The architects here influence by example; they have made the north their home and are accountable to it. Northern detail continues to evolve.
Thule dwelling reconstruction, Resolute Bay, NWT
Northern Firms Tracey Mactavish
Rae, Northwest Territories
t he northern territories of Canada do not abound with successful design and planning. In fact, much of the building stock exasper- ates the natural condition into a state of human distress. Reasons for this are many but combine a frontier mentality of fast and cheap with a history of temporary structures. Lack of innovation has been perpetuated by an in/ out mentality of southern consultants and by builders whose priority is maximum square footage and minimum dollars, not the human and environmental components of building. A recent increased energy in contemporary northern architectural practice indicates that priorities are shifting to fully engage the user group and the landscape. Out of mediocrity emerge projects that in contrast, demon- strate a mature understanding of technology, culture, environment and climate.The projects shown in the following pages are the prod- uct of designers who have made the north their home and are accountable to it, provid- ing design solutions that are sensitive to the human and environmental context through the development of building program, materiality and spatial execution. Attitudes surrounding building and community must change to include more appropriate long term solutions.Whether the North will always be remote is a question. Regardless, it is only the voice of the people of the North demand- ing difference in architecture, that will make the long tired practice of frontier building obsolete.
Cultural Significance A large component of Northern life remains integrally connected to the seasons and the movement of wildlife while being increasingly influenced by southern ideals and ways of living. The snowmobile, cold porch, kitchen and television are all in competition. The feeling of enclosure created by a building, its connection to the land and the grouping of related buildings and houses based on kinship groupings are architectural responses that are intimately tied to culture. Reference to spiritual elements of legend are often found in the landscape, their importance influenc - ing orientation to the water, to mountains, to sources of livelihood. Designs that successfully respond to local culture through materiality, orientation and form allow people to identify with place, to see themselves in the fabric of their surroundings, as the built environment becomes more akin to everyday behavior.
Response to the Land The Land of the North is fragile, yet unforgiv- ing. Sensitive architecture aligns itself with the land in contour and natural features, in wind and in solar exposure. Settlements often follow the shore line, a reflection of a life dependent on water for transport and food. Above the tree line, extreme temperatures are compounded by wind that both drives snow into crevices and piles it high, making physical movement around a building and throughout a community difficult. Each building constructed impacts the microclimate that surrounds it. Elements in the landscape such as fenc- ing and play equipment have impact on wind, sun exposure, snow drifting and patterns of travel by foot or snowmobile. How a build- ing responds to the land in all of its elements, to topography, and to the water’s edge can reinforce or negate its northerness. De fining northern detail breaks down context into understandable components. Collectively, the details meld into an unassuming confidence of a building that is of its own environment.
Tracey Mactavish, a native of rural Alberta, holds a Master of Archi- tecture degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and began her career in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories with Pin / Matthews Architects. She now works in Vancouver with Marceau Evans Architects in remote communities of northern British Columbia and Vancouver Island.
On Site review 11
41
Spring 2004
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