cree cultural institute in quebec by rubin & rotman architects

cree cultural institute in quebec by rubin & rotman architects
photo by mitch lenet

in the northern canadian village of oujé-bougoumou, rubin & rotman architects has designed a cultural center that pays homage to the region’s vernacular architecture – the traditional longhouse. in addition to its role as a community hub, the ‘aanischaaukamikw cree cultural institute‘ also comprises an exhibition hall built according to international standards, ensuring that the building functions as both a museum and meeting place for a diverse range of visitors.

the project is located in the northern canadian village of oujé-bougoumou
photo by mitch lenet

community activities are staged at ground floor level, with dance and music shows taking place alongside more intimate events. the lower storey contains the offices of associations involved in preserving the native cree language, local hunting methods and arts and handicrafts, as well as in promoting tourism. throughout the project, wood is used extensively – referencing the importance of the forest to the local population – while symbolic elements that reference the traditional habitat have been transposed across the design.

the scheme comprises an exhibition hall built according to international standards
photo by mitch lenet

the cultural center pays homage to the region’s vernacular architecture
photo by aanischaaukamikw cree cultural institute

the entrance to the cultural institute
photo by mitch lenet

wood is used extensively – referencing the importance of the forest to the local population
photo by aanischaaukamikw cree cultural institute

symbolic elements that reference the traditional habitat have been transposed across the design
photo by mitch lenet

vaulted timber ceilings
photo by mitch lenet

the complex brightly illuminated at night
photo by mitch lenet

an aerial view of the development
photo by carl charboyer for aanischaaukamikw cree cultural institute

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project info:

location: oujé-bougoumou, quebec, canada
client: aanischaaukamikw cree cultural institute
cost: $10 million
team members: stephen rotman, bruno morin, roberto campos, pascale tétrault
general contractor: aecon group ltd.
collaborators: douglas cardinal, architect