2021 Premier's Awards of Excellence in Design

Integrated Design


Award of Excellence

aodbt architecture + interior design, Crosby Hanna & Associates, Daniels Wingerak Engineering Ltd., Key West Engineering, PWA Engineering and Robb Kullman Engineering

Wanuskewin

Nestled on the Opimihaw Creek Valley, Wanuskewin is a National Historic Site, Interpretive Centre, Natural Conservation Area, and an active Archaeological site. 

The renewal tells stories of the people who have gathered at Wanuskewin over the past 6,400 years. Habitation sites, bison jumps and pounds, tipi rings and the northern-most Medicine Wheel recorded in North America are narrated through the renewed landscape design. 

The bison were at the center of continued gathering at Wanuskewin; part of the renewal strategy included welcoming a conservation herd of 50 bison hoping to preserve their genetic heritage – a vision 40 years in the making.

Wanuskewin transcends the line between the natural and built environment, telling the story of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. 

Originally constructed in 1992, a vision for renewal was born in 2013. The team worked with Elders to create a cohesive master plan, business case, capital campaign, and finally a renewal and addition which was completed in 2020. 

Approximately 80 stakeholders were consulted throughout the design process, with a core group of Elders guiding the project vision through ceremony and storytelling.

As sacred land with active archaeological digs, this project required seamless integration between the architects, interior designers, landscape architects, exhibit planners, engineers, construction manager, Elders, storytellers, biologists, and archaeologists. 

It was through this work in harmony that Wanuskewin has been included on the tentative list as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“Stunning and Evocative. A strong sense of renewal in the architecture, that creates a landmark for the future. It demonstrates a purposeful solution that has a positive impact on the natural landscape and wildlife. Love this.”

“Looks like a special place.”

"The form and lighting contribute to the "other world-like" experience. A wonderful example of a well integrated solution across disciplines. And a beautiful interpretation of the land as part of the spatial program.”

“The spaces in between the small buildings is what makes this project interesting. Love how the lighting design makes the site interesting [when] not in use, and when viewed from a distance.”