AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURE DISCOVERY CENTER
6th Year | BFA Advanced Interior Design Program
Johnson Fain | Interactive Gallery and Forum Student Project
Overview
The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum celebrates the diverse histories, cultures, and achievements of the 39 American Indian nations present in Oklahoma. The Center will be a source of pride for the American Indian people. It will be a place that empowers American Indians to share their stories, cultures, and traditions, and to celebrate their achievements with a broad and diverse audience. Visitors will leave the Center with a new understanding of both the inclusive, shared experiences of American Indians, and their specific perspectives.
PROJECT
Location
The American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is located in Oklahoma City, beside the Oklahoma River and at the geographic center of not only the state, but also of the continent.
Task
Design a 10,600 sq ft area for one of the 39 Oklahoma's Indian Nations at the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum that can host a variety of exhibitions and performance venues, new technologies, and educational facilities.
Tribe Research
The Ojibwe (Chippewa) Tribe is one of the largest groups of Native Americans and first nations on the North American Continent.
Known for: birch bark canoes, sacred birch bark scrolls, trading, rice cultivation, copper arrow point, mocasines, dream catcher, snowshoes, elaborate basket weaving and beading work.
Concept
Dream Catcher
- Seven circles of the seven teachings of the the seven grandfathers.
-Eight connections representing eight spider legs.
-Thirteen points representing thirteen moons.
Components of Space
Lobby/Reception: Information desk for two staff members and lounge seating for approximately ten people.
Forum: A double-height theater for storytelling, readings, concerts, and small-scale productions.
Stair: An open stair provides visual and physical connection to a Study Center above, a quiet area geared towards independent research.
Interactive Galleries: This space is a hands-on area buzzing with a variety of interactive exhibits, individual and group activities. The exhibits shall promote and celebrate four aspects of the selected American Indian tribe.
Community Story Booth: A place that allows visitors to hear first hand Native American voices, languages, and stories. This is a small, comfortable space in which we can immerse ourselves in music and stories, sung and spoken in native languages.
Café: Two staff members will work behind a service counter that sells dry goods and items provided by the adjacent Kitchen. Provide one point-of-sale area at the counter and adjacent seating for 20-25 people.
Exhibitions
Dream Catcher Maze: Learn and experience
History Wall: Learn and discover
Dance: Dance along with the tribe
Unique Creations Wall: Create your own unique artifacts
Innovation
At the Unique Creations wall visitors will be able to create their own tribal artifacts by using an interactive touch screen. Once visitors are done, they can email the picture to themselves or place an order to have it made by the tribe. This innovative idea will give back to the tribe as well as the visitors by giving each person the opportunity to create something unique and special, and crafted by some of the best artists in the Nation.
RECEPTION
Floor Plan
Receding Ceiling Plan
WEST SECTION
EAST SECTION
FORUM
DREAM CATCHER MAZE
INSIDE THE DREAM CATCHER MAZE
TRIBAL DANCE STAGES
UNIQUE CREATIONS WALL
STORY TIME
OJIBWE CAFE