Taking the Plunge: The Re-use and Re-programming of a Coal Power Plant in Cape Breton

Abstract

With coal power plants being one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, Nova Scotia and its energy providers must address these mounting concerns by initiating the decommission of our coal power plants along with the development of strategies for future uses of these sites. This thesis investigates the adaptive reuse of the Point Aconi Generating Station, a coal-powered energy production facility in Cape Breton. The thesis strategy is to explore the possibilities for public programming including, a pool, spa, rock climbing and bouldering, trampolining, and another form of recreation on past sites of infrastructure. Introducing new hubs of recreation and community gathering can revitalize the site for both locals and tourists, maintaining the significance of the building by keeping the industrial elements and adapting them for an entirely different function.