Emma Dehghani

I am a Master of Architecture student shaped by my upbringing in the construction industry and my work as an architectural graduate. This design responds to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, celebrating its resilience and adaptability. Referencing the tensile form of tents, the structure is lightweight and flexible, with openings and skylights framing constellations of cultural significance. Through the connection between land, sky, and story, the proposal becomes both shelter and symbol. My approach is informed by my travels and community, and aims to create sustainable and community-focused designs.

Aboriginal Tent Embassy - Site Analysis

These drawings form a site analysis of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, mapping the cultural site plan and the historical narrative of the site of the Embassy being where the 'snake’s head is being cut off'. They are followed by the proposed site plan and an overview of the surrounding context, including Mount Ainslie, the lake, and key cultural landmarks that shape the reading of Country and inform the design response.

Entrance Space

The entrance space is positioned at the front of the site with a direct line to enter, creating a clear and welcoming arrival point while also supporting an administrative presence to monitor those entering. It includes areas for artefact storage and display, forming an interactive museum space that introduces visitors to the cultural and political significance of the site before they move further through the project.

Gathering Space

The gathering space sits beneath an ephemeral tensile roof that shelters the eternal central fire, with the supporting building behind containing the kitchen, bathroom, indoor gathering area, and washroom amenities. An amphitheatre made from recycled timber pallets surrounds the fire, creating an inclusive space for meetings, ceremony, and community connection while maintaining continuity with the cultural significance of the Embassy site.

Gathering Space

Caretaker Space

The caretaker space provides a secure, private living area for the 24/7 site caretaker, ensuring constant stewardship of the gathering grounds. Tucked slightly away from the communal zones at the back of the site, it includes a small lcokable bedroom, kitchen, living and bathroom, offering dignity, independence and safety while remaining close enough for quick response. A tensile area stretched between the two built spaces for this area overlooks the central fire and paths with room for outdoor furniture, allowing passive supervision without intruding on community life.

Interiors and Details

The interior views highlight how skylights are carefully aligned to frame constellations at night, strengthening the connection between sky, place and cultural memory. Soft pools of natural light during the day transform into celestial windows after dark, creating a calm, reflective atmosphere. Flexible furniture such as folding tables allow the space to shift between large and small groups. The module breakdown shows each element lightweight and reconfigurable, enabling users to claim space as needed while preserving openness and adaptability.

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