Issue 02 - Spatial Agency by Grey & Ivy by greyandivy

GREY & IVY ISSUE 02 / SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2023 2023

Spatial Spatial Agency STORYTELLING EDUCATION & TRAINING ARCHITECTURE LAND DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Grey & Ivy and Grounded Architecture are situated on Treaty #1 and Treaty #3 Territories, lands of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewak, Inninew, Oji-Cree, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline and Nehethowuk Nations, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. We are grateful for the water we drink, which comes from Shoal Lake on Treaty #3, and for the hydroelectricity we access that runs from northern Manitoba on Treaty #5. Communities and organizations we collaborated and partnered with in this Issue, in facilitating workshops and architectural services were located on Treaty #1, Treaty #3, and Treaty #6. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the present and of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

oncept of c e iv t a e r g “The c n inte resti n a is re tu c e ly a rc h it w il l d e fi n it e I t a th t p e conc T h is th e fu tu r e . in e r lo p ex fun and s a w p o t wo r ks h h I s o m ew h a ic h w l, a n o ti inspira rticipant, - Workshop Pa n expected”. e Cree Natio Norway Hous

“The time you all were here was the most incredible impact I’ve ever seen.”

- Principal at Helen Betty Osborne Inini w Education Resource Centre, Norway House Cree Nation

“When I walk outside, I look at the world differently”. - Workshop Participant , Clan Mothers Healing Village

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

TABLE 1.0 WHO WE ARE OF CONTENTS

GREY & IVY GROUNDED ARCHITECTURE WHAT WE STAND FOR

9 11 12 14

2.0 SOLUTIONS WE TRUST

ISSUES: SYSTEMIC + CONNECTED OUR SOLUTIONS

20 22

SPATIAL AGENCY TOUR

3.0

SPATIAL AGENCY - IN ACTION

CLAN MOTHERS WORKSHOP LITTLE PINE FIRST NATION WORKSHOP

30 35

WORKSHOP ANTHEMS

ONIGAMING FIRST NATION WORKSHOP SAGKEENG FIRST NATION WORKSHOP

41 44

MAKE-A-MODEL! G&I TEAM HIGHLIGHT: ADRIAN GRANCHELLI SPOTLIGHT ARTICLE: ON GENERATIVE AI

49 51 52

4.0

KNOWLEDGE CENTRES

WASHAGAMIS BAY FIRST NATION KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

WORKSHOP ADVENTURES

THE BEE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE THE FOREST SCHOOL

87 90

FIVE-INDIGENOUS DESIGN PARADIGMS

103

HOUSING AS COSMOLOGY AAHA EXHIBIT SHOAL LAKE 39 SWEATLODGE ADDITION ECOLOGICAL HOME RESEARCH

106 108 113

5.0

6.0

ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD

116

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

1.0 WHO WE ARE We are the intricately linked teams of Grey & Ivy and Grounded Architecture, collaborating to redefine the landscape of education, training, and architecture. Our approach is unlike any other, as we seamlessly blend years of expertise and cutting-edge research with accessible, engaging learning methods

Our team’s mission is to empower individuals, fostering their innate creativity. In doing so, we enable individuals and communities to become instrumental in addressing pressing challenges such as housing shortages, unemployment, and limited opportunities, all while boosting self-confidence and nurturing essential life skills.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

LAUREN BENNET

BROOKE de ROCQUIGNY LAURIE AFTANAS

SHAWN BAILEY

DERELYNE RAVAL

ANGELA

ADRIAN

AGUILA

GRANCHELLI

ANDRIA

LANGI

SABA MIRHOSSEINI

LUXMY RAGUNATHAN NATE KASTEN

MICHAEL WU

LUCAS DRUET

DILAXSHY SIVAGURUNATHAN

GREY & IVY

TJ RICHARD

GREY & IVY @greyandivy

(204) 560-7646

greyandivy.ca

jointhestory@greyandivy.ca

Grey & Ivy is a multi-disciplinary collective of innovators, architects, tech designers, researchers, teachers, and more. Through our Design+Build educational programs and research, we have developed a strategy to facilitate Spatial Agency in communities worldwide!

COLIN MCALLISTER

We believe that awareness of design, making, and crafting wields power to improve our quality of living, inspire awe, and provide comfort and healing. It empowers people to take ownership of their careers and futures. We democratize the skills and knowledge of designers, architects, construction, and trades workers to unlock ways for more people to influence and dialogue with the built environment. In our Design+Build educational and consultation workshops, we guide communities, youth, and adults of all ages through the Grey & Ivy process. The process starts with revealing the story and needs

GROUNDED

of a community, dreaming into a design solution, developing an idea through sketching and modeling with VR and AR technologies, and finally progressing that idea into a fully realized built result if they choose. These designs may look like a child’s playhouse, a paper model, a Knowledge Centre for a remote community, or even a warming hut alongside the frozen Assiniboine River in Winnipeg, Manitoba. During our workshops, we’ve seen how much an individual’s confidence, motivation, and career opportunities can grow from the act of making, teamwork, and building with your hands. We equip the youth with design and construction knowledge, career awareness, and a general sense of agency over their future to tackle further life challenges. On a larger scale, this process provides people with the tools to participate and engage with the built environment, affecting positive changes to solve housing challenges. SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

GROUNDED ARCHITECTURE INC. @groundedarch

groundedarch.ca (807) 464-1151 hello@groundedarch.ca

The way architecture is procured, developed, designed, constructed, bought and sold is all based on antiquated processes - in other words, it is held in the past. Grounded Architecture is breaking this process through advanced research applied directly to practice. Our goal is to put architecture at the center of authentic and meaningful global reform.

Situated in a woodland, we are a design lab and research studio, creating architecture through storytelling and meaningful community involvement. We integrate landbased knowledge with advanced technology to develop sensitive and innovative architecture. We have a unique opportunity to apply academic investigations to inspire transformations to conventional ways of practicing architecture. We invest in building relationships with the community and the land through actions grounded in reciprocity.

Image source: Grounded Architecture 12

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

WHAT WE STAND FOR

HOUSING FOR EVERYONE Access to appropriate and culturally meaningful housing is the seed for all that follows.

CAREERS, JOBS & SUPPORT Opportunity begins with knowing what’s out there and opportunities are nothing without support to get you where you need to go.

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY To make an idea real, you need access and support to the right tools at the right time.

EDUCATION & TRAINING Formal education as we know it isn’t for everyone, there’s other ways to learn - none more important than understanding the land and the places we call home.

