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Room to win

Architectural firm gets award for design of a gathering room at Kwantlen's Surrey campus.
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Xthum – meaning Aboriginal Gathering Place – is located at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Surrey Campus.

Woven cedar walls and ceilings are just some of the intricate design features Kwantlen’s Xthum building was recognized for at the Interior Designers Institute of B.C.’s recent annual awards.

Architectural firm Public Design was presented a Gold Award for Public/Institution Spaces and Best in Show for Xthum – meaning Aboriginal Gathering Place – located at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Surrey Campus.

“In addition to receiving recognition for the Aboriginal Gathering Place, it was great to see so many Kwantlen Alumni recognized for their achievements at the event,” said Karen Hearn, Kwantlen’s executive director, facilities.

The province invested $600,000 in Xthum, which was established in 2010.

It is a gathering place for all Kwantlen students and the space recognizes the important contribution of the Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, and Katzie First Nations.

Public Design has already been awarded an Innovation Award from the Architectural Institute of B.C. and an Interior Beauty Design Award from WOOD Works for Xthum.