ated are provided choices, all help to create
a more normalised environment for both
officers and inmates. "It is not normal for
adults to sleep in bunk beds or share an
open toilet." All of these design initiatives
help to reduce stress and increase safe-
ty. Many of these design initiatives were
highlighted in the recently opened, award-
winning Rankin Inlet Healing Centre, a me-
dium security prison located in Nunavut. "It
is remarkable how incidences of violence
and abuse were greatly reduced, and how
safety was increased within the new facil-
ity, when compared to more traditional jail
designs,” observed Boraks.
A NORTHERN
CONSCIOUSNESS
Parkin also has a very strong pedigree in
Arctic architecture, having participated in
the design of a number of arctic buildings,
including a jail, hospital, police station and
4 schools. "It quickly became apparent
that we could not apply "southern rules"
to our northern designs," says Boraks. Lo-
cal populations are still struggling with the
transformation from a nomadic existence
to a sedentary existence. The change has
not been easy and has contributed to a per
capita suicide rate that is 10 times higher
than in the south. Parkin quickly realized
that suburban and urban design principals,
based on cars, roads and matchbox hous-
es really have little relevance in the north.
"We found out that we had to listen, learn,
and experience the wisdom of the north
before applying those lessons to our build-
ings, a number of which have won interna-
tional awards," says Boraks. "What is even
more interesting is that we are now apply-
ing the northern lessons to our southern
work".
Whether designing schools, hospitals or
prisons, Parkin is considered to be a lead-
er in creating effective and beautiful infra-
structure in Canada. "It’s important for all
of us," says Boraks.
Tuugaalik High School
MAY 2017
H
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