Scarborough, Ontario
Educational
Centennial College
Under Construction
Dialog
Smoke Architecture
EllisDon
atchain
Landscape is essential to the Campus arrival experience. Here, the landscape is seamlessly integrated into the overall building design. Throughout the seasons the landscape is designed to communicate both the importance and relevance of the reconciliation of Indigenous and Western cultures.
As you approach the new building from the West, your eye catches the North Garden with its distinctive planting of Birches underplanted with native Dogwood, Sweetgrass, Sage, and Tobacco plants. Not only do these species work as a composition, they also all have historical relevance as plant species used in the preparation of Indigenous medicines.
At the eastern end of the North Entry Garden an amphitheatre surrounded by garden reveals itself. This stepped garden is the forecourt to the Level 1 East Entrance and Ceremonial Gathering Space. Here, a series of wide steps with integrated seating overlooks a sunken terrace mimicking the interior amphitheatre. This provides a space that is flexible and can be used informally for students to gather and hang out. The space can also double as an outdoor classroom.
Throughout the seasons the landscape is designed to communicate both the importance and relevance of the reconciliation of Indigenous and Western cultures.