This project is all about community engagement. RHA advocated for meaningful First Nations engagement from the start, which has resulted in a highly successful project that has garnered value from input by First Nations artists and knowledge keepers such as Cory Douglas and Debra Sparrow. Debra is a prolific Musqueam weaver—we worked with her to develop the colour, texture, and patterning of the building’s cladding. Cory is a Coast Salish artist and consultant who is helping us connect with local First Nations artists to design carvings and engravings at the front entrance of the building. This gives emerging Indigenous artists an opportunity for mentorship from Cory and a way to place their art in the community, rooting First Nations culture in the landscape and community.

This project is already making a meaningful impact in the community. The methodology and process that we piloted on this project with First Nations engagement spawned a research project and report which documented and reflected on decolonizing design in architecture. The research project was lead by the Landscape Architect on the team, Kristina Zalite, with contributions from RHA. We hope that this methodology can be recreated on other projects to engage community, add cultural value to spaces, and contribute to reconciliation.

Landscape design for this project was also considered from the start, collaboratively integrating the design of interior and exterior environments, and highlighting and honoring the land that we are working on.

Link: Decolonizing Design Case Study

Client: Lookout Society and BC Housing
Landscape Architect: Prospect & Refuge
Abbotsford, BC — 2023
Status: Under construction