UNDERSTANDING WHY Access to good quality, affordable, culturally appropriate, and suitable housing is severely limited in Canada, a challenge that is particularly pronounced within our First Nations communities. We understand that since “housing comes first ”, the housing crisis and the systemic problems contributing to it must be deeply researched and addressed. We will begin the process of addressing these barriers by establishing a foundation that promotes career and job awareness and provides support. Additionally, we will facilitate access to innovative tools and technologies, including Augmented and Virtual Reality, which will be seamlessly integrated into education and training. Our approach is inherently tied to nurturing a strong connection with the Land and the communities we proudly call home.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

In addressing the challenges that confront our communities – encompassing historical injustices, resource disparities, and ongoing discrimination – it remains imperative to adopt a holistic perspective. Our approach extends beyond the recognition of isolated issues; it entails a comprehensive understanding of their interconnected nature, which gives rise to systemic struggles. Grey & Ivy’s unwavering commitment centres on collaborative engagement with our communities, empowering forthcoming generations to confront these challenges with Spatial Agency, the ability to affect change over the environment around you. Five fundamental elements: technology, knowledge sharing, sustainability, storytelling, and architecture. These elements are not just integral; they constitute the very essence of our mission, creating a potent, inspirational, and undeniably elegant framework for driving positive transformation.

2.0 SOLUTIONS WE TRUST SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

ISSUES:

SYSTEMIC & CONNECTED There is no shortage of issues contributing to the current systemic problems plaguing our communities and future generations. Historical injustices, disparities in resource access, and persistent discrimination compound the vulnerabilities faced by Indigenous and minority communities. Although it’s easier to see some challenges more clearly than others, it’s crucial to realize that to truly understand the complex challenges and barriers that these

communities face, we need to appreciate how all these challenges are connected to each other. Each issue presents itself as a substantial challenge and barrier that extends beyond its initial scope, resulting in a systemic struggle that prevents the growth of our communities. Grey & Ivy is fully committed to working side-by-side with our communities to overcome these issues and empower the future generations!

LACK OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Detachment from hands-on work and life-skill development.

LACK OF CAREER AWARENESS

Barriers to education and entrepreneurship. 20

HOUSING CRISIS

Unaffordable; inequitable access; rapid deterioration; barriers to ownership; insensitive design.

DISCONNECT FROM IDENTITY AND THE LAND Lack of belonging; loss of culture and place; disconnected from identity.

LACK OF ACCESS TO TOOLS

Undiscovered inherent talents; lack of self-expression; shortage of physical tools and training.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

OUR SOLUTIONS:

5 ELEMENTS OF SPATIAL AGENCY Grey & Ivy has identified 5 key elements that expand and define our own unique understanding of Spatial Agency. Each element plays a critical role in our journey alongside communities to help overcome the many systemic challenges and barriers. Each element is entirely unique and contains a wide range of amazing

skills and knowledge within. In simple terms, they are little worlds… that when woven together, create something truly powerful, inspiring, and beautiful! Throughout this issue, Grey & Ivy will be highlighting our process which uses these elements as a framework to empower our communities.

TECHNOLOGY

When exploring communication and innovation, technology must always be at the forefront of the conversation. We must push to make leading-edge technology globally accessible. Together, we can utilize these tools as an extension of ourselves, allowing us to experience our world in a completely new way. As technology becomes an intrinsic part of our identity, it revolutionizes our interactions with and perception of the world around us. The future is not something we enter, it’s what we create!

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Knowledge Sharing isn’t a fixed concept; rather, it’s an ongoing, active dialogue between us, our communities, the Land, and the world around us. It serves as a potent means to pass knowledge from one person to the next, ensuring the preservation of invaluable wisdom. This vital thread weaves Spatial Agency into the future, bridging innovation and allowing it to flourish. Whether we’re deeply engaged in Design+Build workshops within communities or engaging in simple conversations, Knowledge Sharing is our guiding light. Through Knowledge Sharing, we empower capacity building, equipping communities with the tools they need to shape a brighter future.

SUSTAINABILITY

As our world evolves, we must continue to learn how to listen and adapt together to achieve a sustainable future for all. This knowledge is gained from being on the Land and through experiencing the interconnected physical, digital, and spiritual worlds. The more we listen, the more we honour the relationship between our worlds and the role we play. Sustainability is not achieved through data and promises, it’s about getting our hands dirty, learning from our mistakes, and perseverance.

STORYTELLING

With storytelling at the heart of our identity and the foundation of our values, we prioritize authentic connections and engagement as we navigate design and more broadly, spatial agency. Every one of us possesses the gift of storytelling, stemming from our unique backgrounds and lived experiences. Our overarching goal isn’t merely to celebrate these individual narratives but to share them through candid and meaningful dialogue. Whether it’s a Zoom call or the warmth of a crackling fire, storytelling forges bonds, cultivates community, and brings us closer together. It’s the tool through which we nurture closeness, building bridges among diverse voices and perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging, and preserving the timeless tradition of storytelling.

ARCHITECTURE

Awareness of architecture, design, and making wields the power to improve our quality of living, inspire awe, and provide comfort and healing. Through the understanding of this process, we democratize the skills and knowledge to unlock ways for communities to interact and influence the built environment. Together with Grounded Architecture, we invest in building relationships through actions rooted in reciprocity.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

SPATIAL AGENCY TOU 2020 - PRESENT

spatial agency ‘remote’

spatial agency ‘in person’ team member locations

conferences attended

APR - SEP 2021 NAAWI OODENA AR MOBILE APP NAAWI OODENA, MB

JAN 09 - 27, 2023 REMOTE DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP CHURCHILL & LYNN LAKE, MB

MAY 31 - JUN 30, 2021 REMOTE DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP CHURCHILL & LYNN LAKE, MB

JAN 23 - 27, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP FALCON BEACH, ON

AUG 16-27, 2021 7 OAKS DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP WINNIPEG, MB

FEB 02 - 04, 2023 ATMOSPHERE CONFERENCE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA, WINNIPEG, MB

SEP 20 - OCT 01; OCT 11 - 22, 2021 BLOSSOM DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP CRANBERRY-PORTAGE, MB

FEB 09, 2023 W.A.C DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP THE BEE, WINNIPEG, MB

JAN 13 - APR 21, 2022 REMOTE DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP SHERIDAN COLLEGE, MISSISSAUGA, ON

FEB 13 - MAR 03, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP WASHAGAMIS BAY FIRST NATION, ON

JUN 06 - 13, 2022 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP BALMORAL HALL, WINNIPEG, MB

FEB 23 - 26, 2023 PEGJAM CONFERENCE WINNIPEG, MB

JUL 18 - AUG 05, 2022 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP BARREN LANDS FIRST NATION, MB

MAR 2023 - PRESENT KNOWLEDGE CENTRE DEVELOPMENT WASHAGAMIS BAY FIRST NATION, ON

SEP 12 - 30, 2022 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP SAGKEENG FIRST NATION, MB

APR 17 - 28, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP BERENS RIVER FIRST NATION, MB

OCT 17 - NOV 04, 2022 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP CLAN MOTHERS, WINNIPEG, MB

MAY 01- 12, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP NORWAY HOUSE CREE NATION, MB

