KPU Indigenous Student Gathering Place

Collaborating with Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, and Katzie Nations, we transformed a sterile, 750-square-foot masonry classroom into a culturally relevant, Indigenous gathering hub. Our mission was to “de-institutionalize” the conventional box, replacing suspended ceilings and fluorescent lights with a sanctuary for education, food preparation, and connection. The design centers on a fixed kitchen and fireplace complemented by a new skylight and entry that bridge the gap between the interior and the nearby forest.