UBC Totem Commonsblock Lobby

Situated on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, the renewal of this modernist student hub transforms a standard lobby into a “living museum.” In a highly consultative process guided by Musqueam Living Culture guidelines, the design integrates traditional color palettes and cedar plank facades with large-scale graphic histories. By weaving Indigenous teachings directly into the fabric of student life, the architecture creates a powerful place for non-traditional learning. As Musqueam Elder Larry Grant suggests, this exchange of resources allows for profound personal growth: “Your life gets transformed into something else, something you never even thought of.” Through this reversal of the typical exhibition experience, the project fosters a deeper sense of place, ensuring the Musqueam story is told in their own voice and approach.