Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre: Rammed Earth Wonder
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 04. 8.07
The March issue of Canadian Architect focuses on architecture for Aboriginal Canada. Projects include the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre by Hotson Bakker Boniface Haden Architects. The main architecture feature is a spectacular rammed earth wall 80 metres (262 feet) long by 5.5 metres (18 feet) high, a wall of this scale has "never been built before as the most prominent architectural element, everything in terms of cultural representation was invested in it. The particular methods of construction, from the formwork to the concrete-soil mix and colour selection, were carefully adjusted to convey a sense of the past, present and future. The notion of longevity was essential, and as Bruce Haden imagines the structure, "one day it will make a great ruin."
::Canadian Architect
