Project:
Tsi-Shaihne Elementary School
Client:
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Project Type:
Elementary School
Size:
148,673 ft2 – Feasibility Study
Status:
Preparing construction documents
The Goal:
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne engaged Figurr Architects Collective to carry out a comprehensive feasibility study and initial design package to support the community’s funding applications.
The Process:
The new Tsi-Shaihne Elementary School represents a vital community initiative to provide modern educational facilities for a growing number of young children. It also invites community engagement by offering access to the gymnasium, cafeteria, and cultural gathering space. The school includes separate English and Mohawk immersion wings, each with specialized areas. Its design embodies local values through a culturally sensitive, sustainable, and welcoming approach, remaining flexible enough to adapt to future needs.
Through a series of collaborative brainstorming workshops with administrators, staff, teachers, students, and other community stakeholders, Figurr developed a concept that received enthusiastic endorsement from all.
By closely engaging with community members, the design team highlighted natural lighting, adaptable gathering spaces, cultural heritage, and modern educational philosophies throughout the building. For instance, differently sized collaborative workspaces were incorporated into the corridors, optimizing every square foot.
The initiative promotes full-time instruction in the Mohawk language and places a strong emphasis on Mohawk culture throughout. It also supports community activities, thus providing significant assistance to the students. Key elements include a solid connection to the land, outdoor gathering areas and classrooms, abundant natural light, and the use of natural materials like wood in various forms for the structure and finishes.
The Impact:
The outcome is a comprehensive design package that the community can leverage for their funding requests from various agencies. The process emphasized close collaboration with community members to ensure that the design and funding request reflect the community's broader needs.