Aboriginal design is of a distinctly cultural nature, based in the Dreaming and in ancient practices grounded in Country. It is visible in the aerodynamic boomerang, the ingenious design of fish traps and the precise layouts of community settlements that strengthen social cohesion. Alison Page and Paul Memmott show how these design principles of sophisticated function, sustainability and storytelling, refined over many millennia, are now being applied to contemporary practices. Design: Building on Country issues a challenge for a new Australian design ethos, one that truly responds to the essence of Country and its people.

Contents: First knowledges : an introduction -- Personal perspectives -- Objects and spirituality : building on Country -- On camps, shelter and Country -- Engineered structures -- Materials -- Camp layouts and the importance of kinship --Placemaking in Country -- Contemporary Indigenous architecture and design -- The offering : a new Australian design.

"First Knowledges edited by Margo Neale"--Cover. Includes bibliographical references and index.