Awacak Okiskinohamatowikamikowaw Elementary School of Manawan

Discipline : Architecture

Categories : Public Building / School & Preschool Education Building : Grand Winner

A primary school rooted in the community of Manawan: an inspiring and sustainable architectural project

The new primary school in Manawan stands out as a flagship project at the intersection of contemporary architecture, sustainable development, and Atikamekw cultural affirmation. More than just a place of education, it serves as a community living space anchored in its territory, designed to promote inclusion, intergenerational transmission, and student well-being.

Located in the heart of a growing residential area, the school fits harmoniously into the natural landscape with an architecture that celebrates the boreal forest and Indigenous identity. Wood, omnipresent in the structure and interior finishes, interacts with aluminum claddings in blonde and yellow shades, evoking the colors of the land. The triangular patterns inspired by the tipi and the extruded tubes reminiscent of Indigenous canoe paddles reflect a sincere intent of cultural respect.

Thoughtfully designed for universal accessibility, the school offers inclusive layouts: fluid and bright circulation, clear signage, elevator, and specialized equipment. All children, regardless of their abilities, find their place here. The core of the building, a double-height atrium bathed in natural light, acts as a crossroads for meetings and discoveries. Its wooden columns, a mural representing a flight of birds, and a floor evoking the site’s topography enhance the sensory experience and connection to nature.

Safety guided several design choices: strategic location of the main office, separation of circulation areas, fences securing playgrounds, and adherence to required distances in case of a forest fire – an essential precaution in this wooded region. The building’s durability is ensured by a combination of robust materials: masonry, non-combustible aluminum, and exposed wood structure.

From an environmental standpoint, the school integrates exemplary bioclimatic principles. A geothermal system reduces the carbon footprint, while natural ventilation and operable windows contribute to thermal comfort. The green roof, visible from the inside, acts as an insulator and educational space, extending learning through contact with nature.

Finally, the school becomes a place of cultural celebration. The atrium hosts a museum showcase featuring the community’s handcrafted works. The library, oriented outward, offers immersion in the natural rhythm of the territory.

This project exemplifies how architecture can support the educational mission while respecting the values, history, and environment of a community. The primary school of Manawan asserts itself as an inspiring model of inclusion, sustainability, and collective pride for today’s and tomorrow’s Quebec.

The project in images