Carolyn St Michel
As a proud member of the Métis Nation of Ontario, this project is dedicated to my Indigenous heritage. With a lack of access to infrastructure, we are often isolated from one another, leading to identity confusion. Like others, I felt disconnected from my heritage and was looking for a place to unite Métis people with shared experiences.
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Project Overview
The Métis are one of three recognized Indigenous groups in Canada. Our origin story dates back to the 18th century near Red River, Saskatchewan. The Métis people’s came to be out of the intermarriage of European settlers with Indigenous women. Like other Indigenous groups in Canada, we were stripped of our land, culture, and identity. Each day, the Métis continue to advocate for their rights and revitalize the culture. Therefore, with a dedicated Community and Cultural Centre, we aim to foster greater connection to each other and to continue to share stories of our ancestors and their impact on Canada’s history.
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Exploring Canada's Natural Landscape (Indigenous) and Toronto's City Grid (Western)
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Converging Indigenous culture (Ontario's Organic Landscape) and Western Influence (Toronto's Linear Infrastructures)
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"Growing the Forest" in an urban environment
Concept/Design Process
Métis culture emerged from the converging of the Indigenous people of North America and Western settlers. Their discrete traditions merged to create what is uniquely Métis. Indigenous connection to the land and Western innovation are at the forefront of Métis’ way of living. Inspired by the topography of Ontario’s natural landscape and Toronto’s structured grid, this project will converge the two polarizing topographies through intersecting organic and linear forms, and biophilic and man-made elements.
Site Plan/Floor Plan(s)
These floor plans are reminiscences of the Traditional Métis folk home, a multi-functional single-room home centred around a hearth. In these homes, people would jig (a traditional Métis dance), where they slept and ate. The central floor space on the first floor of the Community Centre is named after the hearth, which extends to the second floor through an interconnected floor space.
The Hearth is the hub of the centre, where all other functions revolve around. Its intention is to bring people together and instill a sense of community we long for. Here there are no fixed walls or furniture, allowing people to eat, jig, and sleep… if they wish. Immerse yourself in Métis culture as you enter through the east and navigate through the space, where you will find yourself drawn back to the hearth.
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Inspired by the Métis Long house, the floorplan is open concept with each room serving multiple purposes.
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The organic-shaped interconnected floor space inspired by Ontario's natural landscape and Métis infinity Logo connects the levels, and brings people together, as a hearth does.
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The East facing entrance overlooks a garden filled with local species.
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Second floor Library for members to learn and connect to their heritage. Grab a book and Take a seat on our flexible, organic inspired furniture.
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View the ever-changing exhibit showcasing the incredible Métis artists and makers. Learn more about our culture through the interactive screen.
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The Hearth is the hub of the building. It’s open space and flexible furniture allow it to mimic the Traditional Folk home used for multiple purposes.
3D Views
These renderings provide insight into Métis culture. Not only is the open concept floorplan integral to capturing Métis culture, but materiality plays a large role too. Métis people are historically known for their resourcefulness and connection to nature.
Utilizing locally sourced materials such as pine throughout adds a unique biophilic element that is true to traditional Métis building practices. The herringbone pattern in the wood floors and bookcase are reminiscent of the Métis sash. The colours of the flexible furniture are also drawn from the vibrant colours of the Métis sash. The building is rich with traditional art, particularly paintings inspired by Métis floral beadwork. Filled with Métis culture, the aim of this building is to inspire people to connect and learn about their Métis heritage.
