O'Chiese K4-12 School (Stelfox School)O'Chiese, AB, Canada
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The O’Chiese First Nation, Alberta’s only Salteaux community, is located near Rocky Mountain House. Manasc Isaac was retained to examine the existing building and identify the constraints and opportunities presented in upgrading the community school to current educational facility standards within a cultural framework.
With the demolition of the 1960’s elements and additions built around portions of the existing building, a completely new image has been created for this school. Only the gymnasium remains as a recognizable form from the existing facility, but its skin is totally refurbished.
This project demonstrates how the culture and values of a community can be reflected in architecture. The planning of this building engaged parents, students, staff, elders and community members in the exploration of their vision of the future and gave them the power to shape that vision. In this case, community involvement enriches each stage of the planning and design process resulting in a strong sense of ownership and pride in the resulting facility.
With the demolition of the 1960’s elements and additions built around portions of the existing building, a completely new image has been created for this school. Only the gymnasium remains as a recognizable form from the existing facility, but its skin is totally refurbished.
This project demonstrates how the culture and values of a community can be reflected in architecture. The planning of this building engaged parents, students, staff, elders and community members in the exploration of their vision of the future and gave them the power to shape that vision. In this case, community involvement enriches each stage of the planning and design process resulting in a strong sense of ownership and pride in the resulting facility.
