I’m Helen Isho, a Building Design Management graduate with a Diploma in Design (Architecture). My passion for the built environment has always driven me to create spaces that connect people and celebrate culture. I’m especially interested in culturally responsive and community centred design, where architecture becomes a tool for inclusion, identity and sustainability. I take pride in blending creative design thinking with practical outcomes, and I am motivated by projects that bring real meaning to the communities they serve.

Helen Isho

 

Assyrian Cultural Hub, Endeavour Sports Park Reserve I am proposing the development of an Assyrian Cultural Hub on a section of the Endeavour Sports Park Reserve in Fairfield West, Sydney. The park is currently undergoing a $16 million upgrade through the NSW Government in Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, and spans approximately 20 hectares with the hub occupying around 11,000 sqm. The existing park provides great recreational facilities, but I saw an opportunity to add a cultural layer that reflects the people who live here. Fairfield is home to one of the largest Assyrian communities in Sydney, yet many existing centres are small, outdated or not architecturally significant. Growing up in this area and seeing the community’s contributions inspired me to design a space where culture, heritage and social connection can thrive. The hub will celebrate Assyrian culture and Mesopotamian heritage, while providing a welcoming place for education, gatherings and creative expression. The two storey hub features a community art gallery, heritage exhibition with books and artefacts, multipurpose cultural hall and auditorium, café and reception on the ground floor. Level 1 includes learning workshops, a technology lab, administrative spaces, an art and craft studio showcasing traditional Assyrian art, and an active space for yoga and pilates. Surrounding landscaping integrates pathways, seating and native greenery to complement the park and maintain ecological balance. Designed using Autodesk Infraworks and Archicad the hub uses modular construction, timber framing and glass façades for sustainability, natural light and minimal site impact. Environmental management will address noise, dust, waste and protection of flora, fauna and heritage elements. This hub is more than a building; it’s a space for community pride, learning and cultural continuity, ensuring the Assyrian heritage of Fairfield remains visible, valued and shared for generations to come.