Odeyto

A Home Away from Home for Seneca College’s Indigenous Student Population

Odeyto — the Anishinaabe word for “good journey” — is a space where First Nation, Metis and Inuit students can gather not only to practice their traditions, but also to find new friendships and family when away from their communities. Odeyto is central in creating and completing an Indigenized landscape at Seneca College, reaching out and enfolding a white pine peace tree and a medicine garden to promise a future only filled with prosperity.

Conceptually, the addition and renovation are inspired by the image of a canoe pulling up to a dock, stopping at Seneca College to gather knowledge before continuing on life’s journey. The canoe-like form docks alongside the contrasting rigid lines of the existing precast concrete building. As the only building on campus with an organic curvilinear design, Odeyto breaks away from the colonial grid that dominates on the campus.

My role on this project was Technical Lead. I worked with Valerie Gow, Jim Burkitt, and Graham Bolton on the design of this project. I created and managed the entire BIM model on my own, and was the primary draftsperson for all project drawings from Schematic Design through to Construction. Our Indigenous design consultant on the project was Two Row Architect.