DESIGN INTENT
Gleneagles Ch’axáý Elementary school was looking to update their schools design to coincide with current principles of the 21st Learning Curriculum. The design needed to be both age appropriate and flexible, to accommodate the varied teaching and learning styles of todays educational system. Being that the school is located on the land of the Squamish Nation, it was also important to the schools community that they respect and honour the heritage and history of the people who originally inhabited the land.
CONCEPT
One of the First Peoples’ principles of learning is: “Learning involves patience and time”. Learning is an individualistic process that cannot be rushed. Patience in this sense is calm. It means purposefully taking your time to get to your destination, so that nothing is missed. The inspiration for this design comes from the Heron; an animal that represents patience to the people of the Squamish Nation. The Heron embodies the concept of slowing down and taking your time, to reach a greater long term goal.
DESIGN APPLICATION
The overarching theme of this design is one of patient and mindful calmness, while creating ways to slow down and appreciate each moment. There are opportunities throughout this school for faculty, parents and students to sit and connect. The room configuration and furniture selected for this school are intentionally flexible, this creates opportunities for learning to occur in a variety of ways.