Turning the tide: renewing development practices in Saint John, New Brunswick

Abstract

This thesis seeks to explore the idea that the construction of an experimental school of sustainable product design and craft can assist in the renewal process of the Saint John urban waterfront and ,, surrounding region. ·' The building is to act as a symbolic architecture meant to inspire progress and change in the way we engage our environment through sustainable means. The building will take its form based on harnessing the natural energies of the environment. It is intended to blend in size and form with the large scale dynamic elements of the harbour. Urbanistically, the building will connect the Harbour Passage pedestrian waterfront path, the Market Square internal pedestrian movement system, the civic outdoor space of Market Slip and the future planned expansion of the waterfront path. The building will provide excess clean energy and cooling for the downtown business district. Tours of the building will draw in the public to explore the technologies of the building and the ideas generated within.