OCT 24 - NOV 11, 2022 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP ONIGAMING FIRST NATION, ON

MAY 15- 19, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP WANIPIGOW FIRST NATION, MB

NOV 17, 2022 RRC DRONE CONFERENCE RED RIVER COLLEGE, WINNIPEG, MB

MAY 24 - 25, 2023 MET INCLUSIVE MAKERSPACE CONFERENCE VANCOUVER, BC

NOV 23-25, 2022 INDSPIRE CONFERENCE WINNIPEG, MB

JUL 10- 28, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP LITTLE PINE FIRST NATION, SK

DEC 05 - 16, 2022 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP WASHAGAMIS BAY FIRST NATION, ON

JULY 20 - 21, 2023 PLAY MAKE LEARN CONFERENCE MADISON, WI

DEC 07, 2022 - JUN 15, 2023 DESIGN+BUILD WORKSHOP BALMORAL HALL, WINNIPEG, MB

SEPT 27, 2023 CANU FORUM: CONVERGENCE CALGARY, AB

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

We have developed, tested, and implemented a series of nested services to facilitate Spatial Agency. At the root of every thing is our Design+Build Workshops. This is where we introduce participants to the theoretical, digital, and physical tools needed to conceptualize and execute a Design+Build project. Beyond our workshops, we have our Knowledge Centres. These are unique makerspaces that weave into the existing fabric of a community. They are a space to gather, share, build, and grow. Our Knowledge Centres provide communities with the foundation and

support to plant a small seed of Spatial Agency and have it grow and blossom into a much larger scale! The following section will provide a wide range of examples highlighting our Knowledge Centres, as well as several recent Design+Build Workshops within community. This is SPATIAL AGENCY by Grey & Ivy.

3.0 SPATIAL AGENCY

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

SPATIAL AGENCY Spatial is a broad term for the ‘space’ we occupy: our ‘environments’, our built environments, our natural environments, our personal environments, and our digital environments. Agency is associated with an individual’s or community’s own power or ability to affect change for themselves. Having Spatial Agency means you have the ability to affect change over the built environment around you.

•

It means it in a literal way: I am capable of designing and building the world I live in. From the clothes I wear, to the coffee table in my living room, to the community I live in.

•

It means it in an indirect way: I am capable of effecting political, infrastructural, systemic change. I have a voice.

•

It means it in a personal way: I can shape my path. I’m in control of my future. I have talents and I should pursue and enrich them.

When we build Spatial Agency, we build confidence in others. We let everyone discover that they are capable of effecting change in their environment. “If I can make my immediate surrounding, I can make an impact in my world.” We at Grey & Ivy believe that the process of designing and building is the tool that facilitates Spatial Agency.

Image produced by Lucas Druet

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

CLAN MOTHERS WORKSHOP 30

Location:

Winnipeg, MB, Treaty #1 Territory

Completion:

November 2022

Duration:

Participants: Age Range: Outcomes:

12 Days 15 18-50 MITT Adult Micro-Credential Accredited, Career Awareness & Integration of Design Training with Heavy Equipment Operating and Carpentry/Framing Training offered by MCSC

Our team collaborated with MCSC and Clan Mothers to introduce students to the Design+Build process guided by our curriculum. What made this particularly unique, was the emphasis on the healing aspect of creative thinking and making. Together, students supported one another and created a space that encouraged everyone to explore and pursue what they were passionate about. Students would develop design concepts for a small-scale structure using methods and tools such as collage making, site analysis, sketching, modeling, drafting, and VR/AR technologies...all while using storytelling as the main guiding principle. These big-picture practices equip students with skills and knowledges that can be applied towards their carpentry training program.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

LITTLE PINE FN WORKSHOP Location:

Little Pine First Nation, SK, Treaty #6 Territory

Completion:

July 2023

Duration:

Participants: Age Range: Outcomes:

18 Days 10

15-17

High School Credit , Career Awareness, & Built Design

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

The Little Pine First Nation workshop, in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT), marked a transformative three-week Design+Build experience for students. This immersive journey began with the introduction of the design process as a means to express their community’s narrative while addressing its needs. The students delved into an array of storytelling tools, including collage making, 3D printing, laser cutting, drones, and VR/AR technology, encouraging them to explore innovative ways to convey their message. The final week was dedicated to the construction of a much-needed bench for the Chief Band Office, utilizing fresh materials sourced from the school site. Students actively participated in material preparation and idea generation for bench design, fostering social interaction through diverse layouts to cater to diverse community needs. Each slat of the bench bore the names and drawings of the students, engraved using CNC technology, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in their remarkable creation. This workshop not only empowered the students but also left a lasting, tangible mark of their creative spirit within the community. 36

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

The music that gets us goin..

WORKSHOP ANTHEMS

Left to righ t | Top dow n Taylor Sw ift - 1989 Biffy Clyro - A Celebra tion of End Celine Dio ings n - A New D a y Has Com The Midnig e ht - Red, W hite, and B Rufus fea ru ised... turing Ch aka Khan Tracy Cha pman - Fa st Car Boy Golde n - Churc h of Better Enter Shik Dance ari - A Kiss for the Wh Justice ole World Cross Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Van Halen Dream - 1984 God Help The Girl God Help Al Green The Girl Let’s Stay Together The Blue S tones - Pr etty Monst Griz - Reb er el Era Lankum False Lanku m Celine Dio n - Falling Into You SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

ONIGAMING FIRST NATION WORKSHOP Location:

Onigaming First Nation, ON,

Duration:

15 Days

Completion:

Treaty #3 Territory November 2022

Participants:

Outcomes:

MITT Adult Micro-Credential Accredited and Career Awareness

Age Range:

18-50

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

Onigaming, a scenic Ojibway Nation nestled in the Lake of the Woods, Ontario, was the site of a Design+Build workshop with a goal to deliver a yet-to-be-determined project. During the initial week, the focus was on honing fundamental Design+Build skills, encompassing the entire design process, from sketching and drafting to modeling and ideation. In the second week, the project direction took shape, carefully balancing time and budget constraints, community benefits, and the students’ aspirations - a decision was made to construct a hunting stand. This necessitated extensive site scouting, sketching, and analysis on the Land. There was a deep dive into sketching, prototyping, 3D modeling, and even evaluating models using virtual reality. Week three marked the thrilling stage of bringing the student vision to life, while also adeptly addressing new challenges and making on-the-fly design developments in the field.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

SAGKEENG FIRST NATION 2022 WORKSHOP

Location:

Sagkeeng First Nation, MB

Duration:

15 Days

Treaty #1 Territory

Completion:

September 2022

Age Range:

18-50

Participants: Outcomes:

12 MITT Adult Micro-Credential and Career Awareness Located on the southern shores of Lake Winnipeg, our team traveled to Sagkeeng First Nation to introduce students to the Design+Build process guided by our adult micro-accredited curriculum. For three weeks students explored and developed design concepts for their community. Student projects included a new Sagkeeng powwow arbour, a youth recreation facility, a renovation and extension to a family home, a pivoting table design to extend over hospital beds, and a rocking lounge-chair with built-in bookshelf. Students were exposed to methods and tools such as site analysis, sketching/modeling, drafting, digital fabrication, and VR/AR technologies, all while using storytelling as the guiding principle to creatively explore and openly communicate all their ideas.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

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G L U E H E E

DRAW & CUT!

