Blasterz are no architects, but we know an odd-shaped building when we see one. When we discovered what this building would house, we knew that each part of this amazing structure had meaning -- we just weren't sure what it was.
From the website: (
visit link)
"The Canadian Museum for Human Rights set to open in September 2014, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, started with one person’s dream and has grown to become a National Museum focused on the universal topic of human rights.
About the building
Do you know the symbolism behind the unique architecture? How will the architect’s vision translate into reality for you, the visitor?
The Museum has 4 main sections: the cloud, the roots, the mountain, and the Tower of Hope and they are representing something.
The Cloud
The Roots
The Mountain
The Tower of Hope
The Cloud
The cloud, which encompasses more than 5000 square metres of windows, is meant to symbolize the wings of a white dove, the symbol for peace, embracing the building. The cloud is also an allusion to the vaporous state of water. The clouds in the sky reflect on the bluish windows which look opaque from the exterior.
The Roots
Four large roots at base the Museum ground the building to the land on which it sits. Once completed, three of the roots will be covered in prairie grasses. They will contain a diversity of services, including the Museum’s store, a restaurant, and classrooms for school groups.
The fourth root will be covered in Tyndall limestone steps which can serve as an outdoor amphitheatre. The root will house a 350-seat theatre.
In between these two roots is where the visitor’s journey begins – the main entrance.
The Mountain
The mountain, made of Tyndall limestone from Manitoba that is more than 450 million years old, is a balance to the glass cloud. The heart of the Museum, the mountain will hold the permanent exhibit spaces.
Have you noticed the terrace that sits on the side of the mountain? Visitors can relax and take in the beautiful view of the Esplanade Riel and Saint-Boniface.
The Tower of Hope
At the end of your visit, those looking for a challenge can climb the spiral staircase up to the viewing platform located on the Tower of Hope. But there is also an elevator to take you up there as well!
The base building has been substantially complete since the end of 2012. Official opening of the Museum will take place in September 20th, 2014." [end]
Now we know :)