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Gunyah, Goondie & Wurley The Aboriginal Architecture of Australia /anglais
Debunking the inaccurate popular notions of early Aboriginal architecture and settlement, this lavish volume explores the range and complexity of Aboriginal-designed structures, spaces, and territories, from minimalist shelters to permanent houses and villages. As a framework for ongoing debate and research on Aboriginal lifestyles and cultural heritage, the book additionally features a brief overview of post-1970 collaborative architecture between white Australian architects and Aboriginal clients, as well as an introduction to the work of the first Aboriginal graduates of university-based courses in architecture.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 23, 2015
This is a very comprehensive anthropology book about Aboriginal huts and the social constructs reflected in Aboriginal architecture. This is comprehensive study with well written research, including strong attention to weather and climate in the expansive regions. Additionally, the illustrations, maps and photographs were excellent.
October 18, 2025
Great book. Thank you Paul Memmott. One of my favourite things about this book is that I will always remember that I’d be comfortable outside on a cold windy night, with a windbreak, a small fire and a blanket. Instead of needing a concrete framed building. This book has opened my eyes and I am baffled by the apparent inappropriateness of european building methods, and housing solutions, in this country.
April 24, 2019
The fantastic information in this book is wasted. The only copy I can find on Bookfinder costs over AUS$1,700 in the US. I cannot find a copy for sale in Australia. This book was only published in 2007 and yet it, with its valuable information, is already becoming scarce. Cost-wise it is not the type of book that would be found on every Australian school library bookshelf; but that is where it should be. Please re-publish in a smaller, more affordable format - easily done as there is so much bare space on each page. Cut out all the white space, put it onto less lavish paper and sew-bind in paper back, then, hey presto the general public will have access to this very valuable resource. Please, please, please. My local community library has a copy; long may it remain there.
January 26, 2022
Another book that has been sitting on my shelves for far too long. Over the last decade, I have flicked through it on occasions, but never sat down to read it as it rightly deserves.
It is fascinating. More than fascinating.
Memmott's work is described as ethno-architecture. Having studied a little architecture during my art history days, I could relate to this well, and in his introduction he is at pains to point out how it is written as much for a academic audience as much as for those without a technical background. He achieves this well, creating a very accessible resource that I would argue is essential information for us all to embrace as Australians.
He doesn't so much deconstruct how Indigenous architecture "was misconstrued by colonial immigrants as evidence of 'privative culture'", rather presents a comprehensive description by region, context and utility.
"In the order of 300,000 Indigenous people were distributed across the Australian continent when British colonisation began in 1788... The dominant category of architecture prior to the British invasion was domestic, comprising a considerable range go shelter types used in residential camps."
I agree with the use of language, that the arrival in 1788 be described as an invasion.
My ancestors arrived on the first fleet to WA, allegedly then building the lighthouse at Rockingham, among their descendants "the first white woman" born there. In that regard, structure and place are part of my story.
Memmott illustrates how these weren't just sticks, bark and animal skins, but defined every dimension of life, kinship, custom. It is revolutionary to read.
Place and belonging essential to understand. They are more than units of construction, transient as they might have seemed.
As a young lieutenant, I remember driving through an unmarked and remote community hamlet in the middle of seemingly nowhere, miles from the Roper River. Urban, prefab, single-fronted houses lined the dusty, unsealed road, and were out of place. It piqued my discomfort with the way things are, but with no answers. A number of soldiers I was with were Indigenous. We drove on.
To provide some education by talking only about structure won't do. We have to understand place and culture.
Swept aside by settlement.
"We build our buildings, thereafter they shape us." Churchill.
It is fascinating. More than fascinating.
Memmott's work is described as ethno-architecture. Having studied a little architecture during my art history days, I could relate to this well, and in his introduction he is at pains to point out how it is written as much for a academic audience as much as for those without a technical background. He achieves this well, creating a very accessible resource that I would argue is essential information for us all to embrace as Australians.
He doesn't so much deconstruct how Indigenous architecture "was misconstrued by colonial immigrants as evidence of 'privative culture'", rather presents a comprehensive description by region, context and utility.
"In the order of 300,000 Indigenous people were distributed across the Australian continent when British colonisation began in 1788... The dominant category of architecture prior to the British invasion was domestic, comprising a considerable range go shelter types used in residential camps."
I agree with the use of language, that the arrival in 1788 be described as an invasion.
My ancestors arrived on the first fleet to WA, allegedly then building the lighthouse at Rockingham, among their descendants "the first white woman" born there. In that regard, structure and place are part of my story.
Memmott illustrates how these weren't just sticks, bark and animal skins, but defined every dimension of life, kinship, custom. It is revolutionary to read.
Place and belonging essential to understand. They are more than units of construction, transient as they might have seemed.
As a young lieutenant, I remember driving through an unmarked and remote community hamlet in the middle of seemingly nowhere, miles from the Roper River. Urban, prefab, single-fronted houses lined the dusty, unsealed road, and were out of place. It piqued my discomfort with the way things are, but with no answers. A number of soldiers I was with were Indigenous. We drove on.
To provide some education by talking only about structure won't do. We have to understand place and culture.
Swept aside by settlement.
"We build our buildings, thereafter they shape us." Churchill.
May 22, 2024
This is my bible, and the most prized book in my collection. Memmott's study and immersion in many Aboriginal communities not only shows a personal respect, admiration, and passion, but reliable and incredibly detailed information (even if the book briefly looks at each region discussed). This book did wonders for me, and changed so many incorrect perceptions about Aboriginal cultures that I had been taught. Even in an era where the myth of terra nullius has been overturned, the narrative of a nomadic Indigenous monolith culture still permeates in illegitimising Aboriginal claims to Country. Memmott's work provides evidence of pre-contact/traditional AND post-colonisation architecture that - though often assigned the less-impressive 'vernacular' definition elsewhere - confronts prevailing assumptions about Aboriginal architecture, and prompts every reader to reconsider expectations of what is 'architecture' and what makes it appropriate. A must-read for all, especially those involved in architecture, design, and planning.
June 8, 2017
No way would I have the audacity to pretend my forays into this absolutely incredible work could be classed as read. I dipped. I dived. I studied a page for an endless time. I was in awe of the information contained within.
I will reborrow via the inter-library loan facility until I can convince my library network to obtain a copy or I save enough to buy my own.
I loved all I spent time with. I wish it was information that was more widely available.
Amazing.
I will reborrow via the inter-library loan facility until I can convince my library network to obtain a copy or I save enough to buy my own.
I loved all I spent time with. I wish it was information that was more widely available.
Amazing.
November 10, 2019
Haven't read as much as I'd like but I had to return it to the library. It's a large, beautiful book with important research but I wish it could be found as an ebook or paperback.
June 12, 2020
Brilliant. Such an important book for any architect/planner's library.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews