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First People's HouseThe First Nations community has a new place to gather and celebrate in their beautiful, new center at the University of Victoria, B.C. Christened the <a href="http://web.uvic.ca/fphouse/" target="_blank">'First People's House'</a>, the structure designed by <a href="http://www.alfredwaugh.com/firstpeoples.html" target="_blank">Alfred Waugh Architects</a> is a post and beam construction inspired by traditional Coast Salish longhouses. Clad in salvaged western red cedar and partially topped with a <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/green-roof" target="_blank">green roof</a>, the new center provides educational space, a ceremonial hall, offices and a student union catering to the native students - or "Canada's First Peoples" - at the university. Moreover, the community center and student hall is already targeting LEED Gold certification.1
First People's HouseThe new community center was designed and built to provide space for the native students at the University of Victoria.2
First People's HouseThe design of the building was inspired by traditional native people's architecture, particularly Coast Salish longhouses.3
First People's HouseThe building includes a student union, elders lounges, study areas, classrooms and ceremonial spaces.4
First People's HouseThe long house features three distinct forms: the ceremonial hall, adminstrative offices and classroom space.5
First People's HouseThe surrounding landscape is planted with native trees and vegetation, including Garry oak and Douglas-fir trees.6
First People's HouseA long curtain wall on both the north and south side of the building allow natural daylight to permeate the space.7
First People's HouseA large sloping roof drains water into a storm water retention pond.8
First People's HouseNatural ventilation and materials from local sources play a key roll in the design of the facility.9
First People's HouseThe ceremonial hall is used for special events for the community and graduation ceremonies for the students.10
First People's HouseLarge skylights in the center of the hall let in natural light and the room includes a large fireplace and bleacher seating on both sides of the hall11
First People's HouseAlfred Waugh, who designed the facility is of Chipweyan descent, and his firm has three Aboriginal architects, who assisted with the design.12
First People's HouseThe educational facility was officially opened in January of 2010.13
