THE JOURNEY

The Journey, a UArizona campus center for Native and Indigenous Peoples, draws analogies between the human life cycle — cycles that connect to generations before and generations yet to come— and the cycles of nature.  Acknowledgement that the land itself is a sacred, living being, is integral to Native American spirituality and culture. How each Tribe expresses this in their own culture is unique yet knits Tribes together like weaving or basketry.

As an architectural expression, the Center aligns to the sacred cardinal directions, with mountains nesting around an outdoor central celebration space at the heart of the site. The building is distinct in form from other buildings on the UArizona campus, creating a strong identity for this place. The building is recognizable as Indigenous; this includes the form of the spaces themselves and the enclosure of the exterior screen of terracotta panels which is inspired by the basketry used to gather, distribute, and celebrate the substance of corn.  Spaces are arranged in an interconnected manner, expressing the interdependence of people and the land on which they dwell. This arrangement allows the architecture to respond favorably to the environment through self-shading and directing natural ventilation; and to the needs of the occupants by providing a variety of public and private spaces needed to support the journey holistically from cultural, spiritual, academic, and social perspectives. The building embeds into the landscape, allowing water harvested from the surfaces to direct to planting areas that shade, humidify and beautify outdoor areas. The Center supports the life cycle of the Native and Indigenous students’ journeys and their success at the University of Arizona. 

CLIENT GOALS

To illustrate the life journey experience through architecture.

To be identifiable as Indigenous in design and serve as a home-away-from-home to the Native American and Indigenous communities on the UArizona campus.

To embody traditional knowledge and cultural identity reflecting the past, present and future generations.

BUILDING GOALS

To be culturally responsive, using traditional materials along with valuing the vernacular contemporary expression.

To embed the building into the landscape for stronger connections, creating a legacy for the future.

To interconnect private and public spaces to congregate, socialize, interact, and perform.