Arctic Odyssey: Cultural Renewal through Innovative Architecture

Arctic Odyssey: Cultural Renewal through Innovative Architecture

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2024 Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

Topics: Indigenous-Led Architecture

Length: 1 hour | What's Included: Video, Quiz, and Certificate of Completion 

This session delves into the innovative collaboration of the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq / Kitikmeot Heritage Society and local Inuit communities to design and create specialized cultural equipment for the Kuugalak campus in Nunavut. The session showcases the transformative power of combining Indigenous knowledge, modern design principles, and sustainable technologies to address the unique needs of Inuinnait cultural production spaces- an initiative fosters the preservation and renewal of Inuinnait knowledge, language, and culture while enhancing the physical comfort and safety of Elders and artists engaging in traditional activities. This session explores creating culturally sensitive indoor and outdoor spaces, a community-driven approach, including collaboration with local experts, development of net-zero targeted facilities, and the integration of high-quality material solutions, inspiring attendees with a model that bridges architectural design, energy sustainability, and cultural revitalization in the Canadian Arctic.

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into design
• Gain insights into the project's community-driven approach
• Reimagine the physical environments that sustain these tradition
• Strategically integrate net-zero concepts

Subject Matter Expert:

Rachelle Lemieux
MAA, MRAIC LEED G.A
Architect, Verne Reimer Architecture

Rachelle Lemieux, MAA - is an architect with Red River Métis ancestry. With 15 years of experience, she excels in leveraging architecture as a vehicle for social change. Rachelle has stayed firmly rooted in her Indigenous heritage, Rachelle strives to incorporate Indigenous values and knowledge within her design. Rachelle actively dedicates time for the promotion of Indigenous design and architecture across Canada, and for the improvement of the architectural profession. She served a three-year term as the RAIC Director Representing Interns and Intern Architects and founded the RAIC Emerging Practitioners. Rachelle has been instrumental on various design competition juries, accreditation teams and Headship Search Committees. Rachelle presented at the Métis Architecture and Design Symposium at the McEwen School of Architecture and has worked with the Canadian Government in an Architectural Advisory role to the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative. Some of Rachelle’s accolades include receiving the 2015 College of Fellows Centennial Fund for Interns, the Manitoba Graduate Studies, and the Manitoba Métis Federation Scholarships. 

Nicole Luke
B.Env.D, MARCH, Intern Architect, Verne Reimer Architecture

Nicole Luke, B.Env.D, M.ARCH - is an emerging Indigenous architectural intern who is passionate about culture and design. Born in the territories with family residing in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, she is one of the first Inuk graduates to receive her Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees from the University of Manitoba. She aspires to be one of the first Inuit architects in Canada and aims to involve herself in projects that will inspire youth in northern communities to pursue education in the design field. She is dedicated to Indigenous initiatives, learning sustainable building practices, and understanding her role as a designer. Nicole continually explores new opportunities in learning and leadership. She is a fellow for the Inuit Futures in Arts Leadership Project (The Pilimmaksarniq/ Pijariuqsarniq Project), which supports Inuit/Inuvialuit to become leaders in their communities and an Indigenous design consultant/representative for the Parliament of Canada Welcome Centre's restoration/renovations project.