Influenced by the Innu Shaputuan, a straight axis through the building defines two distinctive architectural volumes and supports wayfinding through the building. This concept also extends the overhang of the building to act as a covered gathering space and for outdoor activities such as canoe making. The building is located close to a belvedere with sweeping views of the St-Laurence River. The building was organised to showcase the view, with windows framing the view for the permanent exhibition. It was important to the community and the team that the building be oriented to take full advantage of these views. The plan of the building was deliberately cut diagonally to conceptually reveal the interior of the building to the village and the neighbouring festival site. A visual connection to the Innu Nakimu Festival site and the river links the past, present and future.
Wood frame and heavy timber construction is becoming increasingly popular in commercial construction. And for good reason – wood construction is a natural insulator compared to other building materials. Wood is versatile, energy-efficient, and strong. (naturally: wood, 2023) It also brings a more natural look and feel to the overall design than materials such as concrete and steel – making it an ideal choice for the Tshissenitamun Mitshuap Cultural Centre. The exterior uses white metal panels, which offer industrial-grade weather resistance, in a softer tone. The white blends in the building with the winter landscape, and the metal follows the curves of the building without creating facets that detract from the smooth exterior.
The project has faced several challenges to date. The project has faced typical post-COVID construction challenges, but the devastating forest fires have been the most disruptive. The exceptional environmental challenges caused by the fires resulted in shortages of materials, site access and community evacuations. Fortunately, despite these challenges, the project is back on track and progressing towards its expected completion date.
The Tshissenitamun Mitshuap Cultural Centre in Mani-Utenam, Quebec, represents a significant milestone for the First Nations community on the path to healing and reconciliation. The building’s name, Tshissenitamun Mitshuap — which means “knowledge house” in Innu—reflects its purpose: a space for the dissemination and promotion of Innu art and culture.
The design includes a large auditorium and event space in the centre of the building for concerts, dance, lectures and temporary exhibitions that support the sharing of Innu knowledge. A library, music rooms and artists' studios surround the central performance space and are visually linked to the auditorium. When events are not in progress, visitors can look into the studios.
The music room, handicraft and beading workshop, painting room, library and Innu medicine programme are located on the west side of the building, taking advantage of the quiet forest views and evening sunlight. The medicine room also has direct access to an outdoor garden. A canoe and sculpture workshop is located on the east side, away from the other functions to reduce the amplification of sound while working, and to provide clear access for deliveries.
The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024.
References:
naturally:wood, Thermal Performance (2023) https://www.naturallywood.com/wood-performance/thermal/
Innu Nikamu (2023) https://innunikamu.ca/
St-Pierre, Jean. Tshissenitamun Mitshuap | Un grand centre culturel de bois favorisant la guérison à Malotenam, Côte-nord, (23 jullet 2023) https://macotenord.com/tshissenitamun-mitshuap-un-grand-centre-culturel-de-bois-favorisant-la-guerison-a-maliotenam/
Tshissenitamun Mitshuap Cultural Centre, Figurr Architects Collective (2022), https://figurr.ca/en/project/tshissenitamun-mitshuap-cultural-centre
New Cultural Centre for Mani-Utenam will Showcase Traditional Innu Art and Culture, Figurr Architects Collective (2022) https://figurr.ca/en/news/new-cultural-centre-for-mani-utenam-will-showcase-traditional-innu-art-and-culture
Déry, Emy-Jane. Un centre culturel en l’honneur des survivants de pensionnats verra le jour à Mani-utenam, Le Nord-Côtier (9 septembre 2021) https://lenord-cotier.com/2021/09/09/un-centre-culturel-en-lhonneur-des-survivants-de-pensionnats-verra-le-jour-a-mani-utenam/