Improving Lives: Pirurviapik Child Care Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families
CSV Architects is designed a full interior renovation to an existing childcare space at the Rideau Hub to become a new child care centre for the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth, and Families. The new Pirurviapik Child Care Centre provides cultural, educational, recreational, and social support services to children, youth, and families in a loving, caring, holistic, and cultural environment. Windows and washrooms were added to meet current CCEYA requirements.
Nurturing cultural identity and holistic development
The expansion will serve Ottawa’s growing Inuit community by providing space for 10 infants, 15 toddlers, and 24 preschoolers. This initiative will provide an opportunity to raise children with a strong sense of cultural identity to promote healthy development, including a positive self image, strong foundation in Inuit culture and language, and pride in Inuit ways.
Children and youth will make crafts and sing songs based on legends and traditional life. They will learn about local ceremonies and take part in community events to connect Inuit with their land, culture, and histories. The goal is to provide Inuit children with the best possible start to life, including the opportunity to learn and speak Inuktitut and to grow up rooted in Inuit ways of knowing.
A design in support of inuit culture
Close attention to detail was paid in the design of the renovation to honour Inuit heritage and culture. CSV Architects has designed the space to showcase Inuit artwork and materials throughout. The colour palette, which takes inspiration from the vast beauty of the northern lights, can be considered an ode to Inuit heritage and people.
Other aspects of the design include the development of a large playground to support the Centre’s goal of offering three hours of outdoor play time per day. The landscaping will be fully accessible and based on the natural environment.