Narrative as Ethos: A Method for Adaptive Reuse
Date
2019-04-05T14:12:12Z
Authors
Urquhart, Gregory
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Abstract
This thesis proposes a method of studying architectural heritage that develops a narrative as an adaptive reuse methodology of conservation to discover what is truly valued within a heritage site. The personification of architectural elements as characters within this narrative, derived from an analogical reading of the site, allows the designer to develop a deep understanding how the architectural elements have changed over time, both spatially and historically. The narrative is how one is able to interpret and convey, using analogy, a partial understanding of the site’s ethos, which is the established fundamental character and credibility of an architectural artifact with relation to its context. The result of using this method is a design that utilizes the most valued elements, develops architectural relationships between them, and provides a narrative direction for adding in new program and elements to realize the potential of the site.
Description
The thesis focuses on developing a method of adaptive reuse heritage conservation for architectural heritage. Several tests of the method were carried out, but the central test for the thesis focused on the Dennis-Kenny Building in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. This thesis is concerned with creating adaptive reuse projects that involve a rigorous process of studying and responding to heritage architecture.
Keywords
architecture, adaptive reuse, method, ethos, narrative, elements