to Country. Informal terraces constructed from locally sourced Hawkesbury sandstone step down the slope, forming intimate breakout spaces for small groups and individual reflection. Indigenous sculptures and flagpoles for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are integrated into the landscape, strengthening cultural visibility and identity.
Functionally, the pavilion supports a wide range of uses.
An outdoor kitchen with sink, bench space and storage accommodates catered events and community gatherings. In-situ concrete seating around the pavilion perimeter provides everyday seating and additional capacity during larger functions. The pavilion’s elevated outlook across an informal quadrangle and towards a tree-lined horizon fosters a sense of openness, connection and belonging.
As Aunty Julie Janson of the Burruberongal clan of the Darug Nation reflected at the pavilion’s opening, Jannawi Pavilion stands as a symbol of Macquarie University’s commitment to restorative justice and recognition. For ecodesign, the project represents a deeply collaborative and meaningful piece of work — one that demonstrates how landscape, culture and architecture can come together to create spaces that honour Country and community.
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