Architecture as Reparation: Re-establishing a Sense of Belonging for the Black Community in Halifax

Abstract

This thesis focuses on a historic African Nova Scotian community that currently faces erasure due to gentrification along Gottingen Street in Halifax’s North End. Black communities in Nova Scotia, from early migration to the present day, faced various forms of racism and marginalization. This has led to a decreased sense of belonging and life advancement opportunities. This thesis explores how reparations can be achieved through the architectural design of a community centre for the Black community. This community centre will increase sense of belonging through local history, cultural symbolism and social activities that are rooted in the neighbourhood. Not only will the community centre increase belonging in the present, but also provide opportunities to succeed in the future. This entire thesis is inspired by an altered version of the Sankofa symbol on the African Nova Scotian flag. It is a symbol that emphasizes learning from the past to create a better future.