Staged Architecture: Celebrating the Art of Performance in Downtown Victoria Through the Adaptation of an Iconic Industrial Waterfront Building

Abstract

This thesis will address the revitalization of The Powerhouse, a former power plant in Victoria, BC. The plant is located in a post-industrial landscape just north of downtown. The premise is to reuse this industrial building that currently is a wasted resource. I believe The Powerhouse is one of four of the most significant monuments in downtown Victoria, and should be recognized as such. The adaptive reuse of this building will accomplish a connection between neighbourhoods and act as a catalyst for future revitalization. I am proposing a variety of arts programs for the building that will add to the cultural identity of the downtown core. Additionally, the reuse strategy will blend contemporary and historic architectural qualities widening the current perception of heritage preservation in Victoria. This thesis is an architectural investigation into the value of industrial adaptive reuse to improve a city’s economy, environment, cultural identity, and historic character.