The National Centre for Indigenous Laws at the University of Victoria is being honoured with a 2023 Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.
The centre received the award for its Coast Salish design elements and bringing the surrounding forest into the building.
“Recognizing this deep connection between land and law, the National Centre for Indigenous Laws is inspired by the legal landscapes of the Coast Salish world,” said University of Victoria associate professor Sarah Morales, who is a Coast Salish and Cowichan Tribes member. “Its design reflects the importance of water and offers acknowledgement of our relationships with the beings of this place.”
Since 1967, Canadian Architect has sponsored the yearly national awards which celebrate exceptional projects in the design stage.
Two Row Architect, Teeple Architects and Low Hammond Rowe Architects worked together on the architectural design with the help of Indigenous and community engagements.
The centre is expected to open this fall and is a commitment to partnerships with local Indigenous communities.
“In designing a space that seeks to represent what the Coast Salish world teaches us about our legal relations and lawful obligations, the National Centre for Indigenous Laws design team has created an environment that intentionally gives pause to its visitors, reminding them to consider what it is they are being called upon to do as actors in this legal landscape, and how they can continue the work of honouring the legal traditions of their Coast Salish hosts,” said Morales.
The centre will be connected to the Anne and Murray Fraser law building.
ALSO READ: Students worry Saanich construction will ‘bottleneck’ traffic near campus