Terrazzo medallion in Seneca’s new Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship celebrates Indigenous culture
Media Release
Seneca terrazzo medallion named Project of the Year by industry association
Toronto, July 12, 2019 – A terrazzo medallion called the “Circle of Indigenous Knowledge” at Seneca’s new Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE) has been named Project of the Year by Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada.
“It’s a beautiful piece of artwork by a talented Indigenous artist that’s been installed with a great deal of precision and care. We are proud to have it as the welcome point into the CITE building and thrilled that it’s been recognized by the industry,” said Angelo Miranda, Director of Major Capital Projects at Seneca.
Designed by Indigenous artist Joseph Sagaj, the medallion measures 10 metres in diameter and features a turtle in the centre – a reference to Turtle Island, which represents the continent of North America in Indigenous culture. The turtle is enclosed by elements of the First Nations people of the Great Lakes region, the Métis and the Inuit of the Arctic.
“This design represents a glimpse of their culture, spirituality, ceremonies, origins, teachings, history, symbols, stories, art, clans, system of governance, the sky world and world view,” Sagaj said. “These stories and teachings were shared through protocol, with elders and the people from these communities presented here. All these symbols and ways continue to reflect and thrive in the people and in the land today.”
To translate Sagaj’s vision onto the floor and create a highly durable installation to last the life of the building, terrazzo was identified as the best flooring product to get the colour rendition and durability desired. Franklin Terrazzo was chosen to carry out this highly detailed project.
The medallion is just one of several design elements that pay tribute to Canada’s Indigenous communities throughout CITE, a project designed and built by Perkins and Will.
Seneca will celebrate the building’s official grand opening this fall.
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Combining career and professional skills training with theoretical knowledge, Seneca’s expert faculty provide a polytechnic education to 30,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time students. With campuses in Toronto, York Region and Peterborough and education partners around the world, Seneca offers degrees, graduate certificates, diplomas and certificates in more than 300 full-time, part-time and online programs. Seneca’s credentials are renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Co-op and work placements, applied research projects, entrepreneurial opportunities and the latest technology ensure that Seneca graduates are highly skilled and ready to work.