Dwelling and Nomadic Thoughts: Reflections on the Architecture of Youth (and Intergenerational) Centres in Nunavik
“Nomadic dwelling”, as an intellectual and philosophical framework, presides over an experiment in participation and research-creation in architecture, which aimed to explore new approaches to the programming, design and construction of Youth (and Intergenerational) Centres in the villages of Nunavik. Such houses were envisioned as a place that would provide a sense of home, that would invoke Inuit identity. In order to examine and illustrate how architecture could accompany young Inuit in the reappropriation and enhancement of their identity, while affirming meaningful traditions, research-creation was convened. In this context, dwelling (as an “idea of home”) is then approached as an invitation to architecture, and to architects, to offer moments, places and occasions that will allow the inhabitants to be their own creators of meaning. The entire reflection and participatory process on an Inuit Youth Centre is translated into a few architectural projects that highlight various aspirations, opportunities and desires to “inhabit” Nunavik.