Honoring a university’s commitment to Indigenization through the design of a new building inspired by classic Indigenous design
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) wanted to honor their commitment to Indigenization with a new Indigenous learning space. They reached out to our team, formed as a collaboration with Patrick R. Stewart Architect, an Indigenous architecture firm, to design a space that will welcome both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and support research, culture, and education.
Based on the meeting house structures of the Secwépemc Peoples, the Indigenous Education Centre will be a spiritual space for TRU and other community elders while referencing the Tk’emlups te Secwépemc culture. Conceived as two distinct forms built into existing slopes, one building is a double-height community gathering space inspired by the traditional summer lodges built by local Indigenous populations. The other is a three-story, mass timber building that will house Indigenous elders, students, faculty, and researchers.
The Centre will offer Indigenous populations at TRU a place to gather, research, and celebrate their history and culture, while providing others with the opportunity to learn about important aspects of Indigenous experiences and practices.
The Centre is currently approved to begin construction in Summer 2024.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Thompson Rivers University
- Partners
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- Patrick R. Stewart Architect
Brian Christianson, Principal, Practice Leader British Columbia
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