Project Type: Educational, 100 ft²
Location: Etobicoke, ON
Project Description: Cultural Hub for an Indigenous Classroom
This contest was open to students in the Interior Design program.
Software Applications Used: Autodesk Revit, Enscape
The turtle (or miskwaadesi) is a very respected animal for the First Nations people due to the belief of the turtle carrying the weight of the earth on its back. The shell of the turtle was once used as a calendar as the turtle shell consists of thirteen large plates located in the center of the shell to signify the 13 lunar moon cycle and twenty-eight smaller plates surrounding the perimeter to signify the 28 days.
13 moons multiplied by 28 days equals 364 days for the year, leaving one day for rest.
Corner View
Side View
Elevated View
The gathering space in circular formation allows for unity, inclusion and interactivity. A Stone hearth fireplace is situated at the top of the gathering circle to be used for traditional practices such as smudging ceremonies that may take place inside the classroom before the commencement of lessons.
Moveable Seating Benches
3D Floor Plan
The LED lights in the large ceiling dome can be turned off to display the storyboard screen. Images around the interior perimeter of the dome can be displayed in high definition quality in a 360 degree fashion from every seat in the gathering circle. The ceiling will represent the 13 lunar moon cycle of the calendar and the size of the lighting ascends from smallest to largest located in the center and descends back to smallest to represent the lunar moon cycle going from quarter moon to half moon to full moon then back again in the other direction as the days go by.
Circular Flooring
Seating Bench
Circular Seating Formation
Western Cedar and Red Cedar wood are both used for the flooring material. Wood is a natural material often used to make many important items and tools. The incorporation of wood gives the space a natural feel and warms the space to make it feel organic and comfortable.
Abalone shell tile is used for the outer ring of the gathering circle. Abalone shell is used in smudging ceremonies to hold burning sage. This beautiful shell emits a shiny glow when hit by the rays of the sun which causes it to shimmer in the sunlight.
The handcrafted seating contains locally sourced materials and textiles that are purchased and made from residents from local Indigenous communities.