Rail-Based Regionalism: Revitalizing Abandoned Rail Infrastructure Through Adaptive Architecture and Agricultural Networks

Abstract

This thesis explores the adaptive reuse of underutilized railway infrastructure to redefine public spaces, foster agricultural connectivity, and address social urban-rural development gaps within Nova Scotia. Centered on the design of passenger-oriented transportation hubs, the project envision a multifunctional network that extends beyond transit, transforming rail infrastructure into a catalyst for community interaction, sustainable food distribution, and equitable transportation access. By linking the Annapolis Valley through the reactivated rail systems, the project seeks to support local agriculture and stimulate community resilience. Each proposed transportation hub introduces a hybrid model, combining mobility, community programming, and agricultural nodes that respond to the shifting needs of rural farming communities and urban residents. By incorporating elements like mobile farmer’s market and library, the design emphasizes the railway’s potential to reshape local food networks, offering multifunctional public spaces that drive sustainable rural development.