EVOQ Architecture unveils its work on the new Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre, placing architecture at the service of healing for an institution that has been offering specialized services to residents of the 14 communities of Nunavik dealing with substance use and trauma since 1994. Created by the Inuit, for the Inuit, the Centre provides an inpatient program that responds to a regional problem by supporting people facing alcohol and drug addiction.

The new Regional Centre triples the capacity of the previous one, while providing a new healing program for families and specialized support for pregnant women. This important project is proof of the level of commitment offered by regional organizations and various governments to support Nunavimmiut in their pursuit of healing. Its official opening took place at the end of September 2023.

Design of the new centre

The new recovery centre stands on a rocky peninsula in Kuujjuaq overlooking the Koksoak River. Contact with nature is at the heart of the healing journey, with the built environment working alongside nature to create a cultural surrounding that supports the treatment developed by Isuarsivik. The centre fully embraces the landscape with its two long urpik branches-arctic willows, a medicinal plant and symbol of the Centre.

The reception is located at the intersection of the two wings, a true area of human confluence. The two wings connect around a qaggiq (inspired by the Inuit communal igloo, a circular ancestral place for meeting and sharing), and the true beating heart of the centre. On that level and on the floor above, public spaces, therapy services, and offices are located. Two smaller, more intomate qagguit are located at both ends of the accommodation wings, as well as living quarters serving the clients, or “guests”.

The fall colours of the Nunavik landscape pervade the interiors, bathing them in rich tones of oranges, green,s and ochres. The exterior draws its inspiration from the urpik. The muted exterior cladding emphasizes the ends of the wings; the warm colour of the wood clad qagguit evokes the soft glow of the arctic willow catkins, or buds.

Artwork integration

Several artworks were integrated into the project, allowing local artists to express the culture of the community:  

• The urpik has been reinterpreted by artist Alec Gordon on the main facade. The catkins, or buds, are backlit, recalling their soft glow. The work is best seen during the long winter nights.
• Tunniit (Inuit female facial tattoos), created by Sarah May, were integrated in various places such as glass partitions and cabinetwork.
• The qullialuk (large qulliq, a traditional Inuit oil lamp) welcomes guests at the main entrance of the centre. This sculpture is the result of a collaboration between artists Mattiusi Iyaituk, Benjamin Isaac, George Kaukai, Charleen Watt, Sarah May, and Pascale Archambault.