New campus an architectural marvel

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Visitors to the newly opened First Nations University of Canada campus in Regina should be prepared for an awe-inspiring experience.

The new $33 million building, a four storey, 14,000 square metre architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, sits on 32 acres of land on the northeast edge of the University of Regina campus in Wascana Park.

Noticeable from the air across the landscape of the Prairies, the structure's facade at ground level is striking with its green glass and stone design.

The entire structure of the building is shaped in curves and circles to represent inclusiveness and equality.

Stepping inside the foyer of the building, your attention is immediately captured by the sight of a two-storey glass tipi, striking both in its size and vibrant colouring. The structure is the showpiece of the building. Embedded in the centre of the tipi's floor is a fire pit made from red pipestone, which will be used for traditional ceremonies.

The entrance to the tipi features wooden doors, carved from a 2,000-year-old Californian Redwood Sequoia that died two centuries ago, and created by artist John Henry Fineday, a graduate of the school's Indian fine arts program.

The carvings on the inside of the doors tell the creation story with Wisakechak-the Cree mischief-maker?the beaver, otter and muskrat. On the outside, the doors feature the images of numerous prairie animals, from the bison to the butterfly.

In addition to being a wonder to look at, the new building is also energy efficient. With a maximum exposure to the southern sun, the jutted layers of the floors shade the offices and rooms below saving on air conditioning in the summer, while in the winter the glass acts as an insulator providing an additional amount of heat and light.