Reactivate and Reconnect: A Strategy for the Reintegration of an Abandoned Military Community

Abstract

This architectural design thesis proposes the adaptive re-use of 82 walk-up apartment blocks located in Shannon Park, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada. The uniform military housing community, abandoned in 2004, is reintegrated back into the surrounding neighbourhood network through a series of interventions at several scales. The new neighbourhood will provide housing for the population influx expected as a result of the acquisition of a significant shipbuilding contract. Because the expected influx is temporary, the development must be able to easily fit into the existing urban fabric. A series of strategic design interventions will transform the monotonous, desolate site into a varied community with strong neighbourhood identity.