Indigenous buildings in Canada History Essay Research

Indigenous Architecture in Canada
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Indigenous Architecture in Canada
According to Bradford (2018), the co-design concept, where indigenous communities work together with architectures to establish buildings, has increasingly become common. The purpose was to reflect one's culture, values, and traditions to the contemporary world. A unique community identity originated from the use of traditional materials and designs. A hands-on approach by every community member was because of the sense of pride for their community. Having buildings that describe the community had a long-lasting effect on members. Natural materials that enhance sustainability were mostly preferred by indigenous communities who wished to preserve the environment. Indigenous architectural work could be seen even in contemporary buildings where people wanted to identify with the continuity of their old traditions. This paper discusses three indigenous buildings in Ontario, Canada. It also examines how the differences between the Western Canadian architectural philosophy and Indigenous Design Theory contributed to indigenous communities' marginalization.
Natives have the right to protect their culture and traditions though there have often been injustices against them. They have control over how to express themselves in architecture by using materials and designs that would reveal their identity to the rest of the world. The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) identified exemplifying practices in architectural co-design. RAIC believes that architecture protects indigenous people from all injustices or segregation. The indigenous designs in Canada came from collaborations between indigenous and non-indigenous architects. Practices such as project initiation and co-design process brought various stakeholders together to design and build. The architect took keenness on the community's vision of reflecting their cultures and traditions, and the outcome got a feeling of satisfaction and appreciation of one's community.
Centre for Native Child & Family Well Being in Toronto
Figure 1.0: Centre for Native Child & Family Well Being in Toronto
The Centre for Native Child & Family Well Being in Toronto is an indigenous architecture that lies on a 30,000 square feet space. The building's sole purpose was to bring nature right into the city, especially to the first nations community, who wanted to experience the customs. Opened in June 2010, it now serves as a drop-in childcare center (Lga Architectural Partners, 2010). It somehow resembles a contemporary house with a rooftop lodge and a fire circle. The architects came together to design a facility with environmental graphics and natural plants. The building brings a rich cultural perspective, even with its regional aboriginal textiles. The building materials include yellow birch heartwood, river rock, and white cedar. There are green plants on the walls that somehow brings the picture of a garden.
Indigenous House at University of Toronto Scarborough
Figure 2: Indigenous House at University of Toronto Scarborough
Another indigenous building is the one at the University of Toronto Scarborough, partly in the ground. The house designed by Alfred Waugh building was inspired by wigwam, where saplings are slightly bent to form a dome shape. Adler (2020) posits that this indigenous building will serve as a place where indigenous people will celebrate their culture and tradition. Many believe that the building is set to make people feel at home as they experience the joy of meeting the fellow indigenous people (Adler, 2020). The university would have the ability to retain their students who come from marginalized indigenous communities.
Figure 3: Indigenous House at University of Toronto Scarborough (Interior)
The school's objective is that it may welcome more students from indigenous communities following their growing numbers. The building was built using the ideas from both students and the elders. It is located on the traditional land of Huron-Wendat. Hopefully, indigenous knowledge and Western science can come together with nature being at the center stage. Earth tubes are used to regulate the temperature. The elders contributed a lot in giving ideas on how this house should be made. The finishing will include offices for elders who will help in the preservation of indigenous languages in Toronto.
Royal Ontario Museum
Figure 4: Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum is an example of an indigenous building that resulted from the collaboration between indigenous and non-indigenous people. The museum in Toronto was constructed to factor in the history of the indigenous people of Toronto. The building was designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and was officially opened in June 2007 (ARCH20). It is about 100,000 square feet. Crystals, especially those intersecting to form a void called the spirit house, have bridges crossing at different levels. The building was constructed using a steel structure, with aluminum cladding and glass for the windows. Studio Daniel Libeskind ensured that he merged the modern architecture with the traditional brick building.
The Royal Ontario Museum was envisioned by Charles Trick Currelly, born in Exeter Ontario, and designed by Daniel Libeskind. The building serves as a pre-eminent museum in Canada, and it is used to bring toge...