project
Conestoga College Indigenous Classroom
LOCATION Kitchener, ON & Cambridge, ON
PROJECT TYPE Institutional, Interiors
COMPLETION DATE 2024
Upon completion of the Indigenous Office located at the Doon Campus, Conestoga College engaged ABA to imagine and design dedicated Indigenous learning spaces at two of their campus locations. The new classrooms at the Skilled Trades and Doon Campuses employ similar design elements utilized in the previously designed Indigenous Office, promoting a sense of continuity between both spaces. The addition of timber structures along the perimeter and round house-inspired elements thoughtfully paired with natural materials such as wood, preserved moss, and wool, accentuates a meaningful connection to the exterior environment.
The suspended circular millwork ceiling featuring a basket weave pattern floats effortlessly in the center of each classroom, grounding the space. The circular seating layout not only mirrors the ceiling design, but it affords the opportunity for leaching and leaning without a designated “front of room,” facilitating equal and fair opportunity for all.
