In search of a communal language for our time
Ark is an immersive experience that explores the potential for community healing and connection, drawing inspiration from Indigenous African wisdom rooted in nature, art, and ceremony. It serves as an experiment to examine how these elements, when thoughtfully curated, can foster a deep sense of communal bonding. The project is born from the need to rekindle spirituality through hope, symbolism and beauty in today's society, which is so challenged by economic, social and environmental issues. It is the culmination of seven years of research into individual and collective healing.
In many traditions, an ark is a sacred vessel, offering refuge, transformation, and survival during times of uncertainty. It carries the weight of human stories, history, and hope. In the context of this experience, Ark represents both a physical and metaphorical journey of healing, as well as a sanctuary—a safe space for exploration, reflection and connection. Additionally, every individual who participates in this ceremony becomes an Ark in their own way. They carry the vessel both with them and within them—the potential for inner transformation and the shared memory of the experience, which they will pass on to friends and family after the event. The experience is also a vehicle for preserving and transmitting Indigenous African wisdom, inviting participants to embark on a collective voyage toward healing and unity.
Every element of this experience has been carefully curated to reinforce this idea. The venue, a former Buddhist temple with strong architectural features and high ceilings, was chosen for its spiritual resonance. Now dedicated to the arts, the space hosts theatre, dance, concerts, film festivals, art galas, and other cultural events, making it an ideal setting for this immersive journey of transformation and connection.The creative experiment was supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, Hariri Pontarini Architects and others.
The Space
Ark unfolds across two symbolic realms:
The Shrine and The Village.
The Shrine, a striking 13-foot-tall sculpture meticulously crafted according to specific instructions from the book and infused with Odudu's artistic interpretation, is adorned with flora and stands as the central focal point of the experience. Around the structure, 9 sculptural clay "Vessels", each holding a symbolic “Seed” inspired in its form by the un-bloomed African daisy, will be displayed.
Personal Offerings
Before the ritual begins, guests are invited to bring a personal artifact—a photograph, a small object, a handwritten note. These offerings become part of the ceremony, reminders of memory, longing, and intention.
The Procession
The ritual opens with a choreographed procession. Accompanied by a live, improvised score led by Nigerian musician Sewa, participants journey from the Village toward the Shrine, guided by Odudu.
Each person selects a Seed from one of the vessels, then steps forward to offer their personal object at the Shrine. A prayer, a moment of silence, a whisper of intention—this is a private act of surrender and release. The offering is placed into the vessel, and the Seed is received in exchange.
Water & Blessing
The Seed is then gently blessed with water drawn from a sacred gourd at the Shrine—an act symbolizing nourishment, growth, and the cyclical nature of life.
Participants return to the Village, where spoken blessings and affirmations are shared aloud. Here, the Seed transforms into a symbolic Ark—a carrier of one's personal healing, purpose, and desire for renewal.
The Finale
This sequence continues until all have completed the ritual.
The ceremony closes in collective stillness, followed by a stirring musical finale—an energetic release, a celebration, a moment of communal breath.
Reflections & Release
This gathering also provides an opportunity for Odudu to collect valuable feedback on the experiment. The aim is for the energy generated by the ceremony, combined with the intimate low-lit atmosphere of the space, to open participants’ hearts and encourage vulnerability. The conversation will be facilitated by Rachel Hale, a wellness practitioner and life coach who specializes in empowering transformation through wellness modalities.
As part of my ongoing research into both individual and communal healing, I conducted a series of interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life stages, exploring the three central themes of the immersive experience: Community, Faith, and Ceremony. Among the notable interviewees were Siamak Hariri, founding partner of Hariri Pontarini Architects, and Lisa Landrum, Head of the Department of Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. These videotaped interviews were displayed in a dedicated space preceding the sanctuary, offering contextual depth to the experience and serving as a key component of the marketing campaign
I, along with the key collaborators of the Ark project, led an intimate discussion about our creative journey behind this immersive experience, blending music, art, and architecture to explore the potential for community healing and connection.
The discussion was hosted by Hariri Pontarini Architects
