Ekistics Architecture wins Lieutenant Governor's Award of Excellence for Batoche National Historic Site

Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc and Chris Crawford
Photo: Government House

A dramatic viewing platform overlooking the site of the final battle of the Northwest Resistance of 1885 has won Nova Scotia's highest award for architecture.

On Nov 22, His Honour The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards for Architecture at Government House. Ekistics Architecture received the Award of Excellence for the design of an interpretive experience at Batoche National Historic Site in Batoche, Saskatchewan.

The project's signature piece is the viewing tower, which offers a sweeping view of the site of the 1885 Battle of Batoche. The architecture conveys the aspirations of the Métis people in architecture and landscape, with cultural symbols such as the ceinture fléchée, the traditional Métis sash, making up part of the viewing platform's structure. The project's use of modern materials and design remind the visitor Métis culture is not just historical, but continues to thrive and grow.

The project brings together architecture, landscape architecture and graphic design. Chris Crawford, the lead architect, remarks, “We didn’t look at it as an exhibit, landscape or architecture project; as a team we used each of those disciplines to work together.”

Along with the tower, a viewing lens frames a view of the South Saskatchewan River, the focus of Métis life, and an interpretive play area brings the story to life for younger visitors.

The Lieutenant Governor’s Design Awards for Architecture are administered by the Nova Scotia Association of Architects, and recognize outstanding architectural design by members of the Nova Scotia Association of Architects.

Ekistics Architecture is a Nova Scotia architecture studio. Working side-by-side with its sister companies, landscape architecture firm Ekistics Planning and Design and interpretive design studio Form:Media, they design public spaces that delight and inform visitors, across Canada.

Devin Segal (Landscape Architect), John deWolfe (Interpretive Designer), Jacqueline Gaudet (Parks Canada), Chris Crawford (Architect), Their Honours Arthur J. LeBlanc and Patsy LeBlanc, Tom Evans (Architectural Intern), Julien Boudreau (Architectural Designer)

PHOTO: Government House