THE STARPHOENIX
A Saskatoon-based architect is bringing a community’s vision to life.
Andrew Wallace of Wallace Klypak Architects, alongside Tawaw Architecture Collective, is designing a school for Sweetgrass First Nation inspired by the natural landscape and Cree culture.
Wallace, whose firm has designed several buildings in Saskatchewan, spoke to The StarPhoenix about moulding buildings to community wishes despite COVID-19. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: When you design a building for a First Nation, what’s the first thing you do"
A: What’s on my mind is getting it right. The way we do that is by heavy engagement with the community. It’s not just a small group of people who are designated to speak, although we do have that kind of committee, but we make an effort to listen to everybody. As we develop a design, we go back again and ask again, “Is this what you’re talking about" Does this work for what you want"” The trick to it is being very patient, and not calling it a day too soon.
Q: How has COVID-19 affected that"
A: It’s thrown a wrench in it for sure. We’re getting pretty good at video conferencing. We’re still able to have (meetings) with a pretty good representation. It’s also different groups of people for the kindergarten room compared to the elders’ room.
We produce drawings that we share with the group. The software we use produces a 3D mode...