Red River Frame Structure

Before 1870 Red River frame was the building construction method used by most inhabitants of the Red River Settlement. The procedure was used primarily for houses, but also found favour for public, commercial and religious structures. The technology was introduced to the Canadian West by Hudson's Bay Company employees from Quebec, where a similar technology was popular. The Quebec buildings were derived from French structures of the 17th century. It is also known by its French equivalent, pièce-sur-pièce. In Manitoba, few Red River frame buildings remain. Most are concentrated along the banks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, within the confines of the old Red River Settlement, and many are simple interpretations of the Georgian style. Read More

Indigenous Structures

The origin of the tipi is unclear, but may date from as early as 10,000 B.C., when people first inhabited Manitoba. Archaeological evidence indicates that tipis were definitely constructed by 5,000 B.C. The structure was well suited to the lifestyle of nomadic hunters and gatherers living on the plains. It was easily transported and constructed entirely of locally available materials. Read More

Prairie School

The Prairie School, or Style, evolved around the turn of the century in the work of Chicago architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1869-1959). Wright developed the style as one appropriate for the mid-west landscape, with an emphasis on horizontal lines, low proportions, gently sloping roofs and sheltering overhangs. The influences of Japanese architecture and the Arts and Crafts movement are found in the style, both of which are noted for the clarity with which structure is shown. The style was most commonly used for houses but was also employed for apartments, commercial and industrial buildings. It broke with earlier conventions for residential room arrangement using subtle ways of defining and enclosing space. Read More