Computer model of exterior

Column detail during construction

Multi Purpose Room

Typical classroom during construction

Manasc Isaac Architects

About the Project

In designing First Nations facilities for education we are finding a great richness of imagery to draw upon, based on the understanding and wisdom of the elders, and through consultation with Band Councillors, community members, students and staff. We believe that culturally appropriate facilities can be achieved only by listening; we had to learn about the symbols that were important to the O'Chiese community, and we had to understand the elders' role as the keepers of those symbols. Creating a cooperative environment made that possible. It also benefitted us, as architects, as much as it did the elders; they found the courage to share stories that were meaningful to them and we were able to expand our architectural vocabulary.

Through consultation and the workshop process, we determined that the school at O'Chiese required a strong image, a focus for the educational vision and aims of the community, a symbolic statement of the value placed on education and a response to the physical and symbolic landscape at O'Chiese. There was a desire to connect with the landscape, to use curved forms based on the traditional Circle forms, to recognize and respond to the four cardinal directions, each of which has its own symbolic meaning. As well, the image of the buffalo is prominent in the community. A high level of natural light is provided throughout the school. Colour plays an important role in providing a vibrant learning environment for the students.

Other Images and Drawings

View the gallery of interior images.

View the plans of the O'Chiese school.

Project Details

Location		OÕChiese First Nation, Alberta, near Rocky Mountain House
Client		OÕChiese First Nation
Architects		Manasc Isaac Architects: Richard Isaac Vivian Manasc Keith Annet
Consultants		Structural Engineers: SLG Stanley Mechanical: Sterling Engineering Electrical: Reid Crowther & Partners Landscape: Kipen Gibbs
Cost		$3 000 000
Completion		May 1996
Notes		Maximum Occupancy: 216 students

Other Manasc Isaac Architects Projects

Banff Town Hall
Peguis K4-12 School

This project was published on 1996.05.01.

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