Katherine Turk

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Australia

The Belmore Falls Precinct directly reimagines how small public architecture can shape relationships between people and the environment. The project aims to highlight the natural beauty of regional NSW and strengthen local communities through thoughtful architectural interventions, transforming existing national park lookouts into immersive viewing shelters that enable a blend of native ecologies, cultural exchange and spaces for reflection for both locals and travellers to engage meaningfully with their surroundings.

The master plan for the Belmore Falls Visitor Centre, Hindmarsh Lookout, and Greenhood Lookout was shaped through a comprehensive process of mapping, field studies, community engagement, analysis, testing, and development, informing the provocation of dialogue around policy, opportunities for local initiatives and tourism. Extensive site research uncovered the hidden voices of the landscape, from overlooked viewpoints, diverse geological formations and fragile post-bushfire ecologies. By collaborating with Government Architects NSW, Destination NSW, Transport for NSW, and National Parks & Wildlife Service, this project fosters ecological regeneration and cultural continuity, redefining the relationship between people and place.