LAKOTA CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER

    The Native Americans have a very extensive and interesting history. I had the fortune of learning about the Native Americans during a US history class in high school. The first thing that came up to my mind when we were introduced about the Lakota were two major event that were strongly emphasized during this class: the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Massacre of Wounded Knee. These two events mark the biggest victory that the Native Americans had against the conquerors and the most devastating massacre the Native Americans suffered. For this design,  two main axis were used in relation to the site of building and created metaphors through the design to create a unique experience for those who visit it. For instance, the galleries point towards these two main axis while they overlap each other. Nevertheless, the gallery pointing towards Battle of Little Bighorn stands above the gallery that points towards the Massacre of Wounded Knee to symbolize victory over loss.  For this project, the main goal was to design a place for the Lakota to gather and remember what they went through to be what they are today. Public spaces are placed in both interior and exterior of the building for these gatherings and ceremonies.