G L U E H E R E

FOLD!

ce lace epla firep th e fir the scale: 1/8” = 1’ - 0”

GLUE! SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

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ADRIAN GRANCHELLI Grey & Ivy team highlight

BApSci, MEdTech

LEAD EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGIST Adrian is a versatile educator and maker, holding a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a master’s in educational technology. With over nine years of teaching experience, he’s taught various subjects in diverse formats, from post-secondary to makerspaces, hi-flex, and remote settings, covering physics, mathematics, sailing, woodworking, screen printing, coding, and design. Active in his local makerspace, Adrian conducts workshops, founded a science and math inspired art and apparel company, Nature Exposed, and develops large-scale interactive art projects. His passion for the outdoors has taken him on hiking, climbing, snowboarding, and sailing expeditions across British Columbia and is a Member in Training of the Comox Valley Search and Rescue. Adrian’s dedication to education and communitybuilding is at the core of Grey & Ivy’s mission to promote spatial agency through workshops and Knowledge Centres. His multifaceted expertise inspires and empowers individuals to pursue their passions and to embrace lifelong learning. Adrian’s experience in Grey & Ivy includes: Design+Build Workshop Onigaming, ON, 2022 Design+Build Remote Workshop Frontier School Division, 2023 Indigenizing & Decolonizing the Trades Colleges and Institutes Canada, 2023 Interactive Technology Workshop Wanipigow, MB, 2023 Grey & Ivy Game Jam Lead PegJam, Winnipeg, MB, 2023 Unmaking and DIY Tools Workshops MET Inclusive Makerspace Conference Vancouver, BC, 2023 Attendee - Play Make Learn Conference Madison, WI, 2023 SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

ON GENERATIVE AI OPINION BY ADRIAN GRANCHELLI

Generative AI has taken the world by storm, disrupting innumerable industries. It can generate text, images, music, video, code, and the list goes on and on, with incredible results. In 1950, Alan Turing famously proposed a test for artificial intelligence: if you could speak to a computer and believe it to be human, then the computer could be labeled as artificially intelligent. ChatGPT, by OpenAI, achieves this threshold (until, of course, it tells the user that it is a computer as per its ethical guidelines). We are approaching a new age of digital technologies that promises to blur the lines of what we define as ‘intelligent’, ‘conscious’, and ‘dangerous’. The advent of the integrated circuit (1960s) revolutionized businesses and companies with rudimentary computational efficiencies. The 1980s saw an increase of accessibility to the broader public with the

personal computer allowing for an evolution of coding and other digital media, education, and productivity tools. Tim Berners-Lee founded the World Wide Web in the 1990s, which allowed every computer in the world to communicate with each other. The impact of the World Wide Web cannot be overstated as it has revolutionized nearly every part of our modern Western society and economy. It was such a disrupter that entire industries were born with new and experimental financial models, inevitably resulting in the dot com bubble and subsequent burst. In the 2000s, smartphones instigated the mobile revolution further increasing access to the powers of the personal computer along with the World Wide Web. Mobile devices allowed for wireless connectivity enabling developing nations access to the digital age (since wireless infrastructure is far more affordable than wired ones).

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

Throughout the shifts in technologies there has been a clear shift in power from the few to the many – access is the most discriminatory part of education. Publishing to the World Wide Web, in specific, began as static pages developed by businesses or coding experts, to multi-billiondollar website platforms where anybody can publish anything. Content creation has been decentralized while platform ownership still remains in the power of ‘big-tech’. Blockchain technology has been touted as the answer to distribute power, especially financial power, away from centralized entities, but often falls short in countering government control over currency. There have indeed been some breakthroughs and serious developments such as zero-fee money transfers, privacy, security, and smart contracts yet it often looks from the outside as simple zero-sum games. ChatGPT, a generative AI large language model,

is a computer script that generates content - that is, creates new content as opposed to referencing already made content - was made accessible to the public in late 2022. This catapulted the technology from behind closed doors into the public, ushering in a wave of innovation, debate, accessibility, destabilization, and fear - fear from job loss to a somewhat plausible dystopian future not dissimilar to The Matrix, and everything in between. Anyone with an internet connected device can utilize these incredibly powerful Generative AI tools. Grey & Ivy is inextricably linked to the worlds of design and education, among some of the most threatened sectors. With the rise of Google and other search engines, the value placed on memorizing information has diminished; so, what will happen to the value of ‘creativity’ and ‘knowledge’ with the proliferation of Generative

Stable Diffusion Image at each sampling step. Andrew. (2023). How does Stable Diffusion work? Stable Diffusion Art. https://stable-diffusion-art.com/how-stable-diffusion-work/

QR CODE OR ART? The Disappearing Boundary of: »

made for humans vs. made for machines

human-readable vs. machine-readable

function vs. art

human generated vs. AI generated.

Made with Stable Diffusion, IMG -> IMG with prompts of a QR code for https://greyandivy.ca and “pcb motherboard of an old computer, circuit cyber future, very detailed, sharp lines, circuit ways, green and gold and black, pathways, plan view, matte photograph, flat”

AI tools? It only takes one misspelled and grammatically incorrect prompt in ChatGPT 3.5: “why us knowlege impotant?” to result in an over 300 word ‘thought’ that lists reasoning of personal growth, empowerment, critical thinking, professional success, social interaction, and personal fulfillment. Maybe the value that knowledge brings to humans is accentuated with Generative AI – after all, together, human and machine, could surely increase the effectiveness of this value of knowledge. It took less than ten years for many people to view their mobile device as an extension of their person, exhibiting anxiety without it, so at what point does Generative AI become an extension of ‘being human’. Will Generative AI allow us to express our thoughts and feelings better than we can? Will most of our experiences be mediated by a Generative AI?

