Frobisher Bay Housing for the Inuit Community

Client: Government of the Northwest Territories; Village of Frobisher Bay

This initial commission was intended to replace the government staff housing units that were considered inadequate living environments for the Inuit people. In addition, Safdie was asked to prepare a general development plan for the Village which would provide a guide for growth during the following decade. To address housing issues for the arctic climate, structurally independent two-storey octagonal units were arranged in tight clusters. The construction materials employed for these units were stress-skinned panels made of 2 x 4's and plywood covered with a gel-coat fibreglass. Images on this page: 1 Site plan view of model; 2 Plans and section; 3 Site section; 4 Site plan detail; 5 Site plan Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada