Tales of the People: Folklores and Heritage Preservation in a Multicultural City

Tales of the People is a design thesis that explores how storytelling and folklore can inform architectural strategies for creating inclusive cultural spaces. Set in Winnipeg, a city shaped by immigration and multiculturalism, the project envisions a cultural centre that fosters belonging for newcomers by rooting design in narrative and shared memory.

The thesis investigates immigration trends in Winnipeg using data from Statistics Canada, extensive online research, and interviews with four immigrants from the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. These conversations explored personal migration stories, reflections on making Winnipeg feel like home, and each participant’s favourite folklore. These tales were then illustrated and brought to life through short animated videos, emphasizing the emotional depth and richness of cultural narratives.

The resulting design, a cultural centre called the Cocoon, is imagined as a space for exchanging knowledge, stories, and skills. Its program is divided into zones to Learn and Share, Make and Teach, and Celebrate, serving both the Curious and the Virtuoso. Facing Market Square in downtown Winnipeg, the building includes a public-facing performance space to invite engagement and inspire community connection through visible celebration.

From early research to final design, the thesis is captured in a richly illustrated book. The cover and selected pages integrate Augmented Reality, animating key images to emphasize the themes of movement, interaction, and transformation at the heart of the project.