Indigenous Design Inspiration
Saskatoon Public Library is woven into the fabric of this region, a place where traditions of information exchange through storytelling have been taking place since time immemorial.
Libraries are often described as community living rooms, making it fitting to honour the traditional architecture used by the Indigenous people of this region. The design of Saskatoon’s new central library offers a modern interpretation of Indigenous architectural concepts.
The First Nations tipi inspires the slope and curved shape of the library’s exterior. The tipi features a simple, elegant design with translucent skin that allows diffused light to enter the interior. Traditionally, tipis were constructed from lodgepoles tied together and covered with animal hides, predominantly from bison in Saskatchewan.
Both First Nations and Métis buildings demonstrate a deep connection to nature and preserve ties to the natural environment in which they were situated. The library’s structure is envisioned as a tree, with a solid concrete trunk at the back and a mass timber structure branching off.
We are committed to integrating Indigenous and non-Indigenous values, histories and ways of knowing into this public learning and gathering hub in Saskatoon. Our esteemed Knowledge Keepers and Elders guided this endeavour. We express our deep gratitude to them and all our partners who have shared their teachings and wisdom, both past and present, to advance reconciliation in our community.