The geographic centre of Canada, Baker Lake, is the only inland Inuit community in Canada, with access by water to Hudson Bay through Chester eld Inlet. The concept for the new 4,580m2 (49,300 sq. ft) school, occupied since August 2004, ‘Broad Horizons’, relates to the school’s location adjacent to Baker Lake, as well as the ideals of the educational process.
The gentle arching plan of the school takes advantage of the school’s location central to the community overlooking Baker Lake. A central triangular shaped atrium punctuated by a central stair and bridge, expands outward toward the lake in both plan and section.The school is designed to function both as a school and as a community library.
After hours both the library and gymnasium can be accessed directly from the entrance vestibule without entering the rest of the building. The foundation is built on141mm (5-1/2”) diameter rock socketed piles elevating the school over a sloped site and allowing the community area snow melt to drain below. Access is provided by a series of galvanized steel stairs and ramps.