Inhabiting Lost Space: Restoring the Urban Fabric with the Power of Nature

Abstract

The urban landscape of Halifax’s Peninsula is constantly changing due to climate change and rapid urbanization, damaging the city and its infrastructure. The congestion of the city and degradation of the natural environment have induced the dramatic disappearance of empty spaces and increased the need for undeveloped open spaces; urban voids. Realizing these spaces are becoming a scarce commodity, architecture must fabricate with ecological urbanism; an approach to design that puts nature at the forefront. This thesis argues for urban development that creates a harmonious relationship between the user, the space, and the environment through ecological urbanism. The end product proposes a ‘stitch’, a new park that brings green space to the city center and generates microclimates for humans to relax and break away from the city’s concrete jungle. By combining theoretical analysis and pragmatic design, this thesis conceptualizes the potential of inhabiting lost space with the power of nature.