Métis Architect David Fortin is Redefining Our Perspective on Architecture

David Fortin, a prominent Métis architect and professor from Cambridge, Ontario, advocates for a collective approach to architecture that prioritizes reconciliation, sustainability, and equitable living. He has notably co-curated Canada's official entries for the Venice Biennale of Architecture in 2018 and 2023, highlighting significant themes in contemporary architectural discourse.

Fortin believes that many people experience alienation from their environments, where the built spaces do not align with their values. He states that this disconnect is not limited to Indigenous communities but is widespread. To counter this alienation, he emphasizes the importance of designing spaces that foster connections among individuals and with the land. This perspective is evident in his design of an elder's lodge in Saskatoon, where elements cater to the holistic health of residents, incorporating traditional practices and culturally significant iconography.

As architecture faces the challenges of climate change and a housing crisis, Fortin expresses skepticism about the simultaneous realization of sustainability, affordability, and historical sensitivity. He argues that achieving these goals requires a critical examination of supply chains and building materials. He collaborates with entities like the University of Waterloo and Habitat for Humanity to develop a significant housing initiative in Kitchener-Waterloo, emphasizing that collaboration with developers and non-profit organizations is imperative to address immediate housing needs.

Fortin challenges the notion that Western design models are superior, suggesting that practices rooted in Indigenous knowledge might provide valuable solutions. He points to local materials and sustainable construction methods, such as straw bales, and advocates for rethinking how we design housing outside of market-driven paradigms.

To combat the commodification of housing, Fortin advocates for systemic change, emphasizing the need for architects to innovate and raise awareness among students about the choices they can make in their projects. He perceives a growing public demand for sustainability, believing market forces will adapt when faced with consumer preferences.

Fortin identifies innovative practices that harmonize technology with Indigenous values. He mentions the potential of biomaterials and digital technologies to produce eco-friendly building solutions. His current project in Hamilton, the Biindigen Well-Being Centre, serves as a model of integrated community planning that combines affordable housing with health services and educational facilities, creating a supportive environment for Indigenous communities.

His approach to architecture is centered on deep listening and humility, especially when working with Indigenous communities. He highlights the need to invest time in understanding community needs and values before embarking on design solutions. Fortin acknowledges that this process can differ significantly from traditional architectural training, advocating for a more collaborative and respectful design journey.

While extending his methods to non-Indigenous projects, Fortin finds that there is a growing receptiveness among broader communities to incorporate meaningful, value-driven approaches in architecture. He cites an elder's philosophy that buildings should be treated as community members requiring care and engagement.

Fortin observes both promising and problematic outcomes in partnerships between Indigenous architects and larger firms. While many collaborations are genuine, he argues that Indigenous voices must be meaningfully integrated to ensure equitable benefits. Overall, he remains optimistic about the evolving landscape of architecture in Toronto, with a notable presence of Indigenous knowledge contributing to significant urban projects. He is set to deliver a keynote speech at the Azure Human/Nature conference, continuing his advocacy for these crucial architectural principles.