The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre (IRSHDC) at the University of British Columbia has been recognized with the 2019 Institutional Wood Design: Small award from the BC Wood Design Awards Program. This accolade celebrates excellence in wood architecture and Formline’s commitment to thoughtful, sustainable, and culturally resonant design.

The BC Wood Design Awards recognize projects that showcase the innovative and creative use of wood in architecture, particularly in institutional and community-focused buildings. The IRSHDC’s design, with its warm, natural materials and carefully crafted wood detailing, stood out for its ability to create a space of reflection, healing, and learning.

The exterior of the building is clad in charred cedar planks, which also serve as symbols of scarring, creating a striking contrast with the Douglas Fir glulam curtain wall. Inside, the staircase features a surface of woven Western Red Cedar strips, inspired by the traditional weaving practices of the local Squamish Nation.

The Canadian Architect feature on the awards highlights the IRSHDC’s contribution to both architectural and cultural discourse. We are grateful to the BC Wood Design Awards Program for recognizing the IRSHDC and celebrating the power of architecture to tell meaningful stories.

Read more about the award and this project in Canadian Architect.