In 2018 Woods Bagot and Diller Scofidio + Renfro's design proposal was selected as the winning entry for the Adelaide Contemporary International design competition. Both firms describe the center as a "new cultural paradigm that showcases the past, present, and future of Aboriginal cultures while supporting contemporary art practices and events across disciplines." 

Located on Kaurna land, the arts and cultural center pulls its design reference from the "wurlie" or "humpy," temporary shelters used by Aboriginal Australians. Its facade resembles an interwoven "basket-like nest" that sits atop a set of columns anchoring the structure with a courtyard at its center. The three-story building will house exhibition spaces as well as areas for gathering and performance spaces. 

Charles Renfro of DS+R and Woods Bagot principal Rosina Di Maria share their experience and excitement towards the project. "Our role is to listen and translate the aspirations and ambitions of the ARG into a design response. The architecture evokes a sense of welcome to all visitors – particularly First Nations peoples – and a connection to culture offered through the human experience," Di Maria shares. 

Charles Renfro adds, "We’re thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking vision to create a place of pride that authentically honors the oldest living cultures on the planet. This first-of-its-kind project has taken on a new life with our continued collaboration with the Aboriginal community and other stakeholder groups, as well as our Australian design partner Woods Bagot. The AACC will welcome visitors through a radically open ground floor, into a safe space with storytelling at its heart. It will be a building of the 21st century while remaining agile enough to allow future generations to evolve their own storytelling.”

Compared to the original set of project visuals shared by both firms back in 2018 when they won the competition bid, the design appears to have gone through a set of changes, particularly in the overall look of the facade and woven skin concept. The project's expected completion date is 2025.