Elouise Cobell Land & Culture Institute

Elouise Cobell Land & Culture Institute, dedicated to the renowned Blackfeet activist, was completed in the lower level of the Payne Family Native American Center. Originally, the Center building was designed to include an unfinished, daylit lower level with the intention to utilize and renovate this space in the future. The space was designed with high ceilings and windows that bring light into the space using large light wells with retaining walls made from the glacial rock dug from the site during construction.

When additional funds became available, the university was able to create the Institute, and 7 Directions was called back to design the new space. The design includes a circular Star Gazing Room with a fully functional planetarium and an east-facing entry. Traditional patterns are etched and stained into the concrete floor, and tile work patterns in the restroom are based on Blackfeet Parfleche designs. The Institute also includes a GIS computer lab, a film screening room, and a large classroom space.