Art Gallery as Bridge Between Port Industry and City

Abstract

For centuries port industry has played a vital role in Halifax, occupying the majority of its waterfront. As shipping developed, ports moved to specialized suburban areas, allowing cities to redevelop their urban waterfront. Even though we are drawn to marine industries for their grit and dynamism, contemporary waterfront redevelopments typically eliminate industry in favour of recreation. Through conscious architectural intervention, this thesis proposes new spatial conditions that allow city and industry to coexist symbiotically. The current aspirations for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia are bold socially but plans may not live up to these intentions. The alternative AGNS proposed here reconnects an active industry with its city through architecture and program. Derelict industrial elements are adapted to invite downtown users. Social spaces are designed to dissolve barriers between black tie patrons, regular gallery goers, marginalized seafarers, stevedores, and both successful and aspiring artists.