Award-winning precinct sets a new benchmark for inclusive campus design.
Written by: Felicity Mills, Access Consultant
Architecture & Access were involved from early in the design process of the Charles Darwin University (CDU) Danala Education and Community Precinct (ECP). Designed by Mode Design, the project integrates accessibility to ensure that people of all abilities can engage, learn, and thrive within its spaces.
Located in the heart of Dawin’s CBD on Larrakia Country, CDU’s newest campus offers students an inspiring and connected learning environment. The campus’s central location places students at the intersection of education and industry in Darwin’s vibrant city centre.
Beyond its academic function, DANALA serves as a community hub, with outdoor areas offering accessible seating, shade structures and landscaping elements, including public art installations with Indigenous themes and tactile elements. Some of the key accessibility and universal design features beyond building code compliance included wayfinding, neurodiversity inclusion, and sanitary facilities for a wide range of users.
Wayfinding – The precinct features step free access throughout, with wide circulation paths and intuitive wayfinding that supports independent navigation for people with mobility, vision, or cognitive impairments. Materials were used to differentiate spaces and to create contrast between surfaces, assisting people in identifying elements in the path of travel, such as columns, joinery, and furniture.
Neurodiversity inclusion – Architecture & Access provided specialist advice on designing for neurodiversity, which helped shape quiet zones, breakout areas, and sensory-friendly learning environments. Lighting, acoustic treatments and a natural colour palette were used to reduce sensory overload, and the layout considered separate areas according to functionality and the creation of transitional spaces where environments may be challenging.
Sanitary facilities – The precinct incorporates sanitary compartments for people of all abilities, including a Changing Places facility that provides dignified, high-support amenities for individuals with complex needs. It is also noted that squat toilets and prayer washrooms are provided in addition to the required sanitary facilities, allowing choice for persons of differing cultures and aligning with universal design principles.
In recognition of its outstanding design, DANALA was awarded the Australian Institute of Architects Northern Territory Chapter Award for Educational Architecture—affirming its place as a national leader in inclusive and innovative campus design.
Image Credit: Copyright and courtesy of MODE, Photographer Credit: Pixel Collective
