SOLO (situated on land office) Architecture is grounded within the boreal fringe ecozone on Treaty Six territory. This ecotone is one of simultaneous diversity and unity. This is a landscape where the extensive prairies meet the towering boreal forest and is home to incredible biodiversity. SOLO’s work is focused on supporting the interconnected relationship between Indigenous People and their traditional territories. Much of SOLO’s work aims to support sustenance hunting and foraging activities through architectural intervention. SOLO carries extensive land-based experiences, that help frame/ground their approach to the design, construction, and inhabitation of architecture. This approach honours the traditions of their ancestors through inherited experiences that were and continue to be distilled by countless generations of lived experience in harsh environmental conditions and learns from the ingenuity of Indigenous peoples. Their work exhibits a northern sensibility to its approach and aims to leave a positive impact on the lands and communities it is built in.

memory //

Well-designed spaces carry the potential to evoke ancestral memories. This connection to memory grounds the project on the land and community it inhabits. Ancient, present, and future memories are evoked. SOLO’s work is committed to honouring the teachings of the old ones, supporting the present community, and dreaming for future generations.

reciprocity //

Architecture inherently carries a reciprocal relationship with the land that grounds it. It is up to the inhabitant on how they choose to engage with that relationship. Living on the land promotes a culture of consumption. Living with the land carries a direct reciprocal relationship to the land and in turn, the land will take care of the inhabitant. The latter relationship creates a holistic sense of sustainability as the connection to shelter, sustenance and well-being is directly tangible. This connection to land furthers one’s understanding of the need for both prospect and refuge within architecture. SOLO works with communities to ensure this reciprocal relationship is nurtured through architectural intervention.

community //

At the core of every architectural project is a strong sense of community. A collaborative community-led design process is the key to a successful architectural project. SOLO is committed to the highest level of meaningful community engagement, building, and collaboration. We aim to strengthen kinship in the nations in which we work.

resilience //

Indigenous architecture is inherently resilient. Vernacular architectural responses have been learned through inherited experiences that were and continue to be distilled by countless generations of lived experiences living with a landscape. Resilient architecture is inherently sustainable in a true sense as it is designed to thrive in the landscape in which it is inhabiting. It should engage passive design strategies, source sustainable local materials, and support local economies. SOLO strives to create resilient architecture.