Saunders Architecture has designed the Tekαkαpimək Contact Station, a 7,900 square-foot building in Penobscot Homeland, Maine, United States.
Architectural, landscape and exhibition designs for Tekαkαpimək resulted from a uniquely collaborative process with representatives of the Wabanaki Nations, comprised of Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Nations.
Atop Lookout Mountain and created to welcome the public to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the building's design trajectory shifted from one of a colonial lens to one based on Wabanaki sensibilities, with site design informed by the four directions and deploying curvature throughout.
"[The] legal protections for Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property shared in this process are a critical innovation of the project," said Saunders Architecture.
As a result, Tekαkαpimək's waysides and exhibits guide visitors to the monument through Wabanaki artistry, honouring the past and showing vibrant communities moving sustainably into the future.
This project has been longlisted in the cultural project category of Dezeen Awards 2025.
Studio: Saunders Architecture
Project: Tekαkαpimək Contact Station
Credits: Wabanaki Advisory Board, Natalie Dana-Lolar, Passamaquoddy/Penobscot John Dennis, Mi’kmaq James Eric Francis, Sr., Penobscot Nick Francis, Penobscot Gabriel Frey, Passamaquoddy Jennifer Gaenzle, for Mi’kmaq, Suzanne Greenlaw, Maliseet Newell Lewey, Passamaquoddy Jennifer Neptune, Penobscot, Kendyl Reis, for Mi’kmaq Richard Silliboy, Mi’kmaq Donald Soctomah, Passamaquoddy, Chris Sockalexis, Penobscot Isaac St. John, Maliseet Susan Young, Dr. Jane Anderson, ENRICH (Equity for Indigenous Research and Innovation Co-ordinating Hub) Design, Alisberg Parker Architects, Atelier One, Haley Ward, Reed Hilderbrand, Wright-Ryan Environmental & Energy, Transsolar Inc, Tūhura Communications, Jennifer Neptune, James Eric Francis, Sr., Penobscot; Nolan Altvater, Passamaquoddy Specialty, James Florio Exhibits, WeShouldDoItAll (WSDIA), Split Rock Studios, DCL, Emery Lee & Sons, OBP Trailworks, Erin Hutton Projects, Stern Consulting International and the Wabanaki Nations