Coming from a background of education and at the risk of anthropomorphizing, the development of Generative AI mirrors many traits to what we know as thinking, remembering, and learning. It is likely that these are artifacts, approaches, or developmental phases left behind by the human programmers as opposed to intrinsic to this technology, but nonetheless, they are prevalent. Large language models, such as ChatGPT, are known to state false information and/or plainly make stuff up. It is like it does not know the right answer or does not know how to assess if the answer is correct, and based on its understanding, it provides its answer with the utmost of confidence ... sounds a lot like humans attempting to retrieve a memory or knowledge. Psychologists have found that our personal pasts, our memories, change every time we retrieve them; it is as if each time we recall a

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

piece of information, we relive it, and it is therefore susceptible to change; it is as if each time we recall a piece on information, we are generating new content based upon our training data set. The incorrect creations or falsehoods by AI have been deemed ‘hallucinations’ and occur in all types from large language models to image generations and beyond. (Count the number of fingers and toes on the next AI image of a person.) What any AI cannot take away from us humans is the process – the feelings, realizations, epiphanies, ‘a-has’, flow state, and/ or embodied thinking that humans get when engaging in just about anything. An AI will not be able to create human beauty, idea spillover, or serendipitous errors. It has been over 20 years that an AI can consistently defeat the human World Chess Champion, yet we do not watch two AIs play chess. Creativity is not efficiency but a process worth pursuing and there are a multitude of clichés that prove this is not a new thought amidst this new world of Generative AI. We, Grey & Ivy, continue to explore how to involve Generative AI in our process. This can be so challenging because Generative AI can come across as having all the answers even though it does not. ChatGPT for example presents as a professional in any subject matter you ask, so it takes incredible critical thinking and confidence to second guess it. We encourage learners and designers to play with half-formed ideas through image- as well as text-based Generative AI tools with the emphasis of idea and thought formation instead of developing a direct solution; however, this is a very hard practice as the allure of an instant answer and the feeling of inferiority to the Generative AI emerges. The need to

experiment with these technologies is crucial and will undoubtedly lead to inconceivable new workflows and tasks. Generative AI and more powerful versions are undoubtedly revolutionizing our society, education, work, and so much more we have yet to learn about. We need to learn how to work with these technologies right now and empower our youth do so, who always have a longing to engage with the tools of their culture. We still have much to learn about the relationship between human and machine from the generation of ‘digital natives’ and soon we’ll be ushering in a generation of ‘Generative AI natives’.

MAKE ME A DALI ABOUT SPATIAL AGENCY

CompVis and Runway, 2023. Created by Stable Diffusion, Model by

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

Providing a place for people to learn new skills, share knowledge, tell stories, and grow is central to our goal of facilitating Spatial Agency. At its core, a Knowledge Centre is a home for tools and a place for people to gather - a makerspace as well as a cultural hub. The type of tools depends on a community’s immediate needs, but a Knowledge Centre is meant to grow with the community. The space becomes activated by the limitless creativity of the people who use it. The following section shows the many components that can make up a Knowledge Centre and how developing a Knowledge Centre results in something wholly unique to each community.

POW ER FU L MO ST TH E E, SPAR K IG NI TE S TH E FL AM AT PL AN TI NG TH E SE ED TH . CU LT IVAT ES IN NOVATI ON

4.0 KNOWLEDGE CENTRES SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE COMPONENTS Digital Fabrication Empower making with modern computer-numerical-controlled tools.

Model-Making Encourage experimentation and exploration of design ideas.

Future Growth Flexibility to expand as community’s needs evolve.

Land-Based Learning Promote connection with nature and Land reconciliation.

Sports and Athletics Foster youth and community connections through games and physical activity.

Community Garden Support community food growth, resilience, and bonding.

Small-Scale Construction Empowers the development of ideas into reality through handson construction.

Craft and Making Encourage tool familiarity and the value of craftsmanship.

Library of Books and Tools Provide access to a wealth of resources and tools.

Gather Facilitate conversation, knowledge-sharing, and storytelling.

Classroom Promote both learning and a sense of belonging.

Lounge Offer an informal, comfortable, and relaxing space.

A Knowledge Centre can come to life in any location, regardless of its scale, drawing from the resources available within a community. These components serve as illustrations of the limitless variety of elements that can form a Knowledge Centre

At its core, a Knowledge Centre is a versatile space that caters to the community’s needs across all dimensions – physical, technical, and spiritual. This multifunctional space not only fosters knowledgesharing but also facilitates capacity building, providing a hub for holistic community development.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

FUNDING BARRIERS Tedious and drawn out applications and reports delay development.

OUTSOURCED HOUSING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Usually, the lowest bidder, with minimal regard for the local climate and culture.

OUTSOURCED CONSTRUCTION

Cheap, inadequate construction methods and materials.

Y A W G N I T S I X E E TTHOP -DOWN LINEAR & CYCLICA

COMMUNITY (RE)APPLIES FOR FUNDING AND CYCLE STARTS AGAIN...

The current system treats every community as if they’re all the same, without considering the unique aspects of each place and its people. This one-size-fitsall approach lacks the flexibility to adapt to the distinctive needs and nuances of each place and its people, often resulting in inadequate solutions that fall short of truly addressing the complexities and specific requirements of diverse communities. To effect meaningful change and better serve these communities, we need to shift away from this rigid mindset and start embracing a more flexible and community-centered approach.

INADEQUATE, RAPIDLY DETERIORATING HOUSING Low-quality, inappropriate structures create need for new housing.

NO EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Knowledge and skills kept from community during the process.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

TH E G R EY & IV Y ARD WAY F OL &RGW ROWTH UPWARD SPIRA

Embracing an upward spiral approach to growth represents a promising path forward that takes into account the distinct characteristics of each community and its people. This approach is inherently flexible and community-centered, offering a more sustainable solution. By reallocating resources toward training, we can bridge education and skill development with housing development, all while tapping into local knowledge. This empowers the community with Spatial Agency and capacity building, nurturing local expertise and skilled trades within the community itself. With community-led construction, the entire process— from design to construction, maintenance, and resource management—becomes an in-community effort. This not only fosters a sense of ownership but also creates increased opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-reliability, ultimately leading to more tailored, resilient, and thriving communities.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERED WITH

SPATIAL AGENCY

BUILD CAPACITY

Local knowledge, skilled trades, and expertise grows in-community.

COMMUNITY LED CONSTRUCTION

Design, construction, maintenance, and resources all operated in-community.

INCREASED OPPORTUNITY & ECONOMY BUILDING

An increase of individual and community entrepreneurship and selfreliance with a physical Knowledge Centre to sustain it into the future.

REALLOCATE RESOURCES TO TRAINING

Bridge education and training with development of housing, guided by local knowledge.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

COS T TOWA R DS CO M M U N IT Y

ITY

N U T R O P P O & S G IN V A S D E S INCREA

INADEQUATE HOUSING

Monotonous; culturally insensitive; environmentally inappropriate; lacking durability.

EXISTING MODEL 66

SPATIAL AGENCY MODEL

HOUSING KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

A facility for training, access to tools, entrepreneurship, and social gathering.

Designed & built by community members addressing the cultural and environmental needs of community.

