September 26, 2024
The school year has begun and Architecture49 has three inspiring educational projects to showcase. Ebb and Flow First Nation School Project in Manitoba, Swift Waters School in Brockville Ontario, and the Biigtigong Nishnaabeg K-8 school on the north shore of Lake Superior also in Ontario are new additions that highlight the team’s dedication to education excellence and community values.
EBB and FLOW NEW K-6 SCHOOL and RENOVATED 7-12 SCHOOL
Located adjacent to the community’s pow-wow grounds, Ebb and Flow First Nation educational redevelopment project is close to completion with the project scope inclusive of renovations to the existing school, a new 647 m2 addition for Grades 7-12, a new 3561m2 school for Grades K4-6, and 2313m2 of new teacherages. Ebb and Flow’s traditional Ojibwe name Ka Ka Kwe Ke Je Ong refers to the water fluctuation between Ebb and Flow Lake and Lake Manitoba.
Embracing innovative learning environments and culture, the design approach was based around the shape of an eagle ascending into flight, with classroom wings clustered around shared breakout spaces. The interiors take inspiration from indigenous design principles, using the story of the surrounding landscape and animals to inhabit the symbol of the eagle, which represents honor, strength, courage and wisdom to the Ojibwe Nation. The project uses many biophilic design principles, incorporating natural materials, such as wood, felt, and stone. Conceptually, each room of the school features a local animal through interior design elements and signage using stylized animal illustrations. These animal-based references appear in many of the millwork pieces, featuring a hive-based design in the honeybee room and a popular tree themed millwork piece for the squirrel room. The more public-school spaces integrate seasonal elements, such as an autumn forest focused Gymnasium and a summer forest focused Cafeteria.
The intent of this project was to use the local landscape and culture to influence the design, and provide a positive identity for students, strengthening community commitment through association with local culture, and building pride in the local surroundings.
SWIFT WATERS BROCKVILLE
Building on the successful design and delivery of two new schools in the Seaway Corridor Region of Ontario, Bridgewood and Kemptville, Swift Waters was an adapted design modified for the unique functional requirements of both the program and site. The school’s location was deliberately set back from a busy thoroughfare, allowing for the inclusion of a circulation route that provides access into parking and a loop for buses to turn without impeding parent drop-off and pick up, enhancing safety by allowing for a clear flow of traffic.
The new school for K-6 students includes a separate childcare wing as well as a community Early On centre. The theme of active learning was incorporated throughout the design. Ample use of natural lighting, skylights, large classroom windows, and shared resource rooms between classrooms are all part of the enhanced learning strategies the school provides. Unique features that support and enable diverse ways of learning and sharing include a multi-purpose learning and collaboration commons, an open area near the centre of the school between classrooms that can be used for a variety of programming and group events as well as operable partitions between classrooms, that allow for collaboration between groups.
Going beyond the design project, Architecuture49 has supported the school by donated children’s books to the school for the developmental learning of the students.
BIIGTIGONG NISHNAABEG K-8 SCHOOL
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg New K-8 School, is a visionary educational space that transcends conventional norms. The facility truly stands as a testament to celebrating cultural heritage, seeking innovation, and reimagining the learning environment for students and staff. A unique design element is the exposed glu-lam wood beams used throughout the cafeteria, main entrance canopy and west corridor. The wooden beams highlight the authenticity of the culture and evoke a feeling of warmth, connecting the indoor environment to the outdoors while also aligning with the community’s desire to use natural materials as much as possible. Clerestory glazing and other large windows in the corridor allow for an abundance of natural light throughout the school. The new facility reinforces a sense of belonging, and continuity of culture, nurturing a shared vision for generations to come.
Not every student learns in the same manner and A49’s education practice continues to look for innovative design solutions that empower students in new learning environments while also reinforcing the need to be authentic to the community the school serves. Balancing the design of innovative spaces with local identity and culture, will lead to a bright future for younger generations.
