thomas schmidt

cultural learning

fall 2014

With a focus on culture, sustainability, and learning, this project provides a one-of-a-kind building and space for the people of the Three Affiliated Tribes in western North Dakota. The center's main purpose is a learning center which arranges spaces in a way that is reminiscent of traditional Mandan building techniques. Encircled around the complex is an outdoor celebration space under the skeleton of a modern interpretation of an earth lodge, giving the people of this region a sophisticated, proper space to hold outdoor events such as pow-wows. One of the strongest design features is the medicine wheel rose window on the main building, which creates a spiritual environment inside the main corridor by flooding the room with stained-glass light. The window also acts as a symbol of the tribes and stands out on the badlands-inspired main building.