TRAINING

Building capacity and local Expertise within the community.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

WASHAGAMIS BAY FIRST NATION KNOWLEDGE CENTRE Status: Location:

Active (December 2022 - Present) Washagamis Bay First Nation, ON

The work carried out and proposed in this section has taken place with and at Washagamis Bay First Nation on Grand Council Treaty #3. This work could not have taken place without the involvement of many community members, and that it has evolved respectfully out of conversations, experiences, and shared stories. These conversations have outlined the needs and dreams of many community members. This section explores the potential of establishing a Knowledge Centre to address 68

the current needs of Washagamis Bay First Nation. Grey & Ivy, Grounded Architecture, and the Washagamis Bay community have jointly identified specific needs through research and active involvement. Collaboratively, these entities have engaged with community members to develop a thoughtful approach for progressing towards Spatial Agency. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, shared ideas, thoughts, and their time. We look forward to many more discussions, adventures, and collaborations together!

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE TIMELINE Throughout this amazing journey, Grey & Ivy and Grounded Architecture have developed close relationships with community members and the Land at Washagamis Bay First Nation. Guided by the ideas and methodology of the Five Indigenous Land-Based Paradigms as described in Decolonizing the Design Process with Five Indigenous Land-Based Paradigms, there has been incredible progress since the early phases of this collaborative vision.

The five paradigms are: Danakamigad: It takes place, happens in a certain place. Andotan: Listen for it, wait to hear it. Bawaajigan: A Dream, A Vision. Meshkwad: In Turn, In Exchange. Naagotoon: Make it Show, Reveal it. The graphic below provides a quick snapshot of the key phases throughout the Washagamis Bay First Nation Knowledge Centre development.

PHASE 3

SITE & SCHEMATIC DESIGN PHASE 2

PHASE 1

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

DESIGN TRAINING •

Student-led design projects.

•

In-depth understanding of the design process.

•

Gain technical skills such as drafting and 3D modeling.

DEC/22

JAN/23

FEB/23

•

Form connection with community.

•

Understand social, built, and infrastructural needs.

•

Dream into the Knowledge Centre.

MAR/23

APR/23

•

Locate an existing or new building site for a community facility & shared space.

•

Collaborate with and provide support to community members to imagine and design a Knowledge Centre specific to their community needs, interests and passions.

MAY/23

JUN/23

JUL/23

WE ARE CURRENTLY HERE!

PHASE 4

DEVELOPMENT •

Professional services to bring the design through development stages and construction ready.

•

Incorporate training that exchanges knowledge between professional architectural and engineering services and community members.

PHASE 3.5

FEEDBACK & PROPOSAL •

Share process, design, and other findings with the community for feedback.

•

Make changes accordingly.

•

Create a graphic document to communicate and propose the Knowledge Centre to funders and the community for its development.

Building capacity for Knowledge Centre operations and programming.

•

Community led construction guided by TRAINING PROGRAMS and LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

•

Providing what is needed in the community now.

•

Procurement of tools, establishing functional workshop spaces.

PHASE 5

GROWTH •

As the community grows, the Knowledge Centre will grow with it.

•

A Knowledge Centre is a community amenity that provides access to tools, local services, and entrepreneurial opportunities within the community.

AUG/23

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

PHASE 1

DESIGN TRAINING WORKSHOP

During the initial phase of this journey, community members participated in a series of interactive Design+Build workshops lead by Grey & Ivy team members. While each workshop shared a common thread, they were also distinct in their own way, shaped by the unique ideas, methods, and outcomes inspired by the immediate experiences of each student. Overall, students gained a deeper understanding of the design process while acquiring valuable technical skills such as drafting and 3D modeling. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, students developed practical expertise and enhanced their creative abilities. Throughout the workshop, there were many laughs shared, stories exchanged, and friendships formed among Grey & Ivy and Washagamis Bay participants. Each student emerged from this experience armed with the knowledge and newfound confidence necessary to embark on their own design projects. These projects began to grow and evolve, seamlessly transitioning into the next phase of our collective project. PHASE 01 TIMELINE: Introduction to Design Workshop 1: 3 weeks. December 5, 2022 - January 20, 2023 6 students completed Introduction to Design Workshop 2: 3 weeks. February 13, 2023 – March 3, 2023 9 students completed (4 new) SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

PHASE 2

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In Phase 2, Grey & Ivy and Grounded Architecture had the opportunity to foster more profound connections with the Washagamis Bay community while delving into an understanding of its social, built, and infrastructural needs. Alongside the community members, a joint exploration unfolded to envision the transformation of the community’s identified needs into a vibrant Knowledge Centre. Through interactive sessions and collaborative discussions,

participants collectively engaged in the process of dreaming and visualizing the potential of this Knowledge Center. This exercise fostered a profound appreciation of the community’s aspirations and the collaborative creativity that could lead to a transformative space. This unique experience allowed for the exploration of the intersection between community engagement, social development, and the creation of a thriving Knowledge Centre.

PHASE 02 TIMELINE: Community March Break Activities: March 7 - 9, 2023 Environmental Stewardship Gathering: March 21 - 23, 2023 Teaching Lodge School Workshop: March 28, 2023 Knowledge Centre Information Session: March 29, 2023 Reflection Session: April 26 - 27, 2023 SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

PHASE 3

SITE & SCHEMATIC DESIGN

This collaborative endeavor invited participants to embark on a journey to identify a suitable location for a Knowledge Centre, be it an existing structure or a new site entirely. Working hand in hand with community members, an imaginative and inclusive design process unfolded to conceptualize a Knowledge Centre tailored to the specific needs, interests, and passions of the community.

Through shared creativity and active engagement, the unique qualities of the community, understanding its aspirations and desires. The envisioned Knowledge Centre would serve as a hub of inspiration, knowledge exchange, and community growth. This process fostered a deep sense of ownership and empowerment as participants contributed to the development of a space that resonated with their collective vision.

Collage produced by Grounded Architecture

PHASE 03 TIMELINE: Session 1: Conversations with Elders May 10 - 11, 2023 Session 2: Site Exploration & Research May 17 - 18, 2023 Session 3: Forest School Visit May 26, 2023 Session 4: Programming & Function May 31 - June 1, 2023

Session 5: Site Selection May 31 - June 1, 2023 Session 6: Sketching, Modeling & Building June 28, 2023 Session 7: Design Development July 4 - July 12, 2023 Session 8: Community Feedback July 12, 2023

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

PHASE 4

FEEDBACK & PROPOSAL

The narrative progresses with a captivating moment – a reflection on the design and celebration of community member Mason Cherry’s remarkable work on the Knowledge Centre. The session was open for everyone to stop by, have some snacks, and offer further feedback on the design, with all the design work and the process prominently displayed. Physical site models and massing models were utilized to explore various building orientations. The overall feedback was positive, highlighting the potential of the programmed spaces for community activities. VR was used to immerse people in the design. This community celebration

served as an exciting showcase of the collaborative process of designing a Knowledge Centre alongside community participants. PHASE 03 TIMELINE: Session 1: Conversations with Elders May 10 - 11, 2023

