Flagship building given Kaurna name

Indigenous Education Feature

The University's new Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences building has been officially named Ingkarni Wardli, a Kaurna name which means place of learning or enquiry.

In a special 'place-naming' ceremony during National Reconciliation Week, Ingkarni Wardli became the first building on the University's North Terrace Campus to have a Kaurna name.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor James McWha AO said Ingkarni Wardli recognised the special relationship the University of Adelaide shared with the Kaurna people, the original custodians of the land on which the University's campuses are located.

"This building is the flagship of the University's $400 million capital works program to build world-class research and teaching facilities for our students and staff," Professor McWha said. "It has already had significant recognition as Australia's first 6 Star Green Star education building for environmental sustainable design.

"We are honoured to name this building Ingkarni Wardli, in recognition of the Kaurna people and their continuing strong ties with the University's campuses as the original custodians of the land.

"Ingkarni Wardli demonstrates the University's strong commitment to environmental sustainability, a belief echoed by the Kaurna people."

Professor McWha joined Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences Professor Peter Dowd, Dean of Aboriginal Education Centre Wilto Yerlo Professor Lester-Irabinna Rigney, and Kaurna Elder Uncle Lewis O'Brien in welcoming the new name.

Later the same day, he told the University's annual Reconciliation Week celebration that there could be no full Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people without Recognition.

The nine-level building was the largest construction project in the University's current extensive infrastructure development program.

It contains more than 11,000 square metres of teaching and research space, social and study areas for students, a cafe, computer laboratories, an exhibition area, administration offices and 24-hour access to resources and support facilities for students.

Designed by DesignInc and constructed by Hindmarsh, Ingkarni Wardli achieved its 6 Star rating under the Green Building Council of Australia's Green Star -Education v1 Tool for a range of innovative sustainable design features including thermal chimneys, underfloor cooling pipes, recycled rainwater, fresh air, building performance monitoring and its own tri-generation power plant.

Story by Robyn Mills