Programs

Aboriginal Architecture - Living Architecture

Length: 90 minutes (2 x 45 min.)
Format: DV CamWidescreen 16:9
Director: Paul M. Rickard
Producers: Paul M. Rickard and George Hargrave
Release: 2005
Versions: English, Cree and International version
Purchase: Aboriginal Architecture is available for purchase through the National Film Board.

 

Aboriginal Architecture - Living Architecture is a feature length documentary from Mushkeg Media Inc. in association with APTN and the National Film Board of Canada that explores the way Aboriginal architecture reflects the diversity of environments and Aboriginal cultures across North America.

Synopsis:

Every Canadian experiences stereotypes about Aboriginal architecture. After all, we all live in igloos don't we? Or maybe we move out to our tepees during our incredibly brief summers. Whether we like it or not, these structures have become symbols of North America itself. Everyone knows them. But do we? How much do we really know about the structures that Native peoples designed, engineered and built to house their lives?

Traditional and ceremonial buildings reflect all aspects of life in a particular region and time. Architectural designs were affected by technology, climate, society, religion, economics, and history. The film explores the way Aboriginal architecture continues to evolve in response to ongoing changes in the natural and social environment.

The modern Aboriginal communities visited in this film have many layers of architectural history encapsulated into one relatively small physical region. In these communities, prehistoric sites, recreations of historic structures and contemporary adaptations of traditional designs exist within walking distance of each other.

Three young Aboriginal architects and designers share their experiences inheriting a cultural legacy rich with purpose, tradition and ingenuity. Through their passion we experience the rejuvenation of architectural tradition that is sweeping across the continent. They take us on an in-depth journey through their own nations and we travel with them as they continually expand their horizons to explore other structures in other nations.

Aboriginal Architecture - Living Architecture explores the way these unique structures reflect the diversity of Aboriginal cultures and the way their architecture developed in response to the different natural environments across North America. We also discover how the past is carried forward in the design and use of contemporary buildings in modern Aboriginal communities.

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