Identity Erosion: Adaptive Architecture for the Evolving Coastline of Fortune, Newfoundland

Abstract

Newfoundland’s cultural identity is derived from a historical relationship with the sea. Situated to ensure access to fishing grounds, outports’ dependence on the fertile waters of the Atlantic guided the settlement patterns and architectural expressions of the island's coastal communities. Despite the seemingly perennial nature of this shoreline inhabitation, coastal erosion is gradually destroying these built and natural environments. Particularly vulnerable to erosion is the town of Fortune, a southern outport that connects Canada, by ferry, with the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. As erosion persists, Fortune will lose the components of the urban landscape that define its sense of identity. Traditionally, resiliency is achieved through adaptation in Newfoundland; threatened by harsh coastal conditions, structures were once built for mobility and modification. Through a modern translation of these principles, the thesis proposes an adaptive, environmentally responsive ferry terminal wharf capable of evolving with Fortune’s restless coastline.