Tjapukai
ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTER
Cairns, Australia, 2011 - 680 sqm
The Project | Story Inc and Studio Cassells partnered to design and produce a cultural centre for the Aboriginal Tjapukai tribe in Cairns, Australia. The space included four areas, a large foyer for events, the Performance Theatre to narrate the Tjapukai’s stories of Creation, the Exhibition space celebrating the tribes history - and the Art Gallery, showcasing works of aboriginal artists.
Our Role | Studio Cassell’s scope included concept design, design development, graphic design and detail design.
Warm Entrance Experience
The foyer symbolizes the era before humans, acting as a gathering space for 120 guests. It utilizes local timber and recycled acoustic baffles to create a warm, culturally resonant introduction to the Tjapukai journey.
Central Storytelling Theatre
Developed by Studio Cassells in partnership with Story Inc, the exhibition was created in close collaboration with the Australian Museum’s curatorial, scientific, exhibition and accessibility teams, ensuring accuracy, impact, longevity and inclusivity across its touring life.