MANITOBA INDIGENOUS CULTURAL EDUCATION CENTRE (M.I.C.E.C)
ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE & INTERIOR RENOVATION

Year:  2010
Location:  Winnipeg, MB
Client:  Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Centre
Awards:  Winnipeg Accessibility Award, 2010; Heritage Winnipeg Preservation Award for Excellence (Institutional Conservation Award), 2011

The renovation and restoration of the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Centre centered around the desire to create an accessible community place for celebrating Indigenous culture, language and education. Integral to this intent was the need to create an accessible public entrance, as the original building could only be accessed by an exterior set of stairs. This goal was realized by lowering the entire main floor, which allowed the building to be accessed at grade level. In addition to new landscaping at the front of the building, the new main entrance then allowed the building to become an inviting public space, integrated with the pedestrian walkways around it.

Within the Centre, an accessible teaching kitchen  ̶  complete with accessible appliances and multi-height countertops  ̶  offers a flexible learning environment to be enjoyed by users of all ages and abilities.  Additionally, lighting plays a key role in creating consistent, high levels of visibility throughout the project.  Recessed lights located along the base of the staircase gently illuminate the path of travel and assist with differentiating changes in height. 

The building in 1909

Pre-renovation - only accessible by stair

Post-renovation - the building can now be entered at grade, providing a main, accessible entrance for all

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