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| Model of entry building |
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| The proposed site configuration |
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| Ceremonial Lodge in foreground (left) with residential units in background |
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| Model of residential units and their configuration |
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| Model of ceremonial building |
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| Ceremonial building under construction |
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| Entry building under construction |
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| Entry building under construction |
Project Summary
The Hobbema Healing Lodge is designed as a 40-bed minimum security and 20-bed pre-release institution and is a cooperative venture between the Sampson Cree and Corrections Canada. It reflects the values and incorporates the symbolism of native society, and is designed to be energy efficient and highly cost effective. It has housing units for five people which are duplexed into 10 person units, and includes administrative, counselling, admissions/discharge, central supplies/food area, and many other facilities. The focus of the project is on spiritual healing and development of native cultural awareness, with integration of programme content into daily living, so that inmates will have opportunities for increased responsibilities and decision making. Architectural Comment
Presently, the native offender may perceive himself as part of a society that has had traditional values and customs (stability) eroded by the numeric, economic and cultural imbalances forced upon them by white society. Being aware of the problems is a start towards identifying the solutions. The built solution that is the "Healing Lodge" works in conjunction with social programs and heightened cultural awareness. The building can provide the framework and the impetus to allow this social and spiritual evolution to take place. The massing and configuration of the buildings derives from forms or symbols which are significant to the Samson Cree and are developed in a manner meaningful to prairie native people. One symbol that relates to rehabilitation is the Medicine Wheel; balanced development of mind, body, emotion and spirit. The elements of the Medicine Wheel are the circle and the four cardinal points. The centre is also important, in native tradition this point marks the spiritual axis linking ground and sky, man and cosmos. The four points of the Medicine Wheel, from the sacred number '4', connote the four cardinal directions. Associated with each direction are certain qualities and values, many of which are key personality traits for integrating with society and self-actualization. In the balance leading to cultural renewal, the importance of the circle and the directions of movement would in some architectural form and scale form the basis within which, and around which, the four directions are achieved. These aspects of architectural expression of the culture are particulary important for persons whose lives are not in balance; who in a state of crisis seek guidance in finding that balance. Symbols cannot be mechanistically transformed into buildings. Abstraction is required, taking into account programme, site, climate and human response to habitable form. "Normal" living enviromnents are required to allow the eventual return and reintegration into the community residential counterpart. In this instance, an improved model could set a new pace and standard. Accommodating layouts would better facilitate daily routines and rituals, and allow greater social interaction. The four colours of red, white, blue and black are respected and carry prominent symbolic roles in the design.
Models and Drawings
Project Details
| Location | |
Hobbema, Alberta |
| Client | |
Public Works and Government Services Canada Bob Willman - Project Manager |
| Architects | |
Ken Hutchinson Architect Limited: Ken Hutchinson, FRAIC - Principal David Illsey - Project Manager |
| Consultants | |
Mechanical: Electrical: Structural: Landscape Architect: |
| Cost | |
$6 500 000 |
| Completion | |
Fall 1996 |
Other Ken Hutchinson Architect Projects
Festival Place
McKenzie Towne Fire Hall
Medicine Hat Leisure Centre
Renfrew Educational Services
This project was published on 1996.05.01.
| © 1996- 2001 |
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