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

All images produced by Grounded Architecture

INITIAL CONCEPT & VISION

The design of the 3200 sq. ft. Knowledge Centre is rooted in engagement sessions. Its purpose is to facilitate training for home building and maintenance, provide a social space for community gatherings and events, and support traditional knowledge and land-based programs. Additionally, it aims to engage youth in learning and various activities and remains adaptable to evolving community needs over time. The Washagamis Bay Knowledge Centre will adapt and grow with the

needs and growth of the community. The ability to facilitate training programs and building experts within community allows members to remain in community rather than being required to relocate for training. The Knowledge Centre’s evolution will be driven by the community’s changing needs over time. This structure is designed to be flexible to support this growth. Housing is one outcome of the Knowledge Centre, but the opportunities are endless.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

WO RK SH O P A DV EN TU RE S

LOCATIONS

WASHAGAMIS BAY • BA RREN LANDS BERENS RIVER • LIT TLE PINE

(ANYTIME WE ARE IN COMMUNITY, WE ALWAYS MAKE TIME TO EXPLORE, LEARN, AND HAVE FUN. SOME PAST ADVENTURES INCLUDE: TUBING, BALLING, COOKING OVER FIRE, HIKING, SEWING & CRAFTING, AND DISCOVERING SOME OF THE WORLDS LARGEST ROAD SITE ATTRACTIONS. WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT AND ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS. WORK HARD, BUT PLAY EVEN HARDER)

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ADVENTURES COMING SOON NEAR YOU! 84

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CREATE

LV 1.5. GRND ARCH STUDIO

COLLABORATE LV 1. GRND ARCH OFFICE + STUDIO

INNOVATE

LV 1.5. THE BEE COWORKING SPACE

MAKE

LV 1. THE BEE WORKSHOP

PLAY

LV 1. BACKYARD

THE BEE KNOWLEDGE CENTRE Status: Location:

Active (October 2022 - Present) Winnipeg, MB

Situated at 856 Century Street, in the heart of Winnipeg, the ‘Bee’ Knowledge Centre stands as a vibrant hub for creativity, exploration, and innovation. Its strategic location places it at the heart of the city’s energy, making it a bustling center that sparks curiosity and fosters growth. Beyond a conventional space, the ‘Bee’ Knowledge Centre is a beacon of creativity and a cutting-edge makerspace. With a vast array of equipment ranging from wood and metal workshops to CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, and beyond, the centre ensures there are no limits to what can be created. It is an environment where novices and experts alike can converge to innovate, experiment, and bring their ideas to fruition. The centre’s impact extends beyond its physical offerings. It serves as a gathering point for makers and creators, fostering connections and a sense of community. Weekly training sessions and workshops provide opportunities for skill enhancement and idea sharing. Moreover, the centre opens its doors to institutions, communities, and organizations, allowing them to utilize the space for classes and knowledgesharing within their own communities.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

Venturing outside, the ‘Bee’ extends its influence to the community at large. Its outdoor space transforms into a dynamic canvas for various activities that cater to community needs. From a community garden to basketball games, movie nights, and barbecues, this space adds a vibrant dimension to the centre’s role in fostering community engagement. The basketball court, adorned with a mural, a product of collaboration with Design+Build workshop students from Berens River First Nation, adds an extra layer of character. Furthermore, an additional mural wrapping around the building captures attention and amplifies the centre’s appeal to youth. Augmented Reality breathes life into these artworks, melding technology and art into an interactive experience that captivates passersby. 88

Within its walls, the ‘Bee’ accommodates Grounded Architecture in a studio space. This partnership infuses the building with a dynamic creative spirit, transforming it into a hub where architectural expertise collaborates seamlessly with community development. In essence, the ‘Bee’ goes beyond its physical presence to foster a space where innovation and community intersects. It stands as a testament to the potential of combining tools, technology, and art to inspire the next wave of creators. Positioned at the crossroads of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, the ‘Bee’ serves as a vibrant example of the endless possibilities driven by human creativity!

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

THE FOREST SCHOOL Status: Location:

Active (October 2022 - Present) Winnipeg, MB

LAND FOCUSED DESIGN EDUCATION & RESEARCH Driven by an Indigenous perspective, the aspiration is to construct a space dedicated to fostering relationships, nurturing creativity, and inspiring innovation through dynamic exchanges with the Land. The approach is multidisciplinary, providing researchers, students, artists, and industry the ability to connect with both Land and technology while sharing in building a unique community of imagination. The site is located 20 kilometres East of Kenora (230 km from Winnipeg), Ontario, on 80 acres of Boreal Forest.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

BRINGING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

AND PERSPECTIVES IN DESIGN AND

PEDAGOGY TO THE FOREST SCHOOL

The ambition is to bring in knowledge keepers, elders, and community partners to work with the collaborators and introduce indigenous knowledge a n d perspectives into design research and education. The intent will be to slowly build a forest community through exciting multi-disciplinary design & build projects, material research and artistic undertakings. The idea is to use the property to foster a sense of community, while drawing connection and inspiration from the land at a 1:1 scale. This will also be an extension of an ambition to introduce Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives into the curriculum and the design process. Possibly, exploring a graduate degree or a certificate, similar to AA’s Design + Make postgraduate master’s program, but with a focus on Indigenous ways of knowing.

The first phase would include the construction of a workshop and the acquisition of fabrication equipment. While this phase is developing smaller multidisciplinary land-based design projects could take place as course work, workshops or by invited guests. The most significant piece will be to provide impactful opportunities for students to experience the land, working with Indigenous collaborators and making at full scale. Future phases would include small cabins for accommodation, a kitchen and dining area and outbuildings such as for material storage. All of these structures I see being designed and built through the program. The mission is to create a space that would promote regional, national, and international collaborative environments inspiring innovative land-based research, teaching and relationships with Indigenous partners.

Image produced by Grounded Architecture

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

All images produced by Grounded Architecture

THE FOREST SCHOOL LAB (IN-PROGRESS) The Forest School Lab Building will serve as a hub for Land-based design research, welcoming students, researchers, and industry professionals. Within its open central space, there’s a versatile area designed to accommodate various activities, a fully equipped workshop complete with the tools needed for project construction, as well as 94

utility and storage spaces. Adjacent to this, there’s a dedicated gathering area, perfect for ceremonies, reflection, and meaningful conversations. Beyond that, tucked away amidst the trees, you’ll discover the Grounded Architecture Studio, nestled within its own unique building.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

Floor plan of Forest School Lab

Image produced by Grounded Architecture

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

‘A SPACE FOR GATHERING’ (SUMMER 2023)

In collaboration between the Forest School, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture, and the Price Faculty of Engineering, a summer course was offered which brought students and researchers of the two fields out onto the Land to design ‘A Space for Gathering’. Throughout the process participant engaged with various methods and tools such as modelling, making, wood steam bending, and generative artificial intelligence. The class ultimately collaborated to design and build a sensitive structure which was cultivated through material exploration, conversations about the Land, and trust in each other as well as the process.

