A Modern Barn Raising

Abstract

How can untrained and trained labour forces work together on the construction of a project? The pursuit of this question involves: Investigating construction methods which allow for a high tolerance of error. Grouping trained and untrained labour forces into their own construction phases; Designing a building for a real client; Investigation of drawings that illustrate the studied construction methods.

What I have studied is essentially a way of practicing architecture. It is an example of an approach that I value.

My client is a group of eight people; board members from the Ward 1, New Glasgow Community Center. This thesis focuses on the design/renovation proposal for their community center in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada. The building program evolved out of meetings with the client. The building's program and design proposal will continue to evolve after this thesis. Thus far the program has a variety of spaces, administrative offices, small meeting rooms, a daycare centre, a multipurpose hall and an exterior recreational ground.

Building science is my main field of study. Construction methods are designed to involve members of the community, both trained and untrained in the field of construction. It is the intention of this thesis to find ways that members of the community can be brought together during the event of construction.