Guardians of the Seascape: Considering the Next Era of Lighthouses in Rural Nova Scotia Communities

Abstract

This thesis studies ways in which architecture and the coastal infrastructure of lighthouses can help preserve a relationship with the seascape, encouraging rural Nova Scotian communities to engage and respond to their local environment. The intention is to consider our changing climate, explore relevant materials, and introduce supplementary programming related to specific existing communities in order to establish a speculative lighthouse network. The research identifies existing preservation efforts, but also acknowledges that few efforts have proven successful and in many cases are overrun by future sea levels regardless. Identifying three test sites - Cape Sable Island, Belliveau’s Cove, and Parrsboro - the work hopes to generate conversation regarding ways we can rethink the aging infrastructure, and proposes a new approach to navigational aids that activates the memory of the historic maritime culture by looking forward to a new, more inclusive lighthouse.