Parkin Architects Limited is sponsoring an architectural course at Carleton University. Titled “Extreme Environments – Social and Environmental Infrastructure for Naujaat”, the course introduces second year Masters of Architecture students to the challenges and opportunities of designing in Canada’s far north.
The Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton thought it important that Canadian students be exposed to a large and important portion of Canada’s land mass that receives insufficient thought and attention. Due to its portfolio of award winning arctic projects, Parkin was approached by the School to help support and teach the course. Parkin was delighted to respond.
Parkin’s arctic portfolio includes a hospital, a prison, a police station and four schools. Parkin was also the lead designer for a P3 pursuit of the Iqaluit International Airport. The course is being taught by Robert Boraks, a Parkin director and design lead for the firm’s northern work. When asked about his experience leading the studio, he responded by saying that the experience has been, “Wonderful! The students have been very receptive to opening themselves to nuances of the north and have, as a result, produced exceptional work.” The School has expressed an interest in continuing and expanding its commitment to Canada’s north.