TSARTLIP COMMUNITY CENTRE Saanich, BC
The new Tsartlip Child and Family Wellness Centre is meant to be a reflection of the longstanding history and close relationship the W̱SÁNEĆ People have with the sea. The building’s soft and curvaceous shape is inspired by the fluid and organic forms of the billowing ocean tides that roll up on shore only a few hundred metres from the site. This tribute to the sea extends into the building with a glass bridge over the main lobby shaped like a canoe, connecting the two wings of the upper floor. The building is filled with natural light filtering down into the lower levels. The building will form the east side of a new civic courtyard between the new Childcare Centre to the west and the existing Health Centre to the north. Plenty of outdoor deck space on the upper level provides ample space for play areas or just seating to take in the spectacular views. A large observation deck on the second level facing the new sports field is held up by a single post that rises up through the deck to become a carved totem marking the entrance to the community.