Indigenous House at University of Toronto Scarborough Folds Wigwam-Inspired Design into Campus Landscape
The Indigenous House at the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus, created by Alfred Waugh from Formline Architecture + Urbanism alongside LGA Architectural Partners, spans 10,700 square feet. This facility acts as a social, academic, and spiritual center for Indigenous students, symbolizing the university's dedication to reconciliation through the establishment of Indigenous spaces and updated curricula. The design, inspired by the wigwam, includes flowing spaces, a double-height atrium, and circular classrooms that enhance natural acoustics. Collaborating with landscape specialists Public Work, a berm of native plants was integrated into the site. The building supports cultural practices such as smudging ceremonies and fosters inclusive education, standing out against the nearby corporate structures.
Key facts
- The Indigenous House is a 10,700-square-foot, 2-story building at the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus
- It was designed by Alfred Waugh of Formline Architecture + Urbanism with LGA Architectural Partners
- Waugh is a citizen of Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation of Saskatchewan
- The building houses classrooms, study spaces, social areas, offices for Indigenous Initiatives staff, a commercial kitchen, and a small library
- The wigwam, used by Eastern North American tribes including the Anishinaabe and the Huron, inspired the design
- Two circular classrooms with a twin-domed roof and glue-laminated timber ceilings bookend the upper story
- Landscape specialist Public Work collaborated with Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag on the elevated garden and green space
- The HVAC system accommodates smudging ceremonies, and bathrooms include oversized rooms for changing into regalia
Entities
Artists
- Alfred Waugh
- Susanna Moreira
Institutions
- University of Toronto
- University of Toronto Scarborough
- Formline Architecture + Urbanism
- LGA Architectural Partners
- Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation
- Public Work
- Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag
- Anishinaabe
- Huron
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Equilibrium Engineering
- Introba
- MTE
- Swallow I Thorton Tomasetti
- Magil Construction
- doublespace photography
- ArchDaily
Locations
- Toronto
- Canada
- Scarborough
- Vancouver
- Saskatchewan