NADJIWAN KAANDOSSIWIN GAMIK

Two Row Architect helped Wilfred Laurier University achieve the transformation of Lucinda House into the new Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik Indigenous Centre. This renovation of and addition to a heritage protected facade, originally built in 1838, houses the new centre and its 60-person gathering space.

TRA took on a unique approach to make the building a home-away-from-home for the University's Indigenous community. The gathering space is nestled away from the street and faces the surrounding greenery. The new, accessible entrance off the back side of the building was made the primary entry, pulling the focus away from the colonial heritage of the existing building. The roof is angled to meet the apex of the winter solstice sun. Additionally, the existing lawn was transformed into a large and extensive landscape component that allows for gathering, ceremony, quiet reflection and study to occur in the gardens.