Indigenous designs take centre stage GlobeBusiness
Interest in Indigenous design has been growing as a response to globalization and a search for architectural styles that convey a sense of place.Anishnawbe Health’s services are scattered across several Victorian and institutional buildings in downtown Toronto. After years of searching for a space more in tune with Ontario’s diverse Indigenous culture, it’s soon to break ground on a purpose-built hub.
In many cases, though, Indigenous architectural features work within otherwise contemporary buildings. “I don’t think many Indigenous people are interested in trying to create a glass teepee or longhouse,” Mr. Fortin says. Because there are only 16 Indigenous architects in Canada – fewer than 1 per cent of the total – projects are generally co-designed with non-Indigenous architects.
References include water and streams, because the site along the Don River is a historical nexus of Ontario’s Indigenous cultures. That means rounded spaces, which present a challenge in terms of fitting them into modern structures that are primarily square, Mr. Hester says.The multistorey atrium faces east, toward the rising sun, and features animal imagery.
To the north of the health centre will be a four-storey, glass-clad building, designed by Quadrangle architects in collaboration with Two Row, to house a variety of Indigenous organizations. To be sustainable, operating costs will be defrayed by the residential component of 200 condominiums and 200 rental units on 99-year leases.
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