Being delivered through a collaborative design-build partnership between Fathom and Avondale Construction, the Jordantown-Acaciaville-Conway Betterment Association (JACBA) Centre of Excellence is a groundbreaking project. This state-of-the-art facility, situated in Digby and serving the surrounding area, is poised to foster collaboration among community, education, and economic institutions and aims to  help improve equity and inclusion for people of African descent.

Architecturally, the project is driven by two guiding principles. The first draws inspiration from the concept of a village, conceptualizing the complex as a gathering of structures. This led to the design of five hipped-roofed “houses,” each representing a specific function within the facility. The second principle revolves around the lantern, symbolizing a safe haven for the African Nova Scotian community. The lantern theme is woven into the design, with each building’s hipped roof derived from the traditional glass lantern form.

Strategically placed at the entrance are three towering “lantern” beacons, oriented towards the community they represent, visible upon entering the site. Internally, the facility boasts a community room, gymnasium, stage, fitness room, library, meeting room, seniors’ area, and rental space. Notably, a community kitchen adjacent to the event space facilitates access to community gardens and services for outdoor events.

The central hallway serves as a tribute to the tri-community district, featuring galleries and display cases honouring accomplishments. The JACBA Centre of Excellence is poised to be a beacon of unity and progress, embracing architectural innovation and community-centric design to enhance the lives of those it serves.

Status

Under Construction

Our Role

Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Wayfinding

Client

Colliers Project Leaders

Jordantown-Acaciaville-Conway Betterment Association

Location

Jordantown, Nova Scotia

Building Type

Community Building