Formline Architecture + Urbanism is honored to announce that the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is featured in the August 2022 issue of Canadian Architect as a winner of the prestigious Governor General’s Awards for Architecture. This recognition celebrates excellence in architectural design and innovation across Canada, and we are proud to see the IRSHDC acknowledged alongside other groundbreaking projects.

Located at the heart of UBC’s campus, the IRSHDC stands as a space for reflection, education, and reconciliation. Its design integrates natural light, culturally resonant materials, and connections to the surrounding environment to create a place of healing and dialogue. The building honors the stories of residential school survivors and serves as a vital resource for understanding the legacy of Canada’s residential school system.

The Governor General’s Awards jury praised the project’s thoughtful design, which balances its role as a place of memory with its practical use as an educational and community space. The incorporation of elements like open gathering areas, natural finishes, and a landscaped garden aligns with the Centre’s purpose of fostering emotional and psychological healing while maintaining an architectural presence that invites openness and inclusion.

This feature in Canadian Architect highlights not only the significance of the IRSHDC but also the role of architecture in addressing complex social and cultural issues. We are grateful to the Governor General’s Awards for this recognition and extend our congratulations to all the other winners featured in the August 2022 issue.

To read more about the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre and its recognition, visit the article in Canadian Architect.