Nestled between the Irving K Barber Learning Centre and the Koerner Library located at the centre of Canada’s second largest university, this project unifies architectural themes of memory and social dialogue. This is a place for re-thinking the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canadian society and a centre for dialogue for community members and scholars and a powerful recognition of Indigenous culture and history in the heart of the campus. This two-level facility is comprised of a portion of existing basement space in Koerner Library and new construction above on the mid-level plaza leading from Koerner Library to the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre.

Drawing on community engagement, emergent technologies, and collaborative approaches, the IRSHDC aims to facilitate informed dialogue and more transparent information practices. As a framework that seeks to privilege respectful, equitable and innovative access to records and information, the IRSHDC’s developing systems and space of inquiry can model a new platform for information stewardship, particularly relating to collections that hold records of traumatic events – one that is pluralistic and seeks to support agency.

The physical displacement of architectonic volumes becomes an analogue to the reconciliation process itself, which is first obliged to mark ruptures, and then seeks to heal them. At the request of Linc Kesler the previous Director of the House of Learning the building must capture the Indigenous Spirit without representing any one Nation. The building is designed with the intention of unifying themes of memory, symbolism reflecting the diversity of Indigenous Peoples.

Key Building Elements:

• Copper Roof - The Chief’s Copper represents the dignity of the Coast Salish peoples.
• Charred Cedar Planks - The charred cladding is symbolic of the scarring of residential school survivors. The planks, once charred, are more resilient, reflective of the strengths of Survivors and their families.
• Abundant glazing - Generous glazing and direct connection to the surrounding landscape was a request from Musqueam residential school survivors - “There may be emotional response to the past and it is important to pause and reflect and look out and be connected to nature wherever you are in the building”.
• Glass Waterfall- A rainwater accent feature on the lower level symbolizes the tears of survivors who suffered traumatic experiences in residential schools.
• Woven Cedar Wall- As you descend the stairs to the exhibit space a grand woven cedar wall on one side of the stairs represents the basket weaving.

The building is designed to LEED Gold standards employing low velocity displacement ventilation, a high-performance envelope, and a structure of CLT roof, and walls and perimeter glulam columns. Concealed w-section steel beams above the CLT roof panels with riveted connections avoid drop beams and allow for generous thin overhangs. 

The dialogue of the building and the reconfigured landscape bowel reinvigorates this part of the campus creating a place for students to pause and reflect.  There is serene confidence and new optimism for indigeneity that can now take its place amongst Canada’s most powerful institutions, and that it has become prospective, not just retrospective.

Team:
Design / Executive Architect: Alfred Waugh
Project Architect: Manny Trinca
Production Architect: Vince Knudsen
Structural Engineer: Bush Bohlman& Partners
Mechanical: Smith + Andersen
Electrical: Applied Engineering Solutions
Landscape Architect: PFS Studio
Envelope Consultant: JRS Engineering
Code Consultant: LMDG
Mass Timber Specialist: Structurlam Products LP
Wood Specialist: Nicola Logworks
Construction Manager: BIRD Construction

Material Used :
1. C.R. Laurence: Curtain Wall System
2. Hunter Douglas Architectural: Wood Linear Ceiling System
3. Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation: Douglas Fir Glulam Beams and Columns
4. CBR Products: Broda Clarity Wood Stone 
5. Aurubis: 1257 Construction Copper for roofing
6. Owen Corning: Extruded Polystyrene Rigid Insulation / Foamular C-300
7. Sound Concept: Acoustic Ceiling Panel
8. Interface: Carpet Tile
9. Flextile: Tile Grout
10. Bobrick: Toilet Partitions
11. Ames Tile & Stone: Washroom Wall Tile
12. Contech Construction Ltd.: Exterior Architectural Concrete Wall
13. JSV Architectural Veneering & Millwork Inc.: Cedar Woven Interior Wall
14. Nicola Logworks: Charred Cedar Exterior Wall Cladding
15. Samson Metals: Steel Deck - SM900RD-CL
16. Standard Aluminum Products Inc.: Sliding doors - SD2000 Top Hung Slider
17. K.N. Crowder MFG.: Kenagrille FG-10

Located at the center of the University of British Columbia campus, the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Center was established to create a platform for open communication and education on Canada’s long abolished Indian residential school system. The distinct sloped foundation of the building conveys an extension of the existing landscape and symbolizes its connection to the nation’s history.

Vancouver’s colder climate has led to the implementation of stringent energy codes. With a comprehensive portfolio of high-performance thermal glazing systems, C.R. Laurence was selected to supply the entirety of the building envelope scope.

The Series 2202 Curtain Wall is thermally improved to exceed thermal performance requirements. The system features a skip and debridge thermal break and a continuous thermal spacer to effectively mitigate heat transfer. A slim 2-inch face trim improves sightlines and all-glass visuals. Series 7600 Concealed Vent Windows are seamlessly integrated into the curtain wall. A low-profile, thermally broken frame balances aesthetics and performance, while offering flexibility in interior temperature control.

Entrances on the first and second levels are outfitted with Mojave Series Advanced Thermal Doors. Mojave delivers optimal thermal performance using polyamide struts and cutting-edge internal insulation. Doors are 1-3/4" thick, which makes them compatible with a wide range of standard architectural hardware.

C.R. Laurence’s single-source building envelope solutions simplified the design, specification, logistics, and installation of thermal glazing systems at the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Center. More importantly, they helped create expansive glass spans and complete transparency, countering the sense of confinement that characterized Indian residential schools.