Photos taken by Brooke de Rocquigny + Shawn Bailey

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

Photo taken by Shawn Bailey

‘SABE’ (FALL 2021) Students spent time at the Forest School as part of a collaborative fourth year Architecture Design Studio at the University of Manitoba hosted by Shawn Bailey and Lancelot Coar. Students learned about Indigenous ways of Knowing and participated in Indigenous ceremony with knowledge keeper Calvin Skead. Students actively listened to the Land, materials, and each other, forming an effective communally minded approach and built a 100

structure from trees. This structure was named ‘Sabe’ in reference to Indigenous stories of the mythical giant who represents honesty. The ephemeral structure stood tall until Winter 2022, when it fell and returned to the earth.

Photo taken by Johnathan Lum

Photo taken by Tymon Melnyk SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

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5.0

INDIGENOUS

FIVE-DECOLONIZING DESIGN PARADIGMS

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the ‘Thought Grounded Architecture Inc. is tial Leadership & Research’ of Spa unded Agency. Shawn Bailey and Gro , debated, Architecture’s work is pushed fessional and and explored at both the pro d knowledge academic levels. The learne & Ivy ’s work trickles down into all of Grey Architecture in Spatial Agency. Grounded p moving is the bow of an icebreaker shi ile Grey & Ivy into unchartered waters, wh ructure is the extensive support infrast tial Agency following behind, bringing Spa r market at from research into the broade Grey & Ivy ’s scale. Architecture is one of y, and thus 5 Elements of Spatial Agenc of the overall Grounded is an integral piece all Grey & Ivy business and philosophy of e, the spirit of does. Their work is, in essenc & Ivy is the what we are doing, and Grey at scale. business to make it a reality 104

Image produced by Grounded Architecture

FIVE INDIGENOUS DESIGN PARADIGMS

Dreaming into the architectural products of Grey & Ivy’s workshops and consultation, Grounded Architecture approaches the practice of architecture with founder Shawn Bailey’s “Decolonizing the Design Process with Five Indigenous Land-Based Paradigms.” Five Indigenous Design Paradigms embrace the Ojibway concept of Mino-Bimaadiziwin, which means the good life for all nations’ people. This promotes Indigenous Knowledge, Land as pedagogy, inclusion and process-based experiences through exploration, contemplation, and reflection.

Danakimagid What is place?

Andotan

Connect with place

Bawaajigan

Recognizing your gifts

04 Meshwad What are you giving back? 05 Naagatoon Tell a good story

The inclusion of the paradigms into Western processes can restore, identify, and reduce systemic and organizational barriers to housing.

SPATIAL AGENCY by GREY & IVY

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HOUSING AS COSMOLOGY AAHA EXHIBIT PRAIRIE REGION TEAM Architects, activists, and students demand an end to housing alienation in Canada at the 2023 Venice Biennale, Canada Pavlion. This exhibit, called AAHA! (Architects Against Housing Alienation!) consists of ten regional teams throughout Canada. The Prairie team is represented by: ACTIVIST: One House Many Nations, Idle No More, Sylvia McAdam (Windsor University), Alex Wilson (University of Saskatchewan) ARCHITECT: David T Fortin Architect Inc, Grounded Architecture Inc., SOLO Architecture ADVOCATE: Lancelot Coar and Shawn Bailey, University of Manitoba Grounded Architecture worked with this interdisciplinary team of thinkers and designers to create an experiential representation to express our demand: “We demand Home Building Design Lodges tied to housing manufacturing facilities on reserves, to build capacity within communities by grounding the production of houses and their components, in community values, language, and education.”

Images by Grounded Architecture & AAHA Prairie Team 106

2023 VEN ICE BIEN NAL E CAN ADA PAVI LION

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SHOAL LAKE 39 SWEATLODGE ADDITION 108

The sweat lodge addition project for Shoal Lake 39 First Nation is currently in the construction drawing phase. This project aims to create a space to accommodate Indigenous ceremonies, such as the shaking tent ceremony, and is also a support building before entering the sweat lodge year round. The structure reflects the needs of the community by providing exterior storage for wood and stones, drying rack for the tarps, and seating areas for reflection to support the sweat lodge ceremony.

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The Grounded team began by sketching out the actions and states of being experienced during a sweat lodge ceremony. These initial ideas gradually transformed into an architectural design, guided by the dynamics of movement and the immersive qualities of roles like the firekeeper, combined with active participation in the sweat lodge. This process involved envisioning a cyclical progression of stages, representing the profound journey from childhood to elderhood. Sketch sessions led to an elemental, cavernous form that opened at its edges. It opens to the East towards the sacred fire, opens to the West connecting to the sweat lodge womb, opens to the earth for spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance, and opens above for a direct relation to the sky.

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ECOLOGICAL HOME RESEARCH IN-PROGRESS DESIGN

“What does a sustainably designed and built home look like?” The Grounded team set off to unpack and research a prototypical small home design that explored how programming, siting, materiality, construction methods, and practices could be viewed through a value-based and place-based lens. This preliminary ecological home design was created as an exercise in advancing low-cost, natural hempcrete building construction that comes with a more comfortable, hand-made quality. A cabin nestled into the shoreline of the Lake of Woods, Ontario was imagined.

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Our research on hempcrete construction uncovered many benefits in the design and construction of a home including fire, mold, and insect resistance, and improved indoor air quality. The hands-on construction process provides the opportunity for people to participate in building their own home, and enables a greater connection between the built space and the user.

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6.0

ALWAYS LOOKING FORWARD

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Our collaboration with students from diverse backgrounds and walks of life has been a truly enlightening journey. We’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration with community and Grounded Architecture in all the work showcased from workshops and large projects to developing Knowledge Centres. With the ever-evolving landscape of industries and the constant shifts in paradigms, we’re more than ready to adapt, innovate, and refine our strategies. Our enduring commitment is to foster creativity and equip students with valuable skills, empowering them to engage deeply with their environment, using the transformative tools provided by Spatial Agency. We are genuinely excited about the boundless possibilities that await. Are you ready to join the story?

STAY IN TOUCH Email

Website

# jointhestory@greyandivy.ca Instagram • Twitter • Facebook

(204) 560-7646

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The most valuable natural resource in the world is human innovation! It’s time to maximize the potential of our youth... all youth!

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Copyright © 2023 Grey & Ivy Inc. All images have been produced by the author unless otherwise noted. Throughout this document, Grey & Ivy reference the term ‘Spatial Agency’, a concept developed by Awan, N., Schneider, T., & Till, J., in their book Spatial Agency: other ways of doing architecture (2011). @greyandivy

(204) 560-7646

greyandivy.ca

jointhestory@greyandivy.ca

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