The University of Laval established a research station for its Centre d’Études Nordique [CEN] in Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik in the early 1980s. Situated at the confluence of James Bay and Hudson Bay, and forming the western gateway to Nunavik, the settlement  is home to a bicultural Cree and Inuit community  numbering about 1500. Strategically located on the dividing line between the taiga and the tundra, the station is the main research infrastructure used by the CEN to study northern ecosystems and geo-systems.

By Jim Taggart

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Simplicity of design and execution make a winner

The north elevation. All windows are operable for natural ventilation

In cross-section, this two storey, 1,115 sq.m office building is a simple flat roofed rectangle, the upper level being a partial mezzanine leaving double height spaces to promote stratification of warm air. In plan the building is elongated in the east-west direction, maximizing the benefits of north and south exposure for day-lighting and passive solar heating. (more…)

Human-earth relationship guides Canada’s first LEED Gold church

The creation of a liturgical environment

The stairwell connecting the narthex to the underground parking.

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St-Gabriel’s Passionist Church has been designed to reflect the eco-theology of Passionist Father Thomas Berry and his belief that we must work towards a mutually-enhancing, human-earth relationship. When asked to suggest an appropriate response to this imperative, Berry replied simply: “How will you address the sun?” (more…)