Finding Peace and Reconciliation: Healing and Public Identity for the Black Nova Scotian Community in Halifax

Abstract

Nova Scotia has a rich history that outlines the journey and contribution of the Black community from the founding of the province and, certainly, the country of Canada. Yet, the Black community in Nova Scotia has been done a large injustice and currently faces large public erasure from the pressures of gentrification. This thesis examines the role of architecture in community healing and public identity for the Black community in Nova Scotia by using forms of memorials and the creation of space. In the instance of this thesis, focusing on memorials and spaces - such as a community art center, simple infrastructure, and monuments - seeks to create a safe space to heal the trauma from the past. By finding a way to heal through architecture, this thesis seeks to contribute to the creation of a concrete, public inclusive identity for Black Nova Scotians within Halifax and, certainly, Nova Scotia.