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Student Designer
University Product Description and Principal Function(s) The BALBALIN is an indigenous inspired outdoor cooking concept that incorporates the barbecue into the outdoor setting. It combines the traditional indigenous practice of 'ground-oven' cooking with modern barbecuing techniques, creating a uniquely Australian product for ALL Australians. Using a strong indigenous aesthetic, this product aims to bring this style of cooking as well as traditional Australian culture to the mainstream. By combining the functional elements of these different cooking styles with the social interaction of cooking/eating together similar to that of a campfire, the BALBALIN is a contemporary interpretation of an ancient practice.Why does the product represent design excellence and why do you believe it deserves an Australian Design Award? In the wake of the northern-territory intervention and the apology to the ‘Stolen Generation’, the issue of indigenous Australians and their place in Australian society has become the topic of heated discussion. At the heart of this debate is the struggle for Aboriginal people to establish their own identity and rights for self-determination, a case and point for this was the Redfern “BLOCK” redevelopment known as the ‘Pemulwuy project’. A brief established in conjunction with the ‘Redfern Housing Company’ and UWS calling for a multi-user indoor/outdoor kitchen product, in the context of the Redfern “BLOCK” redevelopment. The goal was to develop a product that could not only meet this criterion but also celebrate Aboriginal Culture, honour their traditions and develop a cultural artefact that would be significant for ALL Australians.Outdoor cooking is an important element of indigenous culture, to the Aboriginal people the campfire represents a place to meet, eat and socialise, it is a place where important issues are discussed and resolved. Today outdoor-cooking represents an important part of modern Australian culture that is still synonymous with socialising and eating. The barbecue has become an iconic Australian tradition; the question was how we could turn this practice common to both cultures into a product that could facilitate 2 very different styles of cooking. The BALBALIN performs the function of ‘ground-oven’ (traditional) whilst being a modern ‘gasification’ charcoal barbecue grill (This is the process of burning excess smoke and carbon-monoxide while producing a longer and more efficient burn compared to traditional charcoal/wood fire barbecues). Unlike other barbecues on the market the BALBALIN address the issue of social inclusion, like the ancient campfire the BALBALIN actually brings everyone together by incorporating the ‘ground-oven’, modern barbecue grill and outdoor entertainment setting all into one. The aim was not to entertain the user with functions/ features, rather to provide a simple and intuitive product where the pleasure is derived from its USE. Features: - Inspired by the multicultural nature of Australian Society, borrowing heavily from Australian Indigenous culture, but also other cultures - Maoris, Samoan, Japanese and even Korean barbecuing. - Shaped like the Aboriginal symbol for “ground-oven/campfire”. - Natural materials were selected to tie-in with the overall aesthetic. - The height of the barbecue is symbolic, not positioned on the ground as it would be traditionally and not at the standard barbecue height of 900mm, rather it’s a ‘reconciliation’ between modern/traditional practices and placed in between both. - The circular shape provides an area where all the users can sit, prepare, cook and eat, an area where both the guests and hosts sit and dine as equals. - Materials were selected on their hygienic/weather-ability, sustainable merit. - Natural local materials with an indigenous link were used eg. the rattan (woven in a style used in ancient fishing basket), spotted gum (an indigenous timber found in the Sydney basin, ie. Redfern area prior to European settlement.) Sourced for sustainable-local -plantations. - 1:1 scale prototype manufactured entirely in Western Sydney showcasing local industry. |
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