Manitoba Building Trades Unveils Warming Hut for The Forks v.2020

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Manitoba Building Trades Unveils Warming Hut for The Forks v.2020

December 13, 2019

Today, The Forks North Portage Partnership unveiled the winners of the Warming Huts v.2020: An Arts + Architecture Competition on Ice and announced Manitoba Building Trades as this year’s special addition installation.

Manitoba Building Trades’ warming hut, named The Stand, is created in partnership with Mistecture Architecture & Interiors Inc., to honour the courage, conviction and commitment of those who stood up and rejected the status quo during the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. Construction of the installation will proudly be completed by Manitoba Building Trades union workers.

The Stand, along with other installations, will be placed at The Forks in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the new year. It remains unknown if the warming huts will live on the river trail this year, due to unprecedented weather conditions.  

The public can view the final stages of construction during the week-long ‘building blitz’ at The Forks at the end of January.   

The competition, now in its tenth year, saw nearly two-hundred of entries from 32 countries around the world. Manitoba Building Trades is honoured to have our installation stand among the warming huts this winter; acting not only as a place of warmth but a reminder of the historic events that shaped the workers’ rights we enjoy today.

The Meaning Behind The Stand  

The Stand tells the story of what can happen when we have the courage to join together for what is right, no matter our background or occupation. The Stand was inspired by the people that stood up and rejected the status quo during the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike. It acts as a reminder to learn from the past to ignite change in our future. The reflective element of the design creates a mirror-effect, offering inspiration for those who enter as they face who must stand up for change. Each step through The Stand offers a different reflection of the viewer and a different perspective of the outside world. The seats are arranged at varying heights to signify diversity and the importance of multi-generational voices. The red accent colours were chosen to pay homage to those whose blood was shed on Bloody Saturday, as well as in conflicts across Canada and the globe. The back wall features a quote by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” 

Learn more about the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.