Washagamis Bay Knowledge Centre Phase 02
Location: Washagamis Bay First Nation, ON, Treaty #3 Territory
Duration: 6 months
Completion: April - August 2023
Participants: 9 students
Age Range: 17-40
Outcomes: Schematic drawings of the Knowledge Centre
Phase 2 of the Washagamis Bay Knowledge Centre project began with engagement sessions designed to uncover the needs and priorities of the Washagamis Bay First Nation community. These sessions allowed community members to actively participate in the design process, providing valuable insights that shaped the decisions for the Knowledge Centre and community workshop space. With the help of Grey&Ivy’s facilitation and Grounded Architecture’s expertise, participants gained hands-on experience in design and spatial planning, embodying the concept of Spatial Agency by empowering individuals to contribute directly to creating change within their own environment. The open studio concept over the two-month period allowed people to join workshops at their own pace, ensuring diverse voices were represented in the design evolution.
Guided by the Five Paradigms framework, the collaborative design process integrated architectural knowledge with local insights, resulting in a Knowledge Centre that reflects the community's vision and values. Students from the community were pivotal in shaping the building’s design, conceptualizing spaces that met the shared aspirations discussed throughout the summer sessions. The phase culminated in a community showcase event, where participants presented their work and received additional feedback, strengthening the project's foundation. The concept designs were then compiled into a proposal to secure funding for the next phase, establishing a future-focused, community-centered vision that empowers Washagamis Bay to grow, share, and create together.
“I really liked this course because it got me to use my creativity and thinking.”
