Lubicon Lake Band - Community Infrastructure

HISTORY

The Lubicon Lake Band is a Cree First Nation community located in northern Alberta. For over a century, the Lubicon Lake band has been fighting for rightful ownership over their land, with community members largely impoverished and living in substandard housing. In 2018, Lubicon members approved an historic settlement with federal and provincial governments which not only ensured ownership over their land, but allowed them the resources to develop infrastructure and services in their community. 

VISION

We are honoured to be offered the opportunity to collaborate on this history-defining and comprehensive project. Through a series of workshops, we composed a new vision for the community. The new spaces and infrastructure encourage the health and well-being of members and cultivate pride and engagement in the community. The designs live lightly upon the land and connect deeply to the natural environment and the unique cultural context of Lubicon Lake, acknowledging the conditions of the past while looking towards the future and energizing the growth of the community. 

IMMERSION WITH NATURE

Though the Masterplan includes various stand-alone buildings, a couple of common themes and objectives unite the disparate structures to create a consistent look and feel across the community. Wood finishes, stone, and other natural materials unite the spaces with the surrounding environment. High-performance building envelopes and curvilinear massing create a flowing and organic interior experience that encourages connection between occupants and the environment. Facilities include a K-12 School, Headstart, Community Recreational facilities,  Elders Residence and Health Centre, as well as a Fire Hall and Public Works Shop.