September 9, 2025
Architecture49 is proud to share three recent education projects that demonstrate how thoughtful design strengthens communities and supports student success: Breton Education Centre, Red Sucker Lake School and the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue Pavillion.
Red Sucker Lake School
Red Sucker Lake School in northern Manitoba has been transformed into a comprehensive K–12 facility through the renovation of the existing building and the addition of a new high school wing. At the heart of the school is a library housed in a symbolic tipi structure, designed to celebrate local culture and spirituality. Abundant natural light fills the space through clerestory windows, with surrounding areas including administration, native language classrooms, gymnasium, and cafeteria. The expansion provides new and upgraded classrooms, a kindergarten, and enhanced learning spaces to support 21st-century education. Interior design elements, including a landscape mural by a local artist, reinforce students’ connection to the land and their community heritage.
University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) Pavillion
Attached to the Mont Laurier College Center, this modern 1,800 m² building was designed to meet the growing needs of the student community and teaching staff. It houses specialized nursing facilities, a comprehensive teaching library, classrooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology for simultaneous teaching across several UQAT campuses, and multifunctional spaces that promote collaboration and exchange. This learning environment has been designed to engage in a genuine dialogue with its surroundings thanks to an abundance of natural light, generous openings onto the surrounding landscape, a glued laminated timber and CLT structure, and sustainable solutions. The pavilion is thus a modern and inspiring space where teaching takes place in the heart of nature. It is a place that promotes creativity, collaboration, and the well-being of the entire university community.
Breton Education Centre
Breton Education Centre in New Waterford opened in Fall 2024, providing a modern grade 6–12 school designed to promote collaboration, flexibility, and hands-on learning. Notably, the school is part of the larger New Waterford Hub, Canada’s first integrated health and education model, giving students access to unique health-care hands-on learning and intergenerational programming. Within the campus-style site, a dedicated school courtyard leads to the cafeteria that creates a natural gathering space for students. Specialty learning environments are distributed throughout the building’s wings, with science labs, classrooms, group workspaces, and breakout areas supporting active, project-based education. A skilled trades and production wing provides opportunities for career and technical training, while the athletics wing, with two gymnasiums, active living spaces, and expanded spectator viewing, serves as a centrepiece for school and supports local community activities.
These projects highlight A49’s commitment to designing educational environments that support belonging, spark curiosity, and reflect the communities they serve.
Ces projets soulignent l’engagement d’A49 en faveur de la conception de lieux d’enseignement qui inspirent un sentiment d’appartenance, éveillent la curiosité et reflètent les communautés qu